The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Board." The Board of Property.

"Commission." The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

"Department." The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources of the Commonwealth.

"Institution." Any:

(1) healing, preventive mental health, educational, correctional or penal institution;

(2) almshouse; or

(3) county or city home;

operated by the Commonwealth or a political subdivision.

"Municipality authority." A county, county authority, municipality authority, city, borough, town, township or school district.

"Public lands." Includes all of the following:

(1) All lands within the territorial limits of the Commonwealth which have not been confirmed to the former proprietaries or their grantees by the act of November 27, 1779 (1 Sm.L.479, Ch.863), entitled "An act for vesting the estates of the late proprietaries of Pennsylvania in this commonwealth," and which have not been granted, conveyed or patented by the Commonwealth to the United States, the Commonwealth or any administrative branch or department of either or to any person or corporation, public or private.

(2) All vacant and unappropriated lands; all lands for which application has been made or warrants have been granted by the Commonwealth, the titles to which have not been completed by the granting of patents; and all other lands which have been sold by commissioners appointed under acts of the General Assembly, the titles to which have not been completed by the granting of patents.

The term does not include lands formerly granted, conveyed or patented by the proprietaries or by the Commonwealth to a person which have subsequently become the property of the Commonwealth by escheat, condemnation, confiscation, dedication, gift, grant, purchase or otherwise.

"Secretary." The Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources of the Commonwealth.

"Unappropriated lands." Lands for which no patent has been issued by the Commonwealth.

"Unimproved lands." Lands which show no signs of occupancy or cultivation.

"Vacant lands." Lands to which no office rights are outstanding.