23.26 Natural areas preservation council. The natural areas preservation council shall:

(1) Make recommendations to the department concerning the suitability of natural areas offered as donations by individuals or organizations for inclusion in the state natural areas system, make recommendations to the department concerning the purchase of natural areas to be included in the state natural areas system and make recommendations concerning the suitability of natural areas offered as dedications by individuals or organizations for inclusion in the state natural areas system.

(2) Make recommendations to appropriate federal agencies or national scientific organizations of natural areas in the state that are considered worthy to be listed as natural areas or scientific areas of national importance.

(3) Advise the department and other agencies on matters pertaining to the acquisition, development, utilization, maintenance and withdrawal of state natural areas, including determinations as to the extent of multiple use that may be allowed on state natural areas that are a part of a state park, state forest, public hunting ground or similar areas under state ownership or control.

(4) Prepare and publish an official list of research natural and other natural areas in the state natural area system available for research and the teaching of conservation and natural history, and recommend publication of studies made in connection with these areas.

(5) Cooperate with federal agencies, other states, counties or organizations concerned with preservation of natural areas.

(6) Take such other action as is deemed advisable to facilitate the administration, development, maintenance or protection of natural areas and the state natural areas system.

History: 1985 a. 29; Stats. 1985 s. 23.26.