HB 1824 - DIGEST

     Declares that the department of natural resources shall not acquire any natural area preserves or natural resources conservation areas nor shall the department of natural resources otherwise designate any natural area preserves of natural resources conservation areas or transfer lands into natural area preserve or natural resources conservation area status unless and until specifically directed to do so by the legislature.

     Declares that traditional public uses of areas designated as natural area preserves may be compatible with an area's designation as a preserve, and requires that the Elk river natural area preserve shall be open to traditional public uses such as hunting, fishing, and hiking.