SB 6575-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Authorizes the department to establish the criteria for selection, acquisition, management, protection, and use of such natural areas, including:  (1)Limiting public access to natural area preserves consistent with the purposes of this chapter.  Where appropriate, and on a case-by-case basis, a buffer zone with an increased low level of public access may be created around the environmentally sensitive areas;

     (2) Developing a management plan for each designated natural area preserve.  The plan must identify the significant resources to be conserved consistent with the purposes of this chapter and identify the areas with potential for low-impact public and environmental educational uses.

     Requires the plan to specify the types of management activities and public uses that are permitted, consistent with the purposes of this act.  The department must make the plans available for review and comment by the public, state, tribal, and local agencies, prior to final approval.

     Declares that the council shall recommend whether new areas proposed for protection be established as natural area preserves, natural resources conservation areas, a combination of both, or by some other protected status; and review and comment on management plans proposed for individual natural area preserves.