§ 12-3-91 — Legislative findings and declaration of purpose

The General Assembly finds that there is an increasing nation-wide concern over the deterioration of man's natural environment in rural as well as urban areas; that there is a serious need to study the long-term effects of our civilization on our natural environment; that while the State of Georgia is still richly endowed with relatively undisturbed natural areas, these areas are rapidly being drastically modified and even destroyed by human activities; that it is of the utmost importance to preserve examples of such areas in their natural state, not only for scientific and educational purposes but for the general well-being of our society and its people. Therefore, it shall be the purpose and function of the Department of Natural Resources to: (1) Identify natural areas in the State of Georgia which are of unusual ecological significance; (2) Use its influence and take any steps within its power to secure the preservation of such areas in an undisturbed natural state in order that such areas may: (A) Be studied scientifically; (B) Be used for educational purposes; (C) Serve as examples of nature to the general public; and (D) Enrich the quality of our environment for present and future generations; and (3) Recommend areas or parts of areas for recreational use.