§ 14-31-1-7 — Purpose

To secure for the people of Indiana of present
and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of areas, the
state shall, acting through the department, acquire and hold in trust for
the benefit of the people an adequate system of nature preserves for the
following uses and purposes:
(1) For scientific research in fields such as ecology, taxonomy,
genetics, forestry, pharmacology, agriculture, soil science,
geology, paleontology, conservation, and similar fields.
(2) For the teaching of biology, natural history, ecology, geology,
conservation, and other subjects.
(3) As habitats for plant and animal species and communities and
other natural objects.
(4) As reservoirs of natural materials.
(5) As places of natural interest and beauty.
(6) As living illustrations of our natural heritage in which an
individual may observe and experience natural biotic and
environmental systems of the earth and the processes of the
systems.
(7) To promote understanding and appreciation of the esthetic,
cultural, scientific, and spiritual values of the areas by the people
of Indiana.
(8) For the preservation and protection of nature preserves against
modification or encroachment resulting from occupation,
development, or other use that would destroy the natural or
aesthetic conditions of nature preserves.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-4-5-3 part.]

Legislative History

As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.24.