55-11 Nature Preserves - North Dakota Statutes

Download pdf

Loading PDF...

CHAPTER 55-11NATURE PRESERVES55-11-01. Declaration of policy. As a result of the continuing growth of the populationand development of the economy of the state of North Dakota, it is necessary and desirable that
natural areas be set aside and preserved for the benefit of present and future generations before
such areas are destroyed. Such areas are irreplaceable as laboratories for scientific research; as
reservoirs of natural materials not all of the uses of which are now known; as habitats for plant
and animal species and biotic communities, the diversity of which enriches the meaning and
enjoyment of human life; as living museums where people may observe natural biotic and
environmental systems of the earth and the interdependence of all forms of life; as examples of
our natural heritage; and as reminders of the vital dependence of the health of the human
community upon the health of the natural communities of which human health is an inseparable
part. It is essential to the people of the state of North Dakota that they retain the opportunities to
maintain close contact with such living communities and environmental systems of the earth and
to benefit from the scientific, aesthetic, cultural, and spiritual values they possess. It is therefore
the public policy of the state of North Dakota that such areas be acquired and preserved by the
state and that other agencies, organizations, and individuals, both public and private, be
encouraged to set aside such areas for the common benefit of the people of present and future
generations.55-11-02. Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:1."Articles of dedication" means the writing by which any estate, interest, or right in a
natural area is formally dedicated as permitted by section 55-11-05.2."Dedicate" and "dedication" mean the transfer to the department, for and on behalf
of the state of North Dakota, of an estate, interest, or right in a natural area in any
manner permitted by section 55-11-05.3."Department" means the parks and recreation department.4."Natural area" means an area of land or water, or both land and water, whether in
public or private ownership, which either retains or has reestablished its natural
character, whether or not it has been disturbed, or has unusual flora or fauna or has
biotic, geological, aesthetic, scenic, or paleontological features of scientific or
educational value, or which is selected or accepted by the department for the
purpose of the reestablishment of such features of scientific or educational value.5."Nature preserve" means any natural area or any estate, interest, or right which has
been formally dedicated under the provisions of this chapter.55-11-03. System of nature preserves - Uses and purposes. In order to secure forthe people of the state of North Dakota, of present and future generations, the benefits of an
enduring resource of natural areas, the state of North Dakota, acting through the department,
shall acquire and hold in trust for the benefit of the people of the state of North Dakota an
adequate system of nature preserves for the following uses and purposes:1.For scientific research in such fields as agriculture, ecology, forestry, genetics,
geology, paleontology, pharmacology, soil science, taxonomy, and similar fields.2.For the teaching of biology, natural history, ecology, conservation, and other
subjects.3.As habitats for plant and animal species and communities and other natural objects.4.As reservoirs of natural materials.Page No. 15.As places of natural interest and beauty.6.As living illustrations of our natural heritage wherein one may observe and
experience natural biotic and environmental systems of the earth and their
processes.7.To promote understanding and appreciation of the aesthetic, cultural, and spiritual
values of such natural areas by the people of the state of North Dakota.8.For the preservation and protection of natural areas against modification or
encroachment resulting from occupation, development, or other use which would
destroy the scientific, educational, or aesthetic value of such areas.55-11-04. State parks and recreation department - Advisers - Meetings. Repealedby S.L. 1991, ch. 640,