2023 CODE OF GEORGIA
Title 12 - CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES (§§ 12-1-1 — 12-17-6)
Chapter 3 - PARKS, HISTORIC AREAS, MEMORIALS, AND RECREATION (§§ 12-3-1 — 12-3-680)
Article 4 - NATURAL AREAS (§§ 12-3-90 — 12-3-94)
Section 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.
