(a) The State may accept the dedication of nature preserves on lands deemed by the Secretary to qualify as outstanding natural areas. Nature preserves may be dedicated by voluntary act of the owner. The owner of a qualified natural area may transfer fee simple title or other interest in land to the State. Nature preserves may be acquired by gift, grant, or purchase. Dedication of a preserve shall become effective only upon acceptance of the articles of dedication by the State. Articles of dedication shall be recorded in the office of the register of deeds in the county or counties in which the natural area is located.
(b) Articles of dedication may:
(1) Contain restrictions and other provisions relating to management, use, development, transfer, and public access, and may contain any other restrictions and provisions as may be necessary or advisable to further the purposes of this Article;
(2) Define, consistently with the purposes of this Article, the respective rights and duties of the owner and of the State and provide procedures to be followed in case of violation of the restrictions;
(3) Recognize and create reversionary rights, transfers upon conditions or with limitations, and gifts over; and
(4) Vary in provisions from one nature preserve to another in accordance with differences in the characteristics and conditions of the several areas.
(c) Subject to the approval of the Governor and Council of State, the State may enter into amendments of any articles of dedication upon finding that the amendment will not permit an impairment, disturbance, use, or development of the area inconsistent with the purposes of this Article. If the fee simple estate in the nature preserve is not held by the State under this Article, no amendment may be made without the written consent of the owner of the other interests therein. (1985, c. 216, s. 1.)
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Last modified: March 23, 2014