For the purpose of providing increased continuity in the management of public lands and of facilitating long range planning by interested agencies, the department is authorized to identify and to withdraw from all conflicting uses at such times and for such periods as it shall determine appropriate, limited acreages of public lands under its jurisdiction. Acreages so withdrawn shall be maintained for the benefit of the public and, in particular, of the public schools, colleges, and universities, as areas in which may be observed, studied, enjoyed, or otherwise utilized the natural ecological systems thereon, whether such systems be unique or typical to the state of Washington. Nothing herein is intended to or shall modify the department’s obligation to manage the land under its jurisdiction in the best interests of the beneficiaries of granted trust lands.

Intent—2003 c 334: See note following RCW 79.02.010.