a. Within 6 months of the adoption of rules and regulations pursuant to subsection a. of section 8 of this act, each affected municipality may, singly or jointly, create a commission to be known and designated as “the . . . wild and scenic river commission.” Any existing environmental commission or joint environmental commission established pursuant to P.L.1968, c. 245 (C. 40:56A-1 et seq.), by any affected municipality or municipalities may be designated as such a wild and scenic river commission. Such commission shall have authority to adopt, amend and administer, with the approval of the commissioner, rules and regulations concerning the development and use of the appropriate designated adjacent area of land; provided, however, that no such rules and regulations shall be less restrictive than the minimum standards promulgated by the department pursuant to section 8 of this act. Members of such commissions shall be appointed by the governing body of municipalities creating same. The method, number, and terms of such appointments shall be determined by such governing bodies with the approval of the commissioner.

b. If any affected municipality fails to create, or join in the creation of, such a commission, or if any such commission fails to adopt and enforce such rules and regulations, the department shall enforce existing State rules and regulations applicable to such land.

L.1977, c. 236, s. 9, eff. Sept. 28, 1977.