There is hereby created the recreation and natural heritage trust program to: (1) Acquire land that represents the ecological diversity of Connecticut, including natural features such as riverine, montane, coastal and geologic systems or other natural areas, on behalf of the state, in order to ensure the preservation and conservation of such land for recreational, scientific, educational, cultural and aesthetic purposes, (2) acquire land of unusual natural interest as additions to the system of parks, forests, wildlife and fishery management areas, natural areas and dedicated natural area preserves in the state for the beneficial use and enjoyment of the public, (3) acquire land identified as essential habitat for endangered and threatened species pursuant to the program established under section 26-305, (4) offset carbon dioxide produced through combustion of fossil fuels by preserving lands that naturally absorb it, and (5) establish a stewardship account to provide for the maintenance, protection and management of lands acquired pursuant to the provisions of sections 23-73 to 23-79, inclusive, and of the species that inhabit them.