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            Each office of state parks holding will be identified and operated according to the basic purpose for which it is established and will be selected, operated, and identified according to the following classification categories and the criteria thereof:

            A. “State preservation areas” are those areas of exceptional scenic value which, because of their unique characteristics, should be preserved for current and future enjoyment. “Exceptional scenic value” refers to rare natural scenery unlikely to be preserved if the property remains in the ownership of private citizens and which is sufficiently distinctive to attract and interest people from all parts of the state.

            The criteria for selection of areas to be designated state preservation areas shall be:

            (1) Size: A state preservation area must be of sufficient size to allow preservation of major features of the park and the use of the features by the visitors. In either case, the inclusive area must be large enough to:

            (a) Completely include the scenic natural or ecological features which the area was established to protect.

            (b) Provide sufficient buffer area against outside disturbances and encroachments.

            (c) Provide an undisturbed habitat for native wildlife; and

            (d) Permit the development of public use areas, if these can be developed without impairing the scenic, natural, or ecological features of the area.

            All state preservation areas must adhere to an absolute minimum size standard of five hundred acres or preferred minimum standard of one thousand acres. The secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism shall determine in each case which minimum standard will be applicable.

            (2) Location and accessibility: A state preservation area will be selected exclusively on the basis of preservation, desirability of the unique natural features without principal regard to geographic distribution, proximity to population centers or accessibility.

            The office of state parks shall adopt policies for governing development, management, and visitor use of state preservation areas, and such policies shall be consistent with the basic purpose of such areas as herein identified.

            B. “State preservation sites” are smaller equivalents of a state preservation area established primarily to preserve a unique natural feature of ecological or scientific interest.

            The criteria for selection of areas to be designated state preservation sites shall be:

            (1) Size: A state preservation site shall be large enough to encompass the feature to be preserved and to provide a buffer sufficient to adequately protect that feature.

            (2) Location and accessibility: A state preservation area will be selected exclusively on the basis of preservation, desirability of the unique natural features without principal regard to geographic distribution, proximity to population centers or accessibility.

            The office of state parks shall adopt policies governing development, management, and visitor use of state preservation sites, and such policies shall be consistent with the basic purpose of such areas as herein identified.

            C.(1) “State historic sites” are those areas which when evaluated on a statewide basis possess historical, cultural, or memorial significance. The principal function of a state historic site shall be to preserve and maintain a specific historical, cultural, or memorial theme.

            (2) The criteria for selection of an area to be designated a state historic site shall be:

            (a) Size: A state historic site will be of sufficient size to encompass the area or feature being commemorated or to adequately commemorate the event, feature, or culture for which the area is established, or both. Sufficient buffer will be established to minimize any encroachments which may impair the historical values and inhibit public use and appreciation of the area.

            (b) Location and accessibility: A state historic site will be located within the environment of the event, feature, culture, or memorial which it represents.

            (3) The office of state parks shall adopt policies governing development, management, and visitor use of state historic sites. Such policies shall be consistent with the basic purpose of such areas as herein defined.

            D. “State parks” are natural areas which, when evaluated on a statewide basis, possess outstanding potential for recreation utilization. The natural area must possess outstanding scenic and natural qualities to provide a recreation opportunity of high quality in a natural setting.

            The criteria for the selection of areas to be designated as state parks shall be:

            (1) Size: A state park shall be of sufficient size to ensure efficient operation and maintenance of its recreation facilities and have sufficient buffer to preserve the natural integrity of the area.

            All state parks, except those currently within the system, those in Caddo and Bossier Parishes, and those within Township 23 South – Range 22 East and Township 23 South – Range 23 East, Lafourche Parish, must adhere to an absolute minimum size standard of two hundred fifty acres and preferred minimum size standard of four hundred acres. The secretary of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism will determine in each case which minimum standard will be applicable.

            (2) Location and accessibility: A state park will be located in such a way as to take advantage of natural and man-made resources offering opportunities for recreation in a natural setting and shall be located sufficiently near population centers. Further, the office of state parks shall adopt policies governing the location of state parks in proximity to incorporated municipalities.

            The office of state parks shall adopt policies governing development, management, and visitor use of state parks, and such policies shall be consistent with the basic purpose of such areas as herein identified.

            E. “State experimental sites” shall be natural areas developed for experimentation or training of park personnel, or both, and for the study of innovative concepts, facilities, and activities which may be applicable to the function and program of the office of state parks.

            The criteria for the selection of areas to be designated as state experimental sites are:

            (1) Size: A state experimental site shall be of sufficient size to allow for development of a “typical” state park or for trial uses of innovative facilities and concepts.

            (2) Location and accessibility: A state experimental site should be located near to and easily accessible from the office of state parks administrative office.

            The office of state parks shall adopt policies governing development, management, and visitor use of state experimental sites, and such policies shall be consistent with the basic purpose of such areas as herein identified.

            Acts 1980, No. 827, §1; Acts 1999, No. 709, §3; Acts 2022, No. 714, §2, eff. June 18, 2022; Acts 2023, No. 140, §1.