Any city of the first class operating under the Constitution of the state of Minnesota, by resolution of the governing body thereof, may purchase or obtain by condemnation proceedings, any tract or tracts of land bordering any lake, for a municipal forest and manage the same on forestry principles and may reserve any part of such land for use as a public bathing beach. The selection of such lands and the plans of management thereof, shall have the approval of the director of lands and forestry.