For inclusion in the system, it is not necessary that an area be wholly unmarked by man, but that the impact of man be not permanent, not seriously destructive of the area’s potential for developing natural values, and not obtrusively apparent to the casual observer, and is of such character that the lessening of human impact will allow the land or water to recover natural values of interest. Notwithstanding the above definition and criteria, lands subject to the noise of vehicular traffic and of commercial and industrial operations, and subject to air and water pollution as the result of the activities of man, may nevertheless be designated as parts of the system if they lie on the perimeters of primary natural areas within the system, and if the purpose of their inclusion within the system is to protect or buffer the primary natural areas.

L.1975, c. 363, s. 2, eff. March 3, 1976.