The following terms wherever used or referred to in this act shall have the following meanings unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:

(a) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Economic Development or his designated representative.

(b) “Council” means the natural areas council established under this act.

(c) “Department” means the Department of Conservation and Economic Development.

(d) “Natural areas” means areas of land or water which have retained their primeval character, although not necessarily completely natural and undisturbed, or having rare or vanishing species of plant and animal life or having similar features of interest which are worthy of preservation for the use of present and future residents of the State.

(e) “Section” means the natural areas section established under this act.

L.1961, c. 51, p. 524, s. 1, eff. June 3, 1961.