The provisions of section 5 of this act notwithstanding, no conservation restriction acquired pursuant to this act shall be released without the approval of the Commissioner of Environmental Protection. Approval of releases shall be evidenced by certificates of the Commissioner of Environmental Protection and shall be recorded in the same manner as the restriction itself. In determining whether the release should be approved, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection shall take into consideration the public interest in preserving these lands in their natural state, and any State, regional or local program in furtherance thereof, as well as any State, regional or local comprehensive land use or development plan affecting such property.

L.1979, c. 378, s. 6, eff. Feb. 5, 1980.