Purpose

Sec. 7. To secure for the people of Indiana of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of areas, the state shall, acting through the department, acquire and hold in trust for the benefit of the people an adequate system of nature preserves for the following uses and purposes: (1) For scientific research in fields such as ecology, taxonomy, genetics, forestry, pharmacology, agriculture, soil science, geology, paleontology, conservation, and similar fields. (2) For the teaching of biology, natural history, ecology, geology, conservation, and other subjects. (3) As habitats for plant and animal species and communities and other natural objects. (4) As reservoirs of natural materials. (5) As places of natural interest and beauty. (6) As living illustrations of our natural heritage in which an individual may observe and experience natural biotic and environmental systems of the earth and the processes of the systems. (7) To promote understanding and appreciation of the esthetic, cultural, scientific, and spiritual values of the areas by the people of Indiana. (8) For the preservation and protection of nature preserves against modification or encroachment resulting from occupation, development, or other use that would destroy the natural or aesthetic conditions of nature preserves.