N.Y. Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law § 20.01: Purpose

§ 20.01 Purpose. With the loss of natural areas through development,

there is a critical need for the creation of a new designation of park

land containing wildlife, flora, scenic, historical and archeological

sites that are unique and rare in New York state. The commissioner may

designate a system of park preserves to assure the protection of this

heritage for future generations.

Furthermore, there is a need to create an additional park designation,

to be known as park preservation areas, to identify and conserve

portions of state parks, parkways, historic sites and recreational

facilities that, although the entire facility does not qualify as a park

preserve, nonetheless possess outstanding ecological values, including

assemblages of flora and fauna that are unique or rare in the state. The

commissioner may designate a system of park preservation areas to

protect outstanding ecological values within facilities under the

jurisdiction of the office that have not been designated park preserves.

For administrative purposes, designated park preservation areas shall be

considered a part of the park preserve system.