                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

ADDITIONAL DUTIES OF THE DEPARTMENT (§ 10.1-211)

In addition to other duties conferred by law, the Department shall, subject to
the provisions of this article:

1. Preserve the natural diversity of biological resources of the Commonwealth.

2. Maintain a Natural Heritage Program to select and nominate areas containing
natural heritage resources for registration, acquisition, and dedication of
natural areas and natural area preserves.

3. Develop and implement a Natural Heritage Plan that shall govern the Natural
Heritage Program in the creation of a system of registered and dedicated natural
area preserves.

4. Publish and disseminate information pertaining to natural areas and natural
area preserves.

5. Grant permits to qualified persons for the conduct of scientific research and
investigations within natural area preserves.

6. Provide recommendations to the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services and to the Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services on
species for listing under the Virginia Endangered Plant and Insect Act, prior to
the adoption of regulations therefor.

7. Provide recommendations to the Executive Director of the Department of
Wildlife Resources and to the Board of Wildlife Resources on species for listing
under the Virginia Endangered Species Act, prior to the adoption of regulations
therefor.

8. Cooperate with other local, state and federal agencies in developing
management plans for real property under their stewardship that will identify,
maintain and preserve the natural diversity of biological resources of the
Commonwealth.

9. Provide for management, development and utilization of any lands purchased,
leased or otherwise acquired and enforce the provisions of this article
governing natural area preserves, the stewardship thereof, the prevention of
trespassing thereon, or other actions deemed necessary to carry out the
provisions of this article.

HISTORY: 1989, c. 553; 2020, c. 958.