NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

1967 SESSION

 

 

CHAPTER 1235

SENATE BILL 666

 

 

AN ACT TO CREATE THE NORTH CAROLINA STATE PARKS AND STATE FORESTS STUDY COMMISSION.

 

WHEREAS, North Carolina's rapidly increasing population has brought about a growing public demand for outdoor recreation facilities; and

WHEREAS, the State's population growth is centered in urban and suburban areas which require ever-expanding outdoor recreation facilities; and

WHEREAS, the State has no comprehensive plan or policy for meeting present and long range needs for State park and forest resources; and

WHEREAS, there exists a need for improved coordination between Federal, State, local and private efforts to provide for the future recreational needs of the State; and

WHEREAS, recreational uses of land are often compatible with other purposes such as the development of adequate water resources, forest management, and urban renewal; and

WHEREAS, the accelerated development of North Carolina's park and forest facilities for outdoor recreation will enhance the State's tourist and travel industries to the economic benefit and enjoyment of all her citizens; and

WHEREAS, the provision of adequate State park and forest facilities increases community values and promotes the general attractiveness of the State to its citizens and to new industries seeking sites; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Conservation and Development has by special resolution requested the 1967 General Assembly to provide for a commission study of this subject: Now, therefore,

 

The General Assembly of North Carolina do enact:

 

Section 1.  There is hereby created a State Parks and State Forests Study Commission as follows: The Commission shall consist of 15 members; nine to be named by the Governor, three to be named by the Lieutenant Governor from the membership of the Senate, and three to be named by the Speaker of the House of Representatives from the membership of the House. The Governor shall designate the Chairman of the Commission. Members of the Commission shall receive for their services the same per diem and allowances as are granted the members of State commissions generally, but shall be paid no other compensation.

Sec. 2.  Ex officio members of the Commission shall include the Director of the Department of Administration, the Chairman of the North Carolina Department of Conservation and Development, the Chairman of the State Highway Commission, the Chairman of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the Chairman of the North Carolina Seashore Commission, the Chairman of the North Carolina Recreation Commission, and the Chairman of the Board of Water Resources.

Sec. 3.  The Commission shall inventory and evaluate the public park and public forest facilities in North Carolina and those private lands that may become available for public use in relation to its estimate of present and projected needs, and it shall describe that part of the total needs which are the responsibility of the State and offer a program for meeting these needs.

Sec. 4.  The Commission may cooperate with and utilize data available from the State Planning Task Force and its study entitled The North Carolina Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan; the Department of Conservation and Development and other appropriate public agencies. The Commission may employ consultants and full-time personnel, and may rent office space, if necessary, in pursuit of its task.

Sec. 5.  The Commission may accept and expend gifts, grants and donations from any and all sources and persons.

Sec. 6.  The Commission shall complete its study and report to the Governor and the General Assembly not later than the second week after convening of the 1969 General Assembly.

Sec. 7.  The Commission shall be terminated two years from the date of enactment of this Act unless otherwise provided by the General Assembly.

Sec. 8.  All laws and clauses of laws in conflict with this Act are hereby repealed.

Sec. 9.  This Act shall be in full force and effect from and after its ratification.

In the General Assembly read three times and ratified, this the 6th day of July, 1967.