(a) It shall be the duty of the Department of Natural Resources:

(1) To formulate in cooperation with other state agencies, interested organizations, and citizens a comprehensive recreation policy for the State of Georgia;

(2) To study and appraise recreational needs of the state and to assemble and disseminate information relative to recreation;

(3) To cooperate in the promotion and organization of local recreational systems or programs for municipalities, counties, school districts, and other areas of the state and upon request to advise them in the planning of recreation areas and facilities and to consult with them in the planning and financing of recreational programs;

(4) To aid in recruiting, educating, and placing recreation workers and in promoting recreational institutes and conferences;

(5) To help establish and promote recreation standards;

(6) To cooperate with state and federal agencies, commercial and industrial recreational interests, voluntary agencies, and other agencies interested in the promotion of recreational opportunities;

(7) To submit an annual report of activities and recommendations to the Governor and to the General Assembly;

(8) To do such other things as are necessary and proper to effectuate the purposes of this Code section.

(b) The department shall have the following powers:

(1) To assist upon request any department, commission, board, agency, or officer of the state in rendering recreational services in conformity with their respective authorized powers and duties and to encourage and assist in the coordination of federal, state, and local recreation activities;

(2) To request from the various state departments and other agencies and authorities of the state and its political subdivisions and their agencies and authorities such available information as it may require in its work with regard to recreation; all of these agencies and authorities shall within a reasonable time furnish such requested available information to the department;

(3) To make recommendations as to the operation of recreation facilities.