The General Assembly finds that there is an increasing nation-wide concern over the deterioration of man's natural environment in rural as well as urban areas; that there is a serious need to study the long-term effects of our civilization on our natural environment; that while the State of Georgia is still richly endowed with relatively undisturbed natural areas, these areas are rapidly being drastically modified and even destroyed by human activities; that it is of the utmost importance to preserve examples of such areas in their natural state, not only for scientific and educational purposes but for the general well-being of our society and its people. Therefore, it shall be the purpose and function of the Department of Natural Resources to:

(1) Identify natural areas in the State of Georgia which are of unusual ecological significance;

(2) Use its influence and take any steps within its power to secure the preservation of such areas in an undisturbed natural state in order that such areas may:

(A) Be studied scientifically;

(B) Be used for educational purposes;

(C) Serve as examples of nature to the general public; and

(D) Enrich the quality of our environment for present and future generations; and

(3) Recommend areas or parts of areas for recreational use.