As used in this article, the term:

(1) "Person" means any natural person, firm, corporation, partnership, proprietorship, or other legal entity.

(2) "Protected species" means a species of plant life which the department shall have designated as such and shall have made subject to the protection of this article.

(3) "Public lands" means all those lands within this state which are owned by the state or which are subject to the dominion and control of this state and which are not owned and controlled by any private person.