Section 45-0101. Declaration of findings and purpose

The overwhelming approval by the people of section 4 of article XIV of
  the  Constitution,  clearly demonstrates the public awareness and desire
  to preserve the great natural resources and heritage of the state.
    Accordingly, the legislature now finds it necessary to provide  for  a
  state  nature and historical preserve to assure the protection of lands,
  outside  of  forest  preserve  counties,  of  special  natural   beauty,
  wilderness   character   or   geological,   ecological,   or  historical
  significance so that present and  future  generations  may  share  their
  ecological, educational and recreational value.
    Lands  dedicated  to  the  preserve  shall include only those lands in
  state ownership  in  need  of  the  highest  level  of  protection.  The
  dedication of ecologically significant lands to the preserve is intended
  for  unique  and  irreplaceable  state-owned  lands  that are relatively
  undisturbed and not presently  being  actively  managed  through  modern
  forest management practices, including old-growth forests.