Section 46-0101. Legislative declaration and intent

The pitch pine-scrub oak barrens or pine barrens in the city of Albany
  and towns of Guilderland and Colonie and known as the "Albany Pine Bush"
  or "Pine Bush" is a landscape of rare and endangered natural communities
  and  species  identified  by  the New York natural heritage program. Its
  location at the center  of  a  major  urban  area  makes  it  especially
  valuable  as  an  open  space  resource  and,  if properly managed, as a
  passive recreation area and educational laboratory.
    Both state, municipal and private actions have been taken  to  protect
  the  remaining Albany Pine Bush. Because of the fragile qualities of the
  Pine Bush and its dependence on periodic fires,  effective,  coordinated
  management of the remaining Albany Pine Bush is essential.
    The  legislature  hereby  declares  it to be in the public interest to
  protect and manage the Albany Pine Bush by establishing an  Albany  Pine
  Bush  preserve consisting of dedicated public and dedicated private land
  and  a  commission  made  up  of  representatives  of  state  and  local
  governments  and private citizens to manage the preserve for purposes of
  its protection and controlled and appropriate recreation  and  education
  purposes.