Section 20.01. Purpose

With the loss of natural areas through development,
  there is a critical need for the creation of a new designation  of  park
  land  containing  wildlife,  flora, scenic, historical and archeological
  sites that are unique and rare in New York state.  The commissioner  may
  designate  a  system  of park preserves to assure the protection of this
  heritage for future generations.
    Furthermore, there is a need to create an additional park designation,
  to be known  as  park  preservation  areas,  to  identify  and  conserve
  portions  of  state  parks,  parkways,  historic  sites and recreational
  facilities that, although the entire facility does not qualify as a park
  preserve, nonetheless possess outstanding ecological  values,  including
  assemblages of flora and fauna that are unique or rare in the state. The
  commissioner  may  designate  a  system  of  park  preservation areas to
  protect  outstanding  ecological  values  within  facilities  under  the
  jurisdiction of the office that have not been designated park preserves.
  For administrative purposes, designated park preservation areas shall be
  considered a part of the park preserve system.