§ 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.