§ 4505. Powers and duties of conservation commissions
Any conservation commission created under this chapter may:
(1) make an inventory and conduct continuing studies of the natural resources of the municipality
including:
(A) air, surface and ground waters, and pollution thereof;
(B) soils and their capabilities;
(C) mineral and other earth resources;
(D) streams, lakes, ponds, wetlands, and floodplains;
(E) unique or fragile biologic sites;
(F) scenic and recreational resources;
(G) plant and animal life, especially the rare and endangered species;
(H) prime agricultural and forest land, and other open lands;
(2) make and maintain an inventory of lands within the municipality which have historic,
educational, cultural, scientific, architectural, or archaeological values in which
the public has an interest;
(3) recommend to the legislative body of the municipality the purchase or the receipt
of gifts of land or rights thereto, or other property, for the purposes of this chapter;
(4) receive appropriations for operating expenses including clerical help by appropriation
through the budget of the legislative body;
(5) receive money, grants, or private gifts from any source, for the purposes of this
chapter. Grants and gifts received by the trustee of public funds shall be carried
in a conservation fund from year to year to be expended only for purposes of this
chapter;
(6) receive gifts of land or other property for the purposes of this chapter, by consent
of the legislative body or by the affirmative vote of the municipality;
(7) administer the lands, properties, and other rights which have been acquired by the
municipality for the purposes of this chapter;
(8) assist the local planning commission or zoning board of adjustment or the District
Environmental Commission, by providing advisory environmental evaluations where pertinent
to applications made to those bodies, for permits for development;
(9) cooperate with the local legislative body, planning commission, zoning board of adjustment,
road committee, or other municipal or private organizations on matters affecting the
local environment or the natural resources of the municipality;
(10) prepare, collect, publish, advertise, and distribute relevant books, maps, and other
documents and maintain communication with similar organizations; and encourage through
educational activities the public understanding of local natural resources and conservation
needs;
(11) make a brief annual report to the municipality of its finances and transactions for
the year just passed, and its plans and prospects for the ensuing year. (Added 1977, No. 250 (Adj. Sess.), § 1.)