<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<section article="gnr" article_name="Natural Resources" number="5-215.1" title_number="5" title_name="Forests and Parks" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Organization and Authority of Department Pertaining to Forests and Parks -- in General">
  <level label="a">
    <text>The General Assembly declares that:</text>
    <level label="1">
      <text>Deep Creek Lake and the land under and around it possess unique and valuable scenic, ecologic, historic, recreational, fish, wildlife, and other natural resource values; and</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>A Deep Creek Lake recreation and land use plan will:</text>
      <level label="i">
        <text>Protect the resources and natural value of the lake and surrounding land;</text>
      </level>
      <level label="ii">
        <text>Provide for the ongoing recreation, use, and enjoyment of these resources; and</text>
      </level>
      <level label="iii">
        <text>Fulfill vital conservation purposes by wise, sustainable use of these resources.</text>
      </level>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="b">
    <level label="1">
      <text>The Secretary and the Deep Creek Lake Policy and Review Board shall prepare a plan that provides for the wise use, protection, and management of the natural and recreational resources of Deep Creek Lake.</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>The plan shall:</text>
      <level label="i">
        <text>Evaluate the lake, shoreline, and buffer area as a recreational, water, natural, and scenic resource, considering land use, carrying capacity, zoning, visitor access, recreation areas, commercial and private use, and related activities; and</text>
      </level>
      <level label="ii">
        <text>Reflect activities such as fishing, boating, docking, hiking, water sports, scenic appreciation, natural interpretation, and other programs which provide the public with opportunities to appreciate and enjoy the value of the lake and buffer area.</text>
      </level>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="c">
    <text>The Department may consult with the Department of the Environment and the Department of Commerce:</text>
    <level label="1">
      <text>In preparing the Deep Creek Lake recreation and land use plan; and</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>On any other matter relating to Deep Creek Lake.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="d">
    <level label="1">
      <text>Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Secretary may adopt regulations relating to Deep Creek Lake that are  necessary to:</text>
      <level label="i">
        <text>Protect the public health and safety, natural resources, and the environment; or</text>
      </level>
      <level label="ii">
        <text>Implement the Deep Creek Lake recreation and land use plan.</text>
      </level>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>Before the Secretary proposes or adopts a regulation, the Secretary shall submit a draft of the regulation to the Deep Creek Lake Policy and Review Board for its review and consent if the regulation relates to:</text>
      <level label="i">
        <text>The content or the adoption and implementation of a Deep Creek Lake recreation and land use plan, as described under subsections (a) and (b) of this section; or</text>
      </level>
      <level label="ii">
        <text>Any fee proposed under § 5–215 of this subtitle.</text>
      </level>
    </level>
  </level>
</section>
