The Department may acquire, by purchase, lease, condemnation, or gift, title or control of any area of water or land in the State suitable to protect, propagate, or manage fish. The area of water or land shall be known as a State fish refuge. Any area of water or land in Garrett County or Allegany County greater than 100 acres may be acquired only with the approval of that county. This requirement does not apply to any areas which have previously been authorized for acquisition by the General Assembly. The Department may purchase or erect any structure necessary for fish management, and may purchase or lease any area of water or land, excluding the ownership of and the right to drill any mineral, oil, or gas.

Added by Acts 1973, 1st Sp. Sess., c. 4, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1974. Amended by Acts 1978, c. 381; Acts 2000, c. 61, § 7, eff. April 25, 2000.

Formerly Art. 66C, § 186.