The Department will conduct a judicious review of a potential donation of land for possible designation as a conservation area. The review will include, but not be limited to, the following considerations:

1. (1) Large, significant, contiguous acreage is generally a desirable characteristic. Small areas of land with special or unique features may also be desirable.
2. (2) Land that is close to urban areas will be actively considered.

3. (3) The following factors will be evaluated:

   1. (i) The accessibility of the land to the public.
   2. (ii) The suitability of the land for passive low-density recreation.
   3. (iii) The existence or potential for development of unusual or significant natural features.
   4. (iv) The extent to which the land has been developed.
   5. (v) The appropriateness of assimilating the land into an existing State park or State forest classification.
   6. (vi) The existence of an unfulfilled public recreational need in the area.
   7. (vii) The need for outdoor classrooms in the area.
   8. (viii) The appropriateness of receipt of the property by a local community or conservation organization.
4. (4) Lands with significant environmental liability will not be accepted for designation as conservation areas.

Cross References

This section cited in 17 Pa. Code § 44.2 (relating to designation).