It is the policy of the Parks and Wildlife Commission that:

1. (1) The executive director is authorized to implement the following classification and guidelines for existing and future lands owned or leased by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, except coastal preserves, scientific areas, fish hatcheries, boat ramps and administrative properties. Initial classification and subsequent classification changes shall be subject to Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission review and approval.
2. (2) Classification of departmental lands under this system will not affect existing site names, naming policy, on-site signage or literature unless a new category so changes uses that it is misleading. Multiple classifications may occur within individual sites and the use of a specific name may be for convenience or to indicate a primary classification without precluding uses set forth under other classification categories.
3. (3) The use and management of individual units of Department lands will be addressed on a site specific basis, in accordance with the classification system, as management plans are developed and refined with opportunity for appropriate public input. Management plans shall optimize opportunities for public hunting and other public uses when appropriate on all Department lands.
4. (4) Prior to classification or formal approval of individual site management plans for specific public lands, provision for public use shall be made in accordance with sound biological management, taking into consideration past patterns of use, and existing rules and regulations.
5. (5) In interpreting this title, the serial designation of topics under a heading is not intended to denote a priority order or a preference. Furthermore, the term "may" is intended to be permissive and authorize discretion, the term "should" is intended to be directory and identify a preference when no other constraining conditions are applicable, and the term "shall" is intended to be mandatory and require the prescribed action or decision. In all such cases, all applicable antecedent conditions are prerequisites to a final action or decision.

Source Note:The provisions of this §59.62 adopted to be effective January 2, 1997, 21 TexReg 12420.