POWERS AND DUTIES.

To the extent necessary to carry out the purposes of this subchapter, the department may:

(1) determine the acceptance or rejection of state scientific areas proposed for incorporation into a state system of scientific areas;

(2) make and publish all rules and regulations necessary for the management and protection of scientific areas;

(3) cooperate and contract with any agencies, organizations, or individuals for the purposes of this subchapter;

(4) accept gifts, grants, devises, and bequests of money, securities, or property to be used in accordance with the tenor of such gift, grant, devise, or bequest;

(5) formulate policies for the selection, acquisition, management, and protection of state scientific areas;

(6) negotiate for and approve the dedication of state scientific areas as part of the system;

(7) advocate research, investigations, interpretive programs, and publication and dissemination of information pertaining to state scientific areas and related areas of scientific value;

(8) acquire interests in real property by purchase; and

(9) hold and manage lands within the system.