A. 
Definition and purpose. A "park preserve" is land found to possess unique flora or fauna, geological formations, marine wetlands, freshwater wetlands, shorelines, unique scenic values or any other features that may qualify for recognition or protection. A Town park preserve shall provide that all or a specified portion of the land being dedicated shall be kept forever wild or in its natural state or that it may be used only for the purposes specified in this Article or Resolution of the Town Board.
B. 
Dedication of land; other acquisitions.
(1) 
The Town Board may dedicate real property, Town parklands or a portion of parkland owned by the Town to the Town park preserve inventory.
(2) 
The Town park preserve inventory may also include lands acquired through philanthropy. Donors shall have the right to designate the category or categories (herein defined as "classification areas") into which the property should be placed, provided that the property meets the definition of the category so designated. The philanthropy may or may not be by outright gift in full and may or may not include endowment for purposes of protection, maintenance or development. Conservation or scenic easements may be considered for inclusion in the Town park preserve although title protection and maintenance responsibility remain with the private owner.
A. 
The Town Board shall consider the following guidelines to classify parklands as park preserves in a fashion which will be equally applicable in every frame of reference, as parklands vary. One (1) or all four (4) of the following classification areas may be included in Town parkland or a portion of parkland:
(1) 
Fragile areas.
(a) 
Areas that provide protection of rare or endangered species or significant archeological site provided such property is not improved by paths, buildings or other man-made structures or uses.
(b) 
Use. Research groups by appointment only, to provide scientific research: ecology, zoology, geology, botany and other natural scientific endeavors.
(2) 
Preservation areas. Areas that can support periodic interpretive use and serve as nature centers providing outdoor laboratories in ecology and conservation; shall have guided walks; may have some selective trails, but no large buildings or collecting of materials.
(3) 
Conservation areas. Areas that can sustain more consistent educational use as nature centers; may have trails for native plant and wildlife study; may have buildings for interpretive classes; may have parking facilities available on a limited basis to provide environmental, educational and cultural programs for the Town.
(4) 
Buffer areas. Areas between fragile, preservation, and conservation areas, or separating the park preserve area from active recreation areas or existing zoned land uses.
B. 
Unless authorized by the Town Board after mandatory referendum, land owned by the Town or Board of Trustees and dedicated under this Article to the town park preserve shall not be taken or otherwise disposed of, nor shall it be used for any purpose not specified herein or by Resolution of the Town Board dedicating the land to the town park preserve. A park preserve may be managed by an outside organization with appropriate resources, as authorized by the Town Board, if the site is dedicated pursuant to § 159-56(B)(2).
Due to the nature of a park preserve and its importance to the environmental character of the community, decisions concerning management of these designated areas will be made jointly by the Director of Parks and Recreation and the Director of Planning and Environment. The Director of General Services shall submit written recommendations to such Directors for their consideration.