In addition to the powers and duties referred to in Subsection
A above, the Commission shall also have as its purpose the development and conservation of natural resources within the territorial limits of the Town. It shall conduct research into the utilization and possible utilization of land areas of the Town and may coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes and may advertise, prepare and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets as necessary for its purposes. It shall keep an index of all open areas, publicly or privately owned, including open marshlands, swamps, and other wetlands, for the purpose of obtaining information on the proper use of such areas, and may, from time to time, recommend to the Planning and Zoning Commission plans and programs for the development and use of such areas, which may include the acquisition of conservation easements. Subject to the approval of the Town Council, the Commission may receive gifts and acquire land in the name of the Town for any of its purposes set forth in C.G.S. § 7-131a and shall administer such gifts for such purposes subject to the terms of the gift. The Commission may review environmental issues or questions upon request of the Town Council.