Ohio § 1517.11

§ 1517.11.

(A) There is hereby created in the state treasury the natural areas and preserves fund,

which shall consist of moneys transferred into it under section 5747.113 of the Revised Code and of contributions made directly to it.  Any person may contribute directly to the fund in addition to or independently of

the income tax refund contribution system established in that section. (B) Moneys in the fund shall be disbursed pursuant to vouchers approved by the director

of natural resources for use by the division of natural areas and preserves solely

for the following purposes: (1) The acquisition of new or expanded natural areas and nature preserves and scenic

river lands; (2) Facility development in natural areas and nature preserves and scenic river lands; (3) Special projects, including, but not limited to, biological inventories, research

grants, and the production of interpretive material related to natural areas and nature

preserves and scenic river lands; (4) Routine maintenance for health and safety purposes. (C) Money in the fund also may be used for the purposes of administering a system of

wild, scenic, and recreational rivers, scenic river lands, and facilities or improvements

associated with such rivers and lands. (D) Moneys appropriated from the fund shall not be used to fund salaries of permanent

employees or administrative costs. (E) All investment earnings of the fund shall be credited to the fund. (F) The chief of the division of natural areas and preserves may sell any of the following: (1) Items related to or that promote Ohio's native plants and animals, unique ecology

and geology, and general ecological preservation and conservation such as pins, apparel,

stickers, books, bulletins, maps, publications, calendars, and other educational articles

and division branded merchandise; (2) Items pertaining to Ohio's ecology including native plants and seeds of native plants. (G) All moneys received under division (F) of this section shall be paid into the state

treasury to the credit of the natural areas and preserves fund created under this

section.