P.R. Laws tit. 12, § 5083
The Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources shall implement the provisions of this chapter and oversee compliance therewith. For such purposes, the Secretary shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) To implement the legal provisions regarding the preservation, protection, conservation, administration and management of the natural and environmental resources of age class previously described in this chapter, including special attention to matters pertaining to the establishment of the buffer zone and as natural reserve.
(b) To administer, preserve, conserve and coordinate the management and enjoyment of the lands subject to this chapter. He/she may establish a management agreement with the Municipality of Vega Baja or with non-governmental organizations for the administration, use, protection and conservation of the designated area. Any management agreement established between the Department and the Municipality of Vega Baja or any other organization shall include the legal norms and provisions and the regulations that may apply to the administration of a natural reserve in such a case.
(c) To establish agreements and work or research programs with other local, federal or foreign government agencies or with public or private organizations that seek the achievement of the purposes and public policy declared in this chapter.
(d) To accept and receive donations from private or public persons or entities.
(e) To execute all the legal instruments necessary for the accomplishment of his/her duties and powers.
(f) To perform surveys, topographical and environmental studies and any other type of study that in his/her judgment may be necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter and to clearly define which areas shall be covered by the Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Act, §§ 1225 et seq. of this title.
(g) To promulgate and implement the necessary regulations to carry out the purposes of this chapter and to conserve the Indio River watershed and the lands described in this chapter.
(h) To determine the activities that may be carried out in the natural reserve areas created by this chapter and to issue the corresponding permits.
(i) To exercise all the powers and faculties conferred by any other law to administer, protect and conserve the natural reserve areas.
All pertinent provisions of the Puerto Rico Natural Patrimony Act, as amended, §§ 1225 et seq. of this title, shall apply to all matters concerning the protected areas located on public lands.
History —Sept. 23, 2004, No. 471, § 3, retroactive to July 1, 2004.