Sec. 16. (a) Before the commission:
(1) makes a finding of the existence of an imperative and unavoidable public necessity under section 15 of this chapter;
(2) grants an estate, an interest, or a right in a nature preserve under section 15 of this chapter;
(3) disposes of a nature preserve or an estate, an interest, or a right in a nature preserve under section 15 of this chapter; or
(4) enters into an amendment of articles of dedication under section 13 of this chapter;
the department must give notice of the proposed action and an opportunity for any person to be heard.
(b) The notice must be published at least one (1) time in a newspaper printed in the English language with a general circulation in each county in which the nature preserve is located. The notice must do the following:
(1) Set forth the substance of the proposed action.
(2) Describe, with or without legal description, the nature preserve affected.
(3) Specify a place and time not less than thirty (30) days after the publication for a public hearing before the commission on the proposed action.
(c) All persons desiring to be heard shall be given a reasonable opportunity to be heard before action by the commission on the proposal.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-4-5-9.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.24.
Structure Indiana Code
Title 14. Natural and Cultural Resources
14-31-1-3. "Articles of Dedication" Defined
14-31-1-4. "Dedicate" and "Dedication" Defined
14-31-1-5. "Nature Preserve" Defined
14-31-1-8. Registry of Natural Areas
14-31-1-11. Dedication of Property
14-31-1-12. Articles of Dedication
14-31-1-13. Amendments of Articles of Dedication
14-31-1-14. Duties of Department
14-31-1-15. Treatment of Nature Preserves
14-31-1-16. Notice of Proposed Action
14-31-1-18. Noninterference With Parks, Preserves, Refuges, or Other Areas