The commission shall have the following powers and duties:
To utilize inventory data compiled by the Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Program concerning the natural areas of the state;
To accept on behalf of the people of Mississippi any right, title or interest to any natural area;
To establish and maintain a register of natural areas;
To select natural areas for placement on the register of natural areas or for dedication as a natural area preserve, or both;
To provide for the management of natural area preserves by designating an appropriate agency to manage the preserve in accordance with the provisions set forth in the articles of dedication which establish the natural area as a natural area preserve;
To cooperate with any agency of the United States, the State of Mississippi and any other state, any political subdivision of this state and with private persons or organizations to implement the provisions of Sections 49-5-141 through 49-5-157;
To discharge any other duty or action necessary to implement the provisions of Sections 49-5-141 through 49-5-157.