For the purpose of preserving and perpetuating a portion of the original forests of Pennsylvania, particularly of the conifer family now largely extinct, in the interest of wholesome outdoor recreation, and the study and enjoyment of the same, to the people of the Commonwealth, for forestry conservation, and the preservation and maintenance of distinctive natural views and conditions, and the advantages to the people of the Commonwealth arising therefrom, and from the revenue of the tourist trade, the Department of Forests and Waters¹ is hereby authorized to acquire, in the name of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, certain lands at and near Cooksburg in the counties of Forest, Clarion, and Jefferson, State of Pennsylvania, now belonging to the A. Cook Sons Company, comprising substantially seven thousand two hundred and nineteen acres, and referred to in the preamble hereof, the same to be laid out, preserved, and maintained as a public place or park, to be known and designated by the name of “Cook Forest Park”: Provided, however, That in taking title to said lands the said department is authorized to except the oil and gas, as heretofore conveyed, with the right to remove the same in the ordinary and customary manner.