The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Acquisition.” The purchase or lease with an option to purchase of land or buildings for public park, conservation, historical, recreation, zoo or library uses.

“Administrative expenses.” Any expenditures of funds, including, but not limited to, expenditures of Commonwealth agencies for personnel and other operating costs necessary to accomplish the purposes of this act.

“Agency.” The Department of Environmental Resources,¹ the Department of Community Affairs,² the Department of Education, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the State System of Higher Education, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Pennsylvania Game Commission of the Commonwealth.

“Development.” Any new construction, improvement, alteration or renovation required for and compatible with the physical development, improvement of land or buildings for public park, conservation, historical, recreation or library purposes.

“Educational facility.” A facility owned by the State System of Higher Education.

“Fund.” The Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund established in this act.

“Historic preservation organization.” A nonprofit organization dedicated to the research, restoration, rehabilitation and other activities furthering the protection, enhancement, preservation or enjoyment of historic resources which is tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (Public Law 99-514, 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3)), registered with the Bureau of Charitable Organizations and has been in existence for at least five consecutive years.

“Historic site.” Any public land or building, structure, object, district, area or site significant in the history, architecture, maritime heritage, archaeology or culture of the United States, the Commonwealth or any of its municipalities.

“Land.” Any real property, including improvements thereon, right-of-ways, water, riparian and other rights, easements, privileges and any other physical property or rights of interest of any kind or description relating to or connected with real property.

“Land trust.” A nonprofit conservation or preservation organization, conservancy or land trust whose primary purpose is the conservation and preservation of open space, park lands or natural areas for public benefit. Any qualified organization shall be tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (Public Law 99-514, 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) § 1 et seq.), registered with the Pennsylvania Commission on Charitable Organizations and have an existence for at least five consecutive years.

“Library.” Any free, public, nonsectarian library, whether established and maintained by a municipality or by a private association, corporation or group, which serves the informational, educational and recreational needs of all the residents of the area for which its governing body is responsible by providing free access, including free lending and reference services, to an organized and currently useful collection of printed items and other materials and to the services of a staff trained to recognize and provide for these needs.

“Municipality.” Any county, city, borough, incorporated town, township, home rule municipality or any official agency created by the foregoing units of government under the laws of this Commonwealth. Any of the actions of an authority or other official agency taken under this act shall be first approved by the participating local governing bodies in that authority or other official agency.

“Natural areas.” Any area of land, water or both land and water which is important in preserving flora, fauna, native ecological systems, geological, natural historical, open space, scenic or similar features of scientific or educational value benefiting the citizens of this Commonwealth.

“Planning.” Comprehensive park and recreation plans, master site development plans, feasibility studies, natural area studies, inventories, greenways and open space plans, maintenance management plans and other plans and documents useful to municipalities, State agencies and land trusts in the planning, development, operation, protection and management of their public recreation, park, historic natural areas, facilities and programs. Planning may be performed by State agency staff or by outside consultants.

“Recreational areas.” Public buildings, structures, facilities, lands and waters for any related public recreation purpose such as, but not limited to, playgrounds, swimming facilities, athletic fields, courts, maintenance buildings, trails, recreational and environmental centers used for such active and passive purposes, including, but not limited to, public parks, fishing, hunting, boating, educational purposes or preservation of scenic sights or areas of historical significance.

“Rehabilitation.” The improvement or restoration, excluding routine maintenance, of existing public indoor or outdoor natural areas, historic, recreational, park and library facilities.

“Technical assistance.” The provision of grant and professional service to municipalities, organizations and citizens, including, but not limited to, publications, video tapes, workshops, meetings, phone consultation and written and electronic communication.

“Zoo.” Any accredited and licensed zoological park or other area, whether established and maintained by a municipality or by a private nonprofit association, corporation or group, which houses a collection of varied living animals and which actively participates in wildlife conservation, education and recreation programs and which serves to increase the understanding of and appreciation for living animals.