§ 9.05 Powers, functions and duties. In addition to the powers, functions and duties conferred upon it by compact, the commission, subject to the approval of the commissioner, shall, within the eighth park region:

1. Acquire and establish parks and recreational facilities and services.

2. Operate and maintain park and recreational facilities and services.

3. Provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public using facilities under its jurisdiction.

4. Appoint such employees, including members of the regional state park police for the eighth region, as may be necessary to carry out its powers, functions and duties.

5. Provide or operate, or provide by lease, concession, exclusive or non-exclusive privilege, or otherwise, for the operation of such facilities, including hotels, restaurants, stands, booths, amusements, docks and any and all means of transportation to, from or in parks and facilities under its jurisdiction, for the use and enjoyment of such parks and facilities by the public and for increasing public access thereto.

6. Lay out, construct and maintain roads, pathways, ways and parkways upon, across and over real property under its jurisdiction, or between and connecting any such roads, pathways, ways and parkways with other public roads or parkways outside such real property, and acquire any real property which is necessary or desirable for such park purposes, pursuant to the provisions of section 9.07.

7. Adopt, amend or rescind such rules, regulations or orders as may be necessary or convenient for the exercise or performance of the functions, powers and duties of the commission, provided, however, no rule, regulation or order affecting traffic or navigation shall be effective unless authorized by the commissioner.

8. Exercise and perform such other functions, powers and duties as may be conferred or imposed by or pursuant to this chapter or other provision of law.

9. Do all other things which are necessary or desirable in carrying out its functions, powers and duties including wherever possible, the provision of habitat for various wildlife species including endangered and threatened species of fauna through practices such as ecological restoration, wetland conservation and the planting of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants indigenous to the area which act as food and protective cover for fauna on those lands under the jurisdiction of the commission. Selection of plant species or communities of species shall take into consideration the natural, ecological, historic, archeological, aesthetic, and public use resources in the immediate areas as well as the management goals of the park or site.