The Legislature finds and declares that plant species have medicinal, genetic, ecological, educational and aesthetic value to the citizens of New Jersey; that the perpetuation of many plant species native to New Jersey or the United States is in jeopardy; and that a definitive, officially recognized State list of endangered plant species is needed to eliminate the confusion resulting from various existing unofficial lists which are inconsistent and is a necessary precondition to more effectively and efficiently incorporate the preservation of our State’s natural diversity into government planning functions.

L.1989, c.56, s.2.