(1) (a) The executive director of the department and the directors of the divisions within the department shall have the authority to direct and manage an integrated natural resources and environmental educational program. (b) Natural resource and environmental education for the purposes of this article shall include but not be limited to scientific concepts underlying natural resource and environmental management, the history of natural resource development and management in Colorado, and natural resource public policy concepts such as private property rights and the interdependence between private and public resource management, an appreciation for the economic benefits and costs associated with natural resource management decisions, and an understanding of the role which land-based industries, such as agriculture, mining, and timbering, play in preserving and managing natural resources. (2) (a) The department shall develop and conduct an educational program for the youth in this state. The goals of the youth educational program are to foster an interest in and a sense of stewardship toward the natural resources of the state, to provide summer jobs for students interested in pursuing careers in natural resources, and to provide career and educational development opportunities for students participating in these programs. (b) As part of the educational programs of the department mandated in paragraph (a) of this subsection (2), a youth in natural resources summer work program shall be established. To the greatest extent possible, such work program shall incorporate opportunities for seasonal work with the department including, but not limited to, parks maintenance and wildlife field work. Any such seasonal work opportunities shall be geared toward disadvantaged youth with a particular emphasis on including youth who are disadvantaged as a result of economic circumstances, race, national origin, ethnicity, or gender. (3) Any funds received or expended for the educational programs pursuant to this section shall be in accordance with section 24-33-108. Funds from other sources including, but not limited to, federal funds and any appropriation made by the general assembly to the department may be accepted and used for the purposes of this section. (4) Repealed.
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