Delaware established the Natural Areas Preservation System as law in February 1978, the first legislation in the state's history designed to permanently preserve natural, geologic, and archeological resources. Its purpose was to secure for present and future generations the benefits of enduring areas with unusual flora or fauna or with biotic, geological, scenic, or archaeological features of scientific or educational value. The law allowed areas to be designated as Natural Areas, and within them, places that have remained in a natural state and provide habitat for unusual species are identified as Nature Preserves, the highest level of protection available. Many of these protected places are within Delaware State Parks, while others across the state are owned by local government agencies or by private groups or individuals committed to protecting the land. In addition to Fork Branch Nature Preserve, the Governor and General Assembly have designated more than 6,500 acres throughout Delaware as protected land, including Bellevue Woods Nature Preserve, Tulip Tree Woods Nature Preserve, Freshwater Marsh Nature Preserve, Flint Woods Nature Preserve, Angola Neck Nature Preserve, Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve, Cedar Creek Nature Preserve, Doe Bridge Nature Preserve, Thompson Island Nature Preserve, Murderkill River Nature Preserve, Pea Patch Island Nature Preserve, and James Branch Nature Preserve.