20 USC § 79a - Preservation of natural features for scientific observation and investigation

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t20/s79a"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_prima_facie"
title: "20 USC § 79a - Preservation of natural features for scientific observation and investigation"
title_number: 20
title_name: "EDUCATION"
section_number: "79a"
section_name: "Preservation of natural features for scientific observation and investigation"
chapter_number: 3
chapter_name: "SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, NATIONAL MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES"
subchapter_number: "IX"
subchapter_name: "CANAL ZONE BIOLOGICAL AREA"
positive_law: false
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-04-17"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(July 2, 1940, ch. 516, § 2, 54 Stat. 724; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, § 801, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7877, 60 Stat. 1101.)"
---


# § 79a. Preservation of natural features for scientific observation and investigation

The purpose of setting aside such an area is to preserve and conserve its natural features, including existing flora and fauna, in as nearly a natural condition as possible, thus providing a place where duly qualified students can make observations and scientific investigations for increase of knowledge, under such conditions and regulations as may be prescribed by the Smithsonian Institution.

---

**Source Credit**: (July 2, 1940, ch. 516, § 2, 54 Stat. 724; 1946 Reorg. Plan No. 3, § 801, eff. July 16, 1946, 11 F.R. 7877, 60 Stat. 1101.)

## Editorial Notes

### Codification

Section was formerly classified to , Territories and Insular Possessions.

## Executive Documents

### Transfer of Functions

“Smithsonian Institution” substituted in text for “Board of Directors of the Canal Zone Biological Area” by Reorg. Plan No. 3 of 1946, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.