(a) The board shall investigate, study, and determine what areas within the state are most essential and suitable for wildlife production and preservation, and will provide suitable recreation; and shall ascertain and determine what lands within the state are suitable for game propagation, game refuges, bird refuges, waterfowl refuges, game farms, fish hatcheries, game management areas, and what streams and lakes are suitable for, or can be made suitable for, fishing and hunting.
(b) In determining which areas are suitable for fishing and hunting, the board, in consultation with the department, shall take into consideration areas of the state where public access and opportunity for fishing and hunting are most needed.