(a) In choosing among two or more parcels of land to be acquired, enhanced, restored, or protected with funds available pursuant to subdivision (b) or (c) of Section 2720, preference shall be given to acquiring, enhancing, restoring, or protecting the parcel that will result in the least cost to the department for operating and maintaining the land.
(b) Funds available pursuant to subdivisions (b) and (c) of Section 2720 may be encumbered only for lands which constitute habitat that is subject to destruction, drastic modification, or significant curtailment of habitat values.