(1) State scenic trails shall be authorized and designated only by an act of the general assembly.
(2) The department may establish and designate state recreation trails on lands administered by the department; and/or on lands under the jurisdiction of a state department, political subdivision, or private lands providing: Such trails are reasonably accessible to urban areas;
(3) Such trails meet the criteria established in this chapter and such supplementary criteria as may be prescribed; and/or
(4) Fee simple, conservation easements or other rights are obtained from a private landowner through which a state recreation trail may pass. The department may establish and designate state recreation trails on lands under the jurisdiction of a federal agency, when in the opinion of the federal agency and the commissioner such lands may be so developed under federal law and subdivisions (b)(1) and (2).
(5) As provided in this section, trails within park, forest, recreation areas, state natural areas, or any other public area may be established and designated as “state recreation trails” by the department.
(6) Connecting or side trails within park, forest, recreation area or natural area may be established, designated, and marked as components of a state recreation or state scenic trail.