(1) The commissioner of environment and conservation shall prohibit the forestry practice of clear-cutting in all state parks. The department of environment and conservation shall not conduct clear-cutting operations in such parks, nor permit any other person or lessee to conduct clear-cutting operations in such parks.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (a), clear-cutting may be permitted in state parks in cases of natural disaster or insect infestation provided that the department of environment and conservation has determined prior to any such clear-cutting that it is a reasonable and appropriate response to such disaster or infestation and that it is consistent with the department's duty to preserve and maintain the parks. Such clear-cutting may occur only in a manner approved in advance by the department.