(1) After a site has been identified, the department or its designee shall notify the landowner, in writing, of the site's natural heritage resource and the site's eligibility for the register.

(2) The department or its designee must obtain from the landowner written permission to proceed with the site evaluation process.

(3) Once permission is granted by the landowner to proceed with the site evaluation process, the department nominates the site to the council.

(4) The council shall review each site nomination and approve or reject registration of the site.

(5) The department shall notify the landowner of the council's determination and, for an approved site, offer the landowner the opportunity to voluntarily place the site on the register.

(6) If the landowner agrees to register the site, the department shall place the site on the register and provide the landowner with a certificate of registration.

(7) The department may offer voluntary management guidelines and may enter into a management agreement with the landowner of a registered natural area.