(a)
Section 51182 shall not apply to any land or water area acquired or managed for one or more of the following purposes or uses:
(1)
Habitat for endangered or threatened species, or any species that is a candidate for listing as an endangered or threatened species by the state or federal government.
(2)
Lands kept in a predominantly natural state as habitat for wildlife, plant, or animal communities.
(3)
Open space lands that are environmentally sensitive parklands.
(4)
Other lands having scenic values, as declared by the local agency, or by state or federal law.
(b)
This exemption applies whether the land or water area is held in fee title or any lesser interest. This exemption applies to any public agency, any private entity that has dedicated the land or water areas to one or more of those purposes or uses, or any combination of public agencies and private entities making that dedication.
(c)
This section shall not be construed to prohibit the use of properly authorized prescribed burning to improve the biological function of land or to assist in the restoration of desired vegetation.
(d)
In the event that any lands adjacent to any land or water area described in subdivision (a) are improved such that they are subject to Section 51182, the obligation to comply with Section 51182 shall be with the person owning, leasing, controlling, operating, or maintaining the occupied dwelling or occupied structure on the improved lands. All maintenance activities and other fire prevention measures required by Section 51182 shall be required only for the improved lands, not the land and water areas described in subdivision (a).