The President is authorized and directed to set aside within the Canal Zone an area in Gatun Lake known as Barro Colorado Island in which the natural features shall, except in event of declared national emergency, be left in their natural state for scientific observation and investigation.

The purpose of setting aside such an area is to preserve and conserve its natural features, including existing flora and fauna, in as nearly a natural condition as possible, thus providing a place where duly qualified students can make observations and scientific investigations for increase of knowledge, under such conditions and regulations as may be prescribed by the Smithsonian Institution.

The Smithsonian Institution shall (a) determine the policy, prescribe conditions under which studies may be pursued within the area, and promulgate regulations for carrying out the purposes of this subchapter; (b) be responsible for the construction and maintenance of laboratory and other facilities on the area provided for the use of students authorized to carry on studies within the confines of the area; (c) deposit into the Treasury of the United States sums donated or subscribed or collected to be expended for carrying out the purposes of this subchapter; (d) in its discretion, fixed 1

The Smithsonian Institution may select and designate a resident manager to assist in carrying out the policy, conditions, and regulations approved by it in compliance with the purposes of this subchapter. The resident manager shall receive such compensation for his services as may be allowed by the Smithsonian Institution.

All moneys received by donation, subscription, fees, or otherwise, except the moneys appropriated pursuant to section 79e of this title, for carrying out the purposes of this subchapter shall be deposited into the Treasury as trust funds and are appropriated for such purposes. Disbursements of such funds shall be made by the Secretary of the Treasury through the Fiscal Service on requisitions or vouchers signed by or on authority of the Smithsonian Institution.

There are authorized to be appropriated annually, from money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated, such sums as are necessary for the administration of this subchapter and for the maintenance of laboratory or other facilities provided for carrying out the purposes of this subchapter.