(1) Prior to the designation of a state natural area an opportunity for public comment will be afforded at public meetings held within the county of the proposed area, at a time specified by the department. All land owners and lessees directly involved in the designation shall receive written notification of such meetings by certified mail. Public notification of such meeting shall be published for two consecutive weeks, prior to the meeting, in one statewide newspaper, and for an equal period of time in a local newspaper in the vicinity of the proposed site. Appropriate local governing agencies will also be notified of the meeting.