§ 49-0301. Declaration of policy and statement of purpose.

The legislature hereby finds and declares that in order to implement
the state policy of conserving, preserving and protecting its
environmental assets and natural and man-made resources, the
preservation of open spaces, the preservation, development and
improvement of agricultural and forest lands, the preservation of areas
which are significant because of their scenic or natural beauty or
wetland, shoreline, geological or ecological, including old-growth
forest, character, and the preservation of areas which are significant
because of their historical, archaeological, architectural or cultural
amenities, is fundamental to the maintenance, enhancement and
improvement of recreational opportunities, tourism, community
attractiveness, balanced economic growth and the quality of life in all
areas of the state.