N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law § 49-0301: Declaration of policy and statement of purpose

§ 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.