2010 North Carolina Code
Chapter 153B Mountain Resources Planning Act.
153B-1. Short title; findings; purpose.

153B‑1. Short title; findings; purpose.

(a) Short Title. This Chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Mountain Resources Planning Act."

(b) Findings. The General Assembly finds that:

(1) The beauty and abundant natural resources of the mountain region of Western North Carolina are prized by all North Carolinians. Millions of tourists travel to the mountain region of Western North Carolina to see and experience the natural beauty of the mountains, including the vistas near national parks, national forests, State parks, and State forests. This tourism is vitally important to the economy of Western North Carolina.

(2) The United States Congress has recognized the natural abundance and cultural heritage of the mountain region of Western North Carolina by creating the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, which, in turn, has established a precedent for successful collaborative planning in the stewardship of important mountain resources.

(3) The same beauty and natural abundance that is valued by North Carolina residents, tourists, and the United States Congress is being adversely affected by land‑use practices that are negatively impacting the public's enjoyment of the important mountain resources of the mountain region of Western North Carolina, including publicly owned lands. The mountain region of Western North Carolina is subject to challenges and pressures specific to the topography and environment of the mountains. The mountain region of Western North Carolina has experienced accelerating trends that are adversely affecting important mountain resources, and local governments face challenges as they adapt to new and difficult changes to the landscape.

(c) Purpose. It is the purpose of this Chapter to encourage quality growth and development while preserving the natural resources, open spaces, and farmland of the mountain region of Western North Carolina. (2009‑485, s. 1.)