2009 California Government Code - Section 51070-51073 :: Article 1. Declaration

51070.  It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this chapter
to provide a means whereby any county or city may acquire or approve
an open-space easement in perpetuity or for a term of years for the
purpose of preserving and maintaining open space.

51071.  The Legislature finds that the rapid growth and spread of
urban development is encroaching upon, or eliminating open-space
lands which are necessary not only for the maintenance of the economy
of the state, but also for the assurance of the continued
availability of land for the production of food and fiber, for the
enjoyment of scenic beauty, for recreation and for the use and
conservation of natural resources.

51072.  The Legislature hereby declares that open-space lands, if
preserved and maintained, would constitute important physical,
social, economic or aesthetic assets to existing or pending urban
development.

51073.  The Legislature further declares that the acquisition of
open-space easements is in the public interest and constitutes a
public purpose for which public funds may be expended or advanced.