2006 New York Code - Declaration Of Policy.

 
    §  2.  Declaration  of  policy.  (1)  Preservation  of  soil and water
  resources.  It is hereby declared to be the policy of the legislature to
  provide for the conservation of the soil and  water  resources  of  this
  state, and for the improvement of water quality, and for the control and
  prevention  of  soil  erosion  and  for the prevention of floodwater and
  sediment damages  and  for  furthering  the  conservation,  development,
  utilization  and  disposal  of  water,  and  thereby to preserve natural
  resources, control and abate nonpoint sources of water pollution, assist
  in the control of floods, assist  in  the  drainage  and  irrigation  of
  agricultural lands, prevent impairment of dams and reservoirs, assist in
  maintaining  the  navigability of rivers and harbors, preserve wildlife,
  protect the tax base, protect public lands, and protect and promote  the
  health, safety and general welfare of the people of this state.
    (2)  Utilizing resources to enhance the quality of life. It is further
  declared  the  policy  of  the  legislature  to  encourage  the  use  of
  agricultural  land  for  recreational uses which are consistent with the
  primary use of such land while, at the same time,  promoting  additional
  tourism  and employment opportunities and income for landowners in rural
  areas and enhancing the quality of life of persons not otherwise able to
  obtain access to agricultural land for recreational uses.