2022 New York Laws
SWC - Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Article 1 - Short Title; Declaration of Policy; Definitions
2 - 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) Promotion of soil health and resiliency. It  is  further  declared
the  policy  of  the legislature to promote the health and resiliency of
New York's agricultural soils, including the biological,  physical,  and
chemical  components  of  such soils, to sustain agricultural plants and
animals, produce a healthy,  affordable  food  supply,  promote  climate
resilient  farming  and  the  reduction  of  agricultural greenhouse gas
emissions, and further protect and promote  natural  resources  and  the
health, safety and welfare of the people of this state.
  (3)  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.