N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law § 24-0103

§ 24-0103. Declaration of policy.\n It is declared to be the public policy of the state to preserve,\nprotect and conserve freshwater wetlands and the benefits derived\ntherefrom, to prevent the despoliation and destruction of freshwater\nwetlands, and to regulate use and development of such wetlands to secure\nthe natural benefits of freshwater wetlands, consistent with the general\nwelfare and beneficial economic, social and agricultural development of\nthe state.\n