N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law § 43-0101

§ 43-0101. Legislative intent.\n The preservation and enhancement of natural beauty in the state, the\npreservation and conservation of pure water supplies and other natural\nresources, the preservation and development of natural resources and\nrecreational facilities for the benefit of the public, the promotion of\nthe study of history, natural science, and lore, the conservation and\nprotection of state lands in the forest preserve and areas adjacent\nthereto, and the promotion and preservation of the health and welfare of\nthe public residing, sojourning, or visiting therein being the concern\nof the state, the legislature hereby declares it to be in the public\ninterest to preserve, protect, conserve and enhance the unique natural\nscenic beauty and to promote the study of the history, natural science,\nand lore of Lake George and the area near or adjacent thereto and to\nprovide means whereby owners of real property near or adjacent to the\nlake, other interested individuals, corporations, associations,\norganizations, and municipalities bordering on the lake may preserve,\nprotect and enhance the natural scenic beauty of the lake and its\nsurrounding countryside and regulate the use of the lake and the area\nnear or adjacent thereto for appropriate residential, conservation,\nhealth, recreational, and educational purposes.\n