N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law § 49-0301

§ 49-0301. Declaration of policy and statement of purpose.\n The legislature hereby finds and declares that in order to implement\nthe state policy of conserving, preserving and protecting its\nenvironmental assets and natural and man-made resources, the\npreservation of open spaces, the preservation, development and\nimprovement of agricultural and forest lands, the preservation of areas\nwhich are significant because of their scenic or natural beauty or\nwetland, shoreline, geological or ecological, including old-growth\nforest, character, and the preservation of areas which are significant\nbecause of their historical, archaeological, architectural or cultural\namenities, is fundamental to the maintenance, enhancement and\nimprovement of recreational opportunities, tourism, community\nattractiveness, balanced economic growth and the quality of life in all\nareas of the state.\n