N.Y. Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law § 3.01

§ 3.01 Declaration of policy. The state of New York is abundant in\nnatural, scenic and other recreational resources, which for over a\ncentury have educated, edified, uplifted and delighted our citizens.\nThe establishment and maintenance of a statewide system of parks,\nrecreation and historic preservation are hereby declared to be policies\nof the state;\n It is further declared that the general welfare of each citizen of the\nstate is enhanced and promoted by giving further recognition to the\nmagnificent state park, recreation and historic site system which is now\nin existence;\n It is further declared that the individual's sense of purpose, well\nbeing, and identity are fostered and strengthened through parks,\nrecreation and historic preservation programs;\n It is further declared that local, state and national programs for\nparks, recreation and historic preservation must be coordinated and that\nsuch coordination is logically a state function;\n It is further declared that the natural, ecological, historic,\ncultural and recreational resources within the state park, recreation\nand historic site system are integral components of the state's\nenvironment and contribute substantially to the quality of that\nenvironment and to the quality of our lives;\n It is further declared that the stewardship of the natural,\necological, historic, cultural and recreational resources within the\nstate park, recreation and historic site system is a primary\nresponsibility of the state;\n It is further stated that these purposes can best be served by\ncontinuing the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation in\naccordance with the terms of this chapter.\n