It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State that:
(1) the water resources of the State shall be protected; regulated; and, where necessary, controlled under authority of the State in the public interest and to promote the general welfare;
(2) the wetlands of the State shall be protected, regulated, and restored so that Vermont achieves a net gain of wetlands acreage; and
(3) regulation and management of the water resources of the State, including wetlands, should be guided by science, and authorized activities in water resources and wetlands should have a net environmental benefit to the State.