SECTIONS 37000-37001 - California Statutes

PUBLIC RESOURCES CODE

SECTION 37000-37001

37000. This division shall be known and may be cited as the
"Natural Heritage Preservation Tax Credit Act of 2000."

37001. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) The continued economic development of California will be
fostered and improved if conflicts over the use of natural resources
can be resolved without litigation or disputes.
(b) The economic development of California can be facilitated if
endangered species and other forms of plants, fish, and wildlife can
be protected quickly and efficiently, so that development and
agricultural use can proceed on other lands.
(c) Water allocation decisions could be eased if water could be
provided for fish, wildlife, and aquatic and riparian habitat without
objection by other water users.
(d) The intent of this division is to accommodate economic
development and resolve land use and water disputes in a manner
beneficial to all people in California, and to the benefit of
California environmental quality.
(e) The further intent of this division is to foster partnerships
between the public and private sectors to resolve disputes and
promote economic growth and environmental quality.
(f) Conservation easements protect land, keep land in private
ownership and on the tax rolls, and, where appropriate, are the
preferred method to protect agricultural and habitat values.
(g) The value of wildlife habitat to the state is very high,
especially in the case of implementing habitat conservation plans and
multispecies conservation plans.
(h) Habitat stewardship shall be assisted and rewarded, and it is
in the state's interest to encourage landowners to perceive habitat
as an asset rather than a liability.
(i) It is the intent of the Legislature, in enacting this
division, to provide an additional tool for the protection of
wildlife habitat, open space, and agricultural lands. However, there
continues to be a recognized need for additional funding sources for
park, wildlife, and recreation facilities, as well as for the
preservation of open space and agricultural lands.
(j) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this division
to protect wildlife habitat, open space, and agricultural lands by
providing up to one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) in tax
credits for donations of qualified land.