§ 153B-1. Short title; findings; purpose. - North Carolina Statutes

Chapter 153B.

Mountain Resources PlanningAct.

§ 153B‑1.  Short title;findings; purpose.

(a)        Short Title. – ThisChapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Mountain ResourcesPlanning Act."

(b)        Findings. – TheGeneral Assembly finds that:

(1)        The beauty andabundant natural resources of the mountain region of Western North Carolina areprized by all North Carolinians. Millions of tourists travel to the mountainregion of Western North Carolina to see and experience the natural beauty ofthe mountains, including the vistas near national parks, national forests,State parks, and State forests. This tourism is vitally important to theeconomy of Western North Carolina.

(2)        The United StatesCongress has recognized the natural abundance and cultural heritage of themountain region of Western North Carolina by creating the Blue Ridge NationalHeritage Area, which, in turn, has established a precedent for successfulcollaborative planning in the stewardship of important mountain resources.

(3)        The same beauty andnatural abundance that is valued by North Carolina residents, tourists, and theUnited States Congress is being adversely affected by land‑use practicesthat are negatively impacting the public's enjoyment of the important mountainresources of the mountain region of Western North Carolina, including publiclyowned lands. The mountain region of Western North Carolina is subject tochallenges and pressures specific to the topography and environment of themountains. The mountain region of Western North Carolina has experiencedaccelerating trends that are adversely affecting important mountain resources,and local governments face challenges as they adapt to new and difficultchanges to the landscape.

(c)        Purpose. – It isthe purpose of this Chapter to encourage quality growth and development whilepreserving the natural resources, open spaces, and farmland of the mountainregion of Western North Carolina.  (2009‑485, s. 1.)