15.2-4301 - Declaration of policy findings and purpose. - Virginia Statutes

§ 15.2-4301. Declaration of policy findings and purpose.

It is the policy of the Commonwealth to conserve and protect and to encouragethe development and improvement of the Commonwealth's agricultural andforestal lands for the production of food and other agricultural and forestalproducts. It is also the policy of the Commonwealth to conserve and protectagricultural and forestal lands as valued natural and ecological resourceswhich provide essential open spaces for clean air sheds, watershedprotection, wildlife habitat, as well as for aesthetic purposes. It is thepurpose of this chapter to provide a means for a mutual undertaking bylandowners and localities to protect and enhance agricultural and forestalland as a viable segment of the Commonwealth's economy and as an economic andenvironmental resource of major importance.

(1977, c. 681, § 15.1-1507; 1987, c. 552; 1997, c. 587.)