It is declared to be the policy of the General Assembly to provide for the control and prevention of soil erosion, for the prevention of floodwater and sediment damages, and for furthering the conservation, development, and utilization of soil and water resources and the disposal of water, and thereby to preserve natural resources, control floods, prevent impairment of dams and reservoirs, assist in maintaining the navigability of rivers and harbors, preserve wildlife, assist in the control of nonpoint source pollution, protect the tax base, protect public lands, and protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state.