It is the policy of this state that the open burning of residential yard waste should be discouraged and that alternative methods of yard waste disposal should be developed and made readily available to all citizens. In enforcement of this policy, the state and local governments should first pursue educational and voluntary compliance efforts, with punitive sanctions reserved as the last resort to address instances of localized nuisances, fire and safety hazards, or refusal to obey reasonable demands to cease open burning when alternative disposal methods are available.