Sec. 1. (a) The general assembly recognizes the following:
(1) That the land resource of Indiana, including the principal elements of geology, landscape, and soils, is one (1) of the basic natural resources of Indiana.
(2) That an ever increasing demand upon the fixed and limited land resource is resulting from a growing population, with the accompanying expansions in commercial, industrial, transportation, recreation, and cultural development and the continuing need for an adequate agricultural base for the production of food and fiber.
(3) That conservation of the land resource is essential to protect and promote the public health, safety, and welfare.
(4) That the task of conservation can only be accomplished through a factual knowledge and understanding of the land resource.
(b) Therefore, it is the policy of the general assembly that the state promote and participate in the conservation of the land resource of Indiana by doing the following:
(1) Providing new or expanded means for the securing, development, and furnishing to land use decision makers of adequate factual knowledge concerning the geology, landscape, and soils of Indiana, including their potentials, limitations, and interrelationships, in the manner set forth in this chapter.
(2) Strengthening the capabilities of local soil and water conservation districts.
(3) Expanding the level of small watershed planning for soil and water conservation measures.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 13-4-3-2.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.25. Amended by P.L.136-1997, SEC.36.