(a) It is the intent of the Maryland General Assembly to preserve agricultural land and woodland in order to:
(1) Provide sources of agricultural products within the State for the citizens of the State;
(2) Control the urban expansion which is consuming the agricultural land and woodland of the State;
(3) Curb the spread of urban blight and deterioration; and
(4) Protect agricultural land and woodland as open–space land.
(b) With respect to woodland preservation under this subtitle, the General Assembly encourages that fair consideration be given to the retention of forest lands that are working landscapes as defined under § 5–101 of the Natural Resources Article.