§ 14-32-7-1 — Policy of department

(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.]

Legislative History

As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.25. Amended by P.L.136-1997, SEC.36.