Legislative policy and findings; purpose of districts.

(1) It is the policy of the Legislature to promote the appropriate and efficient use of soil and water resources, protect water quality, prevent floodwater and sediment damage, preserve wildlife, protect public lands, and protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state.

(2) The Legislature finds that the farm, forest, and grazing lands; green spaces; recreational areas; and natural areas of the state are among the basic assets of the state and the conservation of these lands is necessary to protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of its people and is in the public interest.

(3) The Legislature further finds that to ensure the conservation of the state’s farm, forest, and grazing lands; green spaces; recreational areas; and natural areas, and to conserve, protect, and use soil and water resources, it is necessary that appropriate land and water resources protection practices be implemented.

(4) The purpose of the soil and water conservation districts is to provide assistance, guidance, and education to landowners, land occupiers, the agricultural industry, and the general public in implementing land and water resource protection practices. The Legislature intends for soil and water conservation districts to work in conjunction with federal, state, and local agencies in all matters that implement the provisions of this chapter.