This Town Board recognizes that the natural environment within the Town, and the air, land, water and living resources that comprise it, constitute assets that add immeasurably to the quality of life of Town residents. Furthermore, with regard to land, the Town Board recognizes that the environmentally sensitive lands within the Town of Brookhaven, including its fresh- and saltwater wetlands, underwater lands and bay bottoms, Central Pine Barrens, stream and river corridors and their associated watersheds, shorelines, forests, fields, and meadows are important natural resources, collectively comprising a natural heritage and legacy which should be preserved and protected in perpetuity for the people of the Town of Brookhaven. The Town Board further recognizes the valuable role that farmland plays in helping the local economy and maintaining the rural and bucolic character of the Town. It has been the policy of this Town Board to safeguard these important natural resources, by means of its regulatory powers, pursuant to Town Code Chapter
81 (Wetlands and Waterways), Chapter
85 (Zoning) and other sections of the Town Code of the Town of Brookhaven. However, the Town Board recognizes that relying solely upon its regulatory powers may not be sufficient in safeguarding these resources and further recognizes that acquisition or purchase of complete or partial interests in land can be a highly effective technique to protect and preserve these environmentally sensitive areas as set forth herein.
