                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

DECLARATION OF POLICY FINDINGS AND PURPOSE (§ 15.2-4401)

It is state policy to encourage localities of the Commonwealth to conserve and
protect and to encourage the development and improvement of their agricultural
and forestal lands for the production of food and other agricultural and
forestal products. It is also state policy to encourage localities of the
Commonwealth to conserve and protect agricultural and forestal lands as valued
natural and ecological resources which provide essential open spaces for clean
air sheds, watershed protection, wildlife habitat, aesthetic quality and other
environmental purposes. It is the purpose of this chapter to provide a means by
which localities may protect and enhance agricultural and forestal lands of
local significance as a viable segment of the local economy and as an important
economic and environmental resource.

HISTORY: 1982, c. 374, § 15.1-1513.2; 1997, c. 587.