The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)
The continued economic development of California will be fostered and improved if conflicts over the use of natural resources can be resolved without litigation or disputes.
(b)
The economic development of California can be facilitated if endangered species and other forms of plants, fish, and wildlife can be protected quickly and efficiently, so that development and agricultural use can proceed on other lands.
(c)
Water allocation decisions could be eased if water could be provided for fish, wildlife, and aquatic and riparian habitat without objection by other water users.
(d)
The intent of this division is to accommodate economic development and resolve land use and water disputes in a manner beneficial to all people in California, and to the benefit of California environmental quality.
(e)
The further intent of this division is to foster partnerships between the public and private sectors to resolve disputes and promote economic growth and environmental quality.
(f)
Conservation easements protect land, keep land in private ownership and on the tax rolls, and, where appropriate, are the preferred method to protect agricultural and habitat values.
(g)
The value of wildlife habitat to the state is very high, especially in the case of implementing habitat conservation plans and multispecies conservation plans.
(h)
Habitat stewardship shall be assisted and rewarded, and it is in the state’s interest to encourage landowners to perceive habitat as an asset rather than a liability.
(i)
It is the intent of the Legislature, in enacting this division, to provide an additional tool for the protection of wildlife habitat, open space, and agricultural lands. However, there continues to be a recognized need for additional funding sources for park, wildlife, and recreation facilities, as well as for the preservation of open space and agricultural lands.
(j)
It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this division to protect wildlife habitat, open space, and agricultural lands by providing up to one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) in tax credits for donations of qualified land.