The legislature hereby finds that New York state's coastal area and inland waterways are unique with a variety of natural, recreational, industrial, commercial, ecological, cultural, aesthetic and energy resources of statewide and national significance. The resources of the state's coastal areas and inland waterways are increasingly subject to the pressures of population growth and economic development, which include requirements for industry, commerce, residential development, recreation and for
It is hereby declared to be the public policy of the state of New York within the coastal areas and inland waterways: 1. To achieve a balance between economic development and preservation that will permit the beneficial use of coastal and inland waterway resources while preventing the loss of living marine resources and wildlife, diminution of open space areas or public access to the waterfront, shoreline erosion, impairment of scenic beauty, or permanent adverse changes to ecological systems. 2