A. Existing policies and regulations, by themselves, have been ineffective in providing long-term protection of open space, wetlands, habitat areas, farm, agricultural, and timber lands, which are under the pressure of increasing urban development. The acquisition of property interests as provided by this Chapter is in the public interest and constitutes a public purpose of Pierce County.

B. It is the purpose of this Chapter, together with PCC 4.48.020.L and Chapters 4.14 and 2.97 PCC, to implement Chapter 84.34 RCW as it relates to Conservation Futures.

C. It is further the purpose of this Chapter to acquire by purchase, gift, grant, bequest, devise, lease, or otherwise, except by eminent domain, the fee simple or any lesser property interest, development right, easement, covenant, or other contractual right necessary to protect, preserve, maintain, improve, restore, limit the future use of, or otherwise conserve, selected open space land, farm and agricultural land, and timber land as such are defined in Chapter 84.34 RCW for public use or enjoyment.

D. It is a goal of this Chapter to ensure conservation futures funds are utilized across county communities and jurisdictions to further the equitable protection of open space resources and ecosystems to benefit the current and future residents of Pierce County.