Proper management of the watersheds of the state is necessary to insure the health, safety and welfare of our citizens. Improper land use and water use practices upon our watersheds have caused or contributed to and will continue to cause and contribute to critical flooding, erosion and pollution problems. Proper management of watersheds is necessary to provide an adequate supply of water for residential, agricultural and industrial uses, flood prevention and control, soil erosion prevention and control, agricultural and timber land protection, and wildlife habitat protection. The legislative intent of this chapter is to provide for the establishment of watershed management authorities, and to authorize said entities to protect and manage the watersheds of this state.