(a) The policy of the legislature and the intent of this chapter are to encourage the conservation and development of water in the state and water-related land areas for public recreation.
(b) The legislature finds:
(1) that the use of water resources in the state for public recreation is a useful purpose;
(2) that the conservation and development of water resources for public recreation purposes are public rights and duties; and
(3) that the acquisition and improvement of land areas related to water resources for public recreation purposes are essential to the maximum beneficial use of water resources for public recreation purposes.