Adopted 1974, Section III revised 1997

LWVMI, recognizing that land is a finite resource, not just a commodity, believes that land ownership, whether public or private, implies responsibilities of stewardship.

I. In decisions about land use, public as well as private interests should be respected, with consideration for social, environmental and economic factors. Each level of government must bear appropriate responsibility for planning and managing land resour ces. It is essential, at a minimum, that the appropriate level of government determine, regulate and guide critical activities and the use of critical land areas.

II. A state land use plan should:
A. Contain a goal statement which provides for the preservation and development of particular kinds of areas and for planned and controlled growth and development.
B. Provide guidelines for land use and planning. Local units of government should participate in land use planning.

III. Citizens should have access to the land use planning process through public hearings and membership on advisory commissions and boards. To guarantee responsive and responsible governmental decisions, citizen participation must be built into the plan ning and management of land resources at every step. To these ends, the federal government should exert leadership to:
A. Encourage formulation of land resource goals:
B. Develop policies and standards for conserving land resources;
C. Foster coordinated planning and management of land resources by all levels of government;
D. Foster cooperation among agencies and among levels of government in establishing mechanisms that ensure consideration of all public and private rights and interests on the part of those who make decisions about land resources;
E. Ensure more effective citizen participation through such measures as adequate funding for citizen information and review.