New York Consolidated Laws, Executive Law - EXC § 961. Legislative declaration

The legislature hereby declares it to be in the public interest to protect and manage the South Shore Estuary System as a single integrated estuary.  It is further in the public interest to establish a council made up of representatives of state and local governments and private citizens to create a South Shore Estuary Reserve, prepare a comprehensive management plan and make recommendations to preserve, protect and enhance the natural, recreational, economic and educational resources of the reserve, which the state and local governments may incorporate into policy, laws or regulations.