The Legislature finds and declares the following with regard to the development of greenways along urban waterways:

1. (a) The restoration and preservation of land in its natural, scenic, forested, recreational, or open-space condition is among the most important environmental assets in California.
2. (b) Greenways have the potential to improve the quality of life in, and connectivity between, communities, and provide important recreational, open-space, wildlife, flood management, greenhouse gas reduction, and urban waterfront revitalization opportunities.
3. (c) It is the policy of the Legislature and in the best interest in the state to encourage the voluntary conveyance of greenway easements to qualified nonprofit organizations.