The general assembly finds that: 

(1) The existence of much agricultural, forest and open space land is threatened by pressure from urbanization, scattered residential and commercial development, and the system of property taxation. This pressure is the result of urban sprawl around urban and metropolitan areas which also brings about land use conflicts, creates high costs for public services, contributes to increased energy usage, and stimulates land speculation; 

(2) The preservation of open space in or near urban areas contributes to:

(A) The use, enjoyment and economic value of surrounding residential, commercial, industrial or public use lands; 

(B) The conservation of natural resources, water, air, and wildlife; 

(C) The planning and preservation of land in an open condition for the general welfare; 

(D) A relief from the monotony of continued urban sprawl; and 

(E) An opportunity for the study and enjoyment of natural areas by urban and suburban residents who might not otherwise have access to such amenities; 

67-5-1004. Definitions.

(1) (A) "Agricultural land" means land which meets the minimum size requirements specified hereafter and which either: 

(i) Constitutes a farm unit engaged in the production or growing of agricultural products; or 

(ii) Has been farmed by the owner or the owner's parent or spouse for at least twenty-five (25) years and is used as the residence of the owner and not used for any purpose inconsistent with an agricultural use. 

(B) To be eligible as agricultural land, property must meet minimum size requirements as follows: it must consist either of a single tract of at least fifteen (15) acres, including woodlands and wastelands, or two (2) noncontiguous tracts, including woodlands and wastelands, one (1) of which is at least fifteen (15) acres and the other being at least ten (10) acres and together constituting a farm unit. 

(4) "Forest land" means land constituting a forest unit engaged in the growing of trees under a sound program of sustained yield management or any tract of fifteen (15) or more acres having tree growth in such quantity and quality and so managed as to constitute a forest; 

(8) "Open space land" means any area of land other than agricultural and forest land, of not less than three (3) acres, characterized principally by open or natural condition, and whose preservation would tend to provide the public with one (1) or more of the benefits enumerated in § 67-5-1002, and which is not currently in agricultural land or forest land use. "Open space land" includes greenbelt lands or lands primarily devoted to recreational use; 

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