Conservation
Including Steep Slopes as Buildable
This act would provide for the addition of certain definitions relative to "slope of land," and other terms within the chapters of the general laws relating to zoning and subdivision of land. Notably, slope of land shall not be excluded from the calculation of the buildable lot area or the minimum lot size, or in the calculation of the number of buildable lots or units.
Liability Limitations Relating to Public Use of Private Lands
This act would change the definition of "owner" to exclude the state and municipalities for the purposes of liability limitations relating to public use of private lands.
Creation of a Single Set of Environmental Standards for the State
This act would establish a single set of environmental standards for the state while reducing local regulatory burden and would prohibit cities and towns from enacting future ordinances which are more restrictive than regulations established by the department of environmental management or the coastal resources management council.
Community Preservation Act
Establishes the Rhode Island Community Preservation Act to promote capital investment and development within Rhode Island communities. The act provides a source of funding for such investment and development.
Restricting the Use of Eminent Domain over Conservation Land
This act would restrict the use of eminent domain over any land which is protected with a conservation or preservation restriction.
Pelican Rescue Program
The Wildlife Rehabilitators of Rhode Island is recognized for their work saving pelicans that had been blown north by Superstorm Sandy.
Annual Green Festival Conservation Education Program
The Pascoag Utility District was recognized for their Annual Green Festival conservation education programs which have been a success for the past five years.
Invasive Species Monitoring & Education Program
As the only statewide organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of Rhode Island’s lakes, ponds and fresh water resources, Save The Lakes established and maintained an all-volunteer invasive species monitoring and education program.
Sakonnet Greenway Trail Expansion
The 2013 Senator John H. Chafee Conservation Leadership Award goes to the Aquidneck Land Trust for the 5-mile expansion of their Sakonnet Greenway Trail into Middletown. The new segment of the trial connects to the previously built five +/- mile segment of the trail that runs from The Glen in Portsmouth south to the Newport National Golf Course land on the east side of Mitchell's Lane. ALT's Sakonnet Greenway Trail is now over ten miles in length!