Rhode Island Code of Regulations
Title 650 - Coastal Resources Management Council
Chapter 20 - Coastal Management Program
Subchapter 00 - N/A
Part 6 - Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Program - Greenwich Bay SAMP (650-RICR-20-00-6)
Section 650-RICR-20-00-6.3 - Definitions

1. "Coastal buffer zone" means a land area adjacent to a shoreline (coastal) feature, tributary to Greenwich Bay, or freshwater wetland in the Greenwich Bay watershed that is, or will be, vegetated with native shoreline species and which acts as a natural transition zone between the coastal and riparian areas and adjacent upland development. A coastal buffer zone differs from a construction setback (see §1.1.9 of this Subchapter) in that the setback establishes a minimum distance between a shoreline feature and construction activities, while a buffer zone establishes a natural area adjacent to a shoreline feature that must be retained in, or restored to, a natural vegetative condition. The coastal buffer zone is generally contained within the established construction setback.

2. Critical areas" means Mary's Creek and Baker's Creek in the Greenwich Bay coastal zone. Mary's Creek is a coastal wetland complex feeding one of the most productive quahog grounds in Greenwich Bay. Baker's Creek is a coastal wetland complex that provides valuable habitat for migratory birds. Gorton Pond's shoreline provides habitat for at least three regionally rare plant species.

3. Land trust" means an organization incorporated pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 7-6-1, et seq., or organizations meeting the definition of "charitable trust" set out in R.I. Gen. Laws § 18-9-4, or organizations duly existing as private nonprofit organizations in other states or the District of Columbia among whose purposes is the preservation of open space, as the term is defined in the SAMP. Further, all organizations must have been granted preliminary status as tax-exempt corporations under the Internal Revenue Code, 26 USC § 501(c)(3) and its regulations, as they now exist or may hereafter be amended.

4. Native vegetated area" means a previously landscaped area or lawn adjacent to a shoreline (coastal) feature, tributary to Greenwich Bay, or freshwater wetland in the Greenwich Bay watershed where native coastal or riparian species have been restored voluntarily.