Legislation Pertaining to Habitat Restoration

Federal Legislation - State Legislation

The following compilation of General Laws of Rhode Island relates directly to habitat restoration within the State. The laws primarily focus on enabling legislation of the three primary agencies with authority over the inland and coastal resources where habitat restoration may occur: the Coastal Resources Management Council, the Department of Environmental Management Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Department of Environmental Management Office of Water Resources. In addition, links are offered to various applicable regulations. For specific information on the permitting process in Rhode Island go to Permitting Process. This list was compiled in February 2001.

General Laws of Rhode Island

Coastal Resources Management Act of 1971 Rhode Island General Law 46-23. Creation of the Coastal Resources Management Council and enabling legislation for authority over State coastal resources. Department of Environmental Management Office of Water Resources Rhode Island General Law 46-12. Enabling legislation for State authority over water resources with regards to pollution. Department of Environmental Management Water Quality Regulations (scroll down to water quality regulations and appendices for downloading). Rhode Island General Law 42-35 pursuant to 46-12, 42-17.1 and 42-17.6. Water quality regulations for the State of Rhode Island. Department of Environmental Management Fish and Wildlife Service Rhode Island General Law 20-1-2. Enabling legislation for authority over State fish and wildlife resources. Fishways Rhode Island General Law 20-12-4. Department of Environmental Management authority over fish run restoration. Intertidal Saltmarsh Act Rhode Island General Law 11-46-1. Emphasis on the dependence of fishery resources on coastal wetlands with criminal penalties against persons performing unpermitted dumping of materials into salt marshes. Rhode Island Freshwater Wetlands Act 1971 Rhode Island General Law 2-1-18 et seq. Regulation of freshwater wetlands, including those located within the coastal zone. Return to Top

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