§ 42-17.9-2 - Purposes. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 42-17.9-2

   § 42-17.9-2  Purposes. – The purposes of this chapter are:

   (1) To protect and support the public's interests in openspace values as a means of preserving the use and the enjoyment of the naturalresources of the state, of enhancing environmental quality and functionality,of defining and enhancing the sense of place, of providing recreationalopportunities, and of contributing to the quality of life;

   (2) To recognize, respect, and protect the interests andinvestments of non-profit organizations, foundations, federal government,land-owners, the original grantors and donors in properties acquired and ormanaged for open space values;

   (3) To assure that the conveyance of interests in stateproperties with open space values is to the maximum extent reasonably feasiblenot inconsistent with the state guide plan and elements thereof, and with localcomprehensive plans and elements thereof that have been approved as consistentwith the state guide plan;

   (4) To provide a comprehensive evaluation of open spacevalues prior to the conveyance of state interests in property or formalamendments to or changes in allowed use, with the objectives of preserving andprotecting the public's interest in open space; but

   (5) Not to reduce or abrogate levels of protection accordedto state-owned property acquired and managed for open space, conservation,and/or natural resource values; and

   (6) To provide a model for public open space protection.