LAND USE POLICY IN RHODE ISLAND

1. the premise that land is a finite resource and that land ownership, whether public or private, carries responsibility for stewardship; 2. land use planning and zoning that reflects conservation and wise management of resources; 3. identification and protection of areas of critical concern, including wetlands, shore lands, and unique scenic, historical and cultural sites; 4. acquisition of land for public use; 5. review of environmental, social, and economic impacts of major public and private developments including the Keweenaw National Historical Park, local historic districts, proposed parks and the U.S. 41 corridor; and 6. citizen access to the land use planning process.