Land Use 2025 - RhodeMap RI

modifications, the capacity of floodplains to store or convey floodwaters, and the extentof damage after a storm.WetlandsRhode Island has many valuable wetlands and wetland systems in all parts of the State.Urbanization and transportationprojects, particularly along majorriver systems, have causedconsiderable modification of ourwetlands and continue to threatenthem and their flood control capacity.The forested swamps of Providence,Kent, and Washington counties facethe greatest potential impacts fromcontinued population shifts andassociated development. Protectivebuffers notwithstanding, the estuarinehabitat of the State will remain underconstant pressure from increasing development of surrounding uplands and tributarywatersheds.The restoration of degraded wetlands has become an important goal for Rhode Island.State Guide Plan Element 155, A Greener Path: Greenspace and Greenways for RhodeIsland’s Future, called for restoring 100 acres of degraded wetlands per year.In the Land Suitability Analysis outlined in Part Four, wetlands were identified as anatural resource of State significance. Wetlands were one of the eight key naturalresources layers used in assigning initial land intensity potential classifications for theFuture Land Use 2025 map. Wetlands are recommended for conservation in the futureand are shown as a Conservancy Use on the map.Surface Water and GroundwaterSurface water resources are crucial not only for people as drinking water and forrecreation, but also for other forms of life in various ecological communities. Manyspecies of food and game fish and other wildlife depend upon streams for breeding,maturing, watering and feeding areas. Clean water in surface water bodies contributes tothe overall health of our environment.State Guide Plan Element 162, the Rhode Island Rivers and Policy Classification Plan,addresses this aspect of water resources. It endeavors to integrate water quality planningwith land use planning and with planning for activities such as recreation and habitatpreservation. The Plan is intended to provide clear, integrated, affirmative guidance forthe management and the protection of Rhode Island's water resources at the State, local,Land Use 2025: Rhode Island State Land Use Policies and Plan (April 2006)3-21