ATTACHMENT 12. - GUIDANCE ON LOCATING SPECIES OF STATE CONCERN AND THEIR HABITATS

The Land Development and Subdivision Regulations identifies "habitat of species of state concern" as land unsuitable for development (Sec. 23-54, page CDB:40).

Article II (d) of the Tiverton Zoning ordinance defines "Unsuitable Land" as "Any unique sites having significant historic or archeological value, or consisting of an endangered or threatened species habitat, as defined by the appropriate state or federal agency".

In order to comply with the mandates of the Subdivision Regulations and the Zoning Ordinance, a peer reviewed professional study must be concluded to identify the presence or absence of habitat of endangered or threatened species as part of the development site plan review process.

The study should include a biological survey and inventory by a qualified biologist(s) to determine the name and location of habitat of species of state concern. If a proposed development site is partially located in the Natural Heritage map area (see attached map), the entire site must be investigated.

If habitat(s) are confirmed, the study should also include a conservation plan to mitigate any adverse effects of development on the habitat(s).

The study must be based on a field survey and appropriate data bases must be consulted. These include databases of the RIDEM Natural Heritage Program, the RI Natural History Survey, R.I. Wild Plant Society, The Nature Conservancy RI Chapter, the New England Plan Conservation Program and NatureServe.

The study will be reviewed by an environmental consulting firm of the Planning Board's choosing and the cost of this review will be paid by the applicant.