Unique Approaches: Legislative Efforts - State

This study identified two state legislations and one initiative that are deemed worthy of emulation by all states in New England. 1.) The Massachusetts River Protection Act, Chapter 258 of The Acts of 1996, protects, from development, a 200 foot wide buffer of land on both sides of each flowing river, stream and brook and 400 feet along each lake shore. This level of protection maintains high water quality and provides an opportunity for developing recreation trails along river corridors. Since the great majority of the land in the buffer areas is private, it takes years or decades of negotiations to gain public access to these areas. However, this act provides the legal framework for an eventual statewide riverine network of greenways. As more states adopt this level of protection, it will become easier to visualize a national greenway system. 2.) The 1995 Rhode Island Greenways Act (RI General Laws, Chap. 42-125) brings together state environmental, and economic development agencies to implement the Rhode Island Statewide Greenways Plan. Rhode Island is the only state in America that is known to have legislation designed to coordinate greenway efforts, assist greenway creation and provide public information about the state's greenway system. This exciting legislation provides support for all levels of greenway development throughout the state. 3.) A Rhode Island State initiative created a statewide greenway map for wide public distribution. Just like road maps provide essential information to all traveling residents and visitors from other states, greenway maps may help residents and visitors gain access to the varied recreational and cultural resources of their states. Such maps can become important tools to enhance the use of greenways and increase tourism in the future.