A.
Rapid population growth, the spread of development
and increasing demands upon natural resources are encroaching upon
or disturbing many of the wetlands within the Town of Shelter Island,
which, if preserved and maintained in an undisturbed and natural condition,
are a highly important natural resource, as well as a physical, social,
aesthetic, recreational and economic asset to the Town.
B.
Wetlands constitute one of the most vital and productive
areas in the natural world and collectively have many values including
but not limited to marine food chain productions, wildlife habitat,
conveyance of flood- and stormwater, outdoor recreation, waterfowl
production, protection of water quality and reduction in sediment,
protection of groundwater recharge and discharge, sedimentation control,
education and research, open space and aesthetic appreciation, and
fisheries production. Therefore, the protection and preservation of
both tidal and freshwater wetlands are essential.
C.
The Shelter Island Comprehensive Plan calls for regulatory
action which establishes a goal to protect the functions and values
of the Town's sensitive wetlands. It is the purpose of this chapter
to provide for the protection, preservation, proper maintenance and
use of the Town's wetlands by preventing or minimizing erosion due
to flooding and stormwater runoff, by maintaining the natural groundwater
supplies, preserving and protecting the purity, utility, water retention
capability, protecting and encouraging natural plant and wildlife
diversity, ecological functions, recreational usefulness and natural
beauty of all wetlands, and other related features of the terrain,
and by providing and protecting appropriate habitats for natural wildlife.
It is the policy of this chapter that there shall be no net loss of
wetlands due to development or other activities.
D.
The Town Board of the Town of Shelter Island hereby
finds and declares it to be the public policy of the Town to preserve,
protect, and maintain the functions and values of its wetlands and
the benefits derived therefrom, to regulate their use and development
in order to prevent their despoliation and destruction. Such policy
is consistent with the Town's Comprehensive Plan and the general health
and welfare of its inhabitants and the beneficial, economic and social
development of the Town.
E.
The properties
in the Causeway Overlay District are especially sensitive wetlands
areas which are prone to frequent flooding. The Town has a special
causeway wetlands permit requirement for properties in this zone which
establishes standards and procedures for minimizing and preventing
damage to development from coastal flooding and to protect natural
protective features and other natural resources, which includes native
vegetation. The goal will be to minimize or prevent damage or destruction
to manmade property, private and public property, natural protective
features, viewscapes and other natural resources.
[Added 12-2-2011 by L.L. No. 7-2011]
