For all development activities and resource utilization in the
Resource Conservation Areas, the applicant shall meet all of the following
standards:
A. Land use management practices shall be consistent with the policies
and criteria for the Habitat Protection Area provisions of this chapter.
B. Land within the Resource Conservation Area may be developed for residential
uses at a density not to exceed one dwelling unit per 20 acres.
C. Development activity within the Resource Conservation Areas shall
be consistent with the requirements and standards for Limited Development
Areas as specified in this chapter.
D. Nothing in this section shall limit the ability of a participant
in any agricultural easement program to convey real property impressed
with such an easement to family members, provided that no such conveyance
will result in a density greater than one dwelling unit per 20 acres.
Prior to commencing a development activity on a site in a Resource
Conservation Area, the applicant shall follow the following process:
A. A site-specific field investigation shall be conducted by the applicant
to identify forest areas, specimen trees, streams, wetlands, sensitive
environmental areas, and rare, threatened or endangered species habitats
that may be present. Forested areas and specimen trees shall be identified
and shown on all site development and subdivision plans in order to
ensure that appropriate protection measures are implemented.
B. The applicant shall prepare a plan clearly showing the limits of
disturbance for the project and forested areas to be conserved. The
applicant shall show appropriate temporary tree protection devices,
including fencing, signs, berms, etc., necessary to protect existing
trees and forest.
C. For projects that involve clearing or require afforestation, the
location of afforestation and reforestation areas shall be clearly
shown on a planting plan that will include all specifications for
implementing the planting and include a construction sequence and
proposed maintenance and monitoring agreement.
D. Afforestation and reforestation areas shall be monitored by the Town
for a period of two years following completion of the project, and
the developer will be responsible for replacing any trees or plantings
that do not survive and are necessary to maintain compliance with
the site plan and/or planting plan.