Town Code § 32.18 POWERS AND DUTIES GENERALLY.
(A) The Conservation Commission shall have such powers and duties as are prescribed in R.I. Gen. Laws ' 45]35]1 et seq. and shall have as its objectives: to promote and develop the natural resources; to protect the watershed resources; and to preserve natural aesthetic areas within the town.
(B) Such Commission shall conduct researches into its local land areas and shall seek to coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes, and may advertise, prepare, print and distribute books, maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which units judgment it deems necessary for its work, subject to the availability of funds for such purposes. It shall make and keep an index of all open spaces within the town publicly or privately owned including open marshlands, swamps and other wetlands, for the purpose of obtaining information on the proper use of such areas. It may recommend to the Council a program for the better promotion, development, utilization, or preservation of open areas, streams, shores, wooded areas, roadsides, swamps, marshlands, and natural aesthetic areas.
§ 32.20 ASSISTANCE FORM OTHER DEPARTMENTS.
The Commission, in carrying out its program, may call on other departments, boards or agencies of the town for such information, assistance or advice as may conveniently be rendered by the departments, boards or agencies, and may advertise, prepare, print or distribute maps, charts, plans and pamphlets which, in its judgment, it deems necessary for its work within the limit of any funds that may be provided for such work. ('73 Code, ' 2]40) (Ord. passed 8]1]66; Am. Ord. passed 4]6]83)
§ 32.21 CONSULTATION WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS, COMPLIANCE WITH MASTER PLAN.
The Commission, prior to making any findings, shall consult with any other department, board or agency of the town that may be in any way directly or indirectly affected thereby, and shall be entitled to receive from any other department, board or agency information concerning any plans, projects or contemplated work that will affect the program or objectives of the Commission. Any action relating to land use or other physical aspects of the town shall be in general conformance with any master plan that may have been adopted by the Council. ('73 Code, ' 2]41) (Ord. passed 8]1]66; Am. Ord. passed 4]6]83)
§ 32.22 GIFTS TO COMMISSION.
The Commission may receive gifts of funds, lands, buildings or other properties in the name of the town, subject to the approval of the Council, and may thereafter manage the same in accordance with the objectives set forth in this division, and the purposes set forth in title 45, chapter 35 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, 1956. This authority shall not be construed or exer cised to deny to the people free access to such lands, or to any other land held by or for the town for recreational purposes. ('73 Code, ' 2]42) (Ord. passed 8]1]66; Am. Ord. passed 4]6]83)
Source: Commission web page. Accessed March 22, 2011.
