Rhode Island § 46-33-2 - Freshwater Lake Management Program

§ 46-33-2.  Rhode Island lake management program — Established.

(a) The department shall develop and implement a lake management program. The program shall include the following elements:

(1) Field surveys and mapping to document the presence of aquatic invasive species in freshwaters;

(2) Development and provision of guidance and technical assistance to lake associations, watershed organizations, and municipalities interested in undertaking lake management actions;

(3) Coordination of the implementation of lake management actions, where appropriate;

(4) Oversight of lake management policy and program development;

(5) Distribution of financial assistance for lake management, including control of aquatic invasive plants, as resources allow; and

(6) Other activities consistent with the powers and duties assigned to the department in § 42-17.1-2(34).

(b) Upon receipt of funding, the department shall establish procedures and rules for the distribution of lake management grants consistent with the following provisions:

(1) Entities eligible to apply for assistance shall include lake associations, watershed associations, municipal governments, and other nonprofit, non-governmental environmental and conservation organizations.

(2) Projects involving lakes and ponds located wholly within a privately owned property and that lack public access to the waterbody are not eligible for assistance.

(3) Projects involving lakes and ponds that lack public access, excepting those excluded in subsection (b)(2) of this section, may be eligible to apply for financial assistance provided the department determines that active management is necessary to protect publicly accessible freshwater resources.

(4) Projects shall be solicited through a publicly advertised process.

(5) Projects shall require a matching contribution of funds.

(6) Eligible projects are determined by the department to be technically sound and appropriate to mitigate an existing aquatic invasive species management, water quality, or aquatic habitat concern.

(7) Funding is used to design and implement specific lake management actions.