CRS-105 



and the Rhode Island act definition includes swamps larger than three acres 

 and marshes larger than 10 acres. 148 / 



Almost all programs regulate dredge or material removal and fill in one 

 way or another. Other objectives of different State programs include pro- 

 tection of fish spawning and duck nesting areas, aquifer recharge areas, 

 hunting areas, rare plants and animals, scientific research areas, scenic 

 beauty, and certain ecological functions, and flood storage and pollution 

 control. 149 / Many State programs also exempt certain uses. 



Legislation creating many of these programs touches on similar topics, 

 including 



1. legislative finding of fact concerning wetland losses; 



2. statement of statutory purposes and policy; 



3. definition of wetlands; 



4. authorization for a designated agency to map wetlands; 



5. delegation of powers to regulate wetland uses directly or indirectly; 



6. requirement that landowners seek permits for certain kinds of land 

 uses in wetland areas; 



7. penalties for violating standards; and 



8. appeal procedures. 150 / 



Table 3 summarizes several characteristics of State programs including 

 coverage, regulatory roles, and program features. Some States treat all wet- 

 lands equally, while others combine a general regulatory approach with a more 



148 / U.S. Department of the Interior. Strengthening State Wetland Regu- 

 lations, p. 17. 



149 / Kusler, Regulating Sensitive Lands, p. 34. 



150/ Ibid., p. 11. 



