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Kingston briefed on new state wetlands rules; local wetlands to receive heightened protection
Summary
CAC members told the committee that new federal-to-state regulatory changes, effective Dec. 31, designate Kingston wetlands as 'wetlands of unusual importance' and will expand protections in the coming year.
The Conservation Advisory Council briefed the committee on recent wetlands regulatory changes that the presenter said change what areas are protected and will result in Kingston wetlands being designated wetlands of unusual importance.
Emily Hauser said a federal change prompted new state regulations that took effect on Dec. 31. "Kingston is our wetlands will all be considered wetlands of unusual importance because we are urban," she said, explaining that the new rules alter protections and that the city will need to work through what the changes mean over the next year.
The CAC said it will coordinate with state agencies and local planning staff to understand the new rules and to provide guidance to developers and the public. The presentation framed the change as significant for development review and planning, and staff indicated more work would follow to interpret the rules locally.
No formal action was taken at the meeting; the committee received the briefing as information and the CAC said it would continue to monitor implementation and provide resources to the council and planning staff.
