E Easement A right given by the owner of land to another party for specific limited use of that land such as wildlife conservation or creation of natural habitat. Ecosystem A more or less self-contained biological community together with the physical environment in which the community's organisms occur. Endangered species Any species of fish, wildlife, or plants which have been designated as such by regulation by the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources. Designation occurs when the continued existence of these species as viable components of the State's resources is determined to be in jeopardy. Estuaries A somewhat restricted body of water where the flow of freshwater mixes with saltier water transported, by tide, from the ocean.
Estuaries are the most productive water bodies in the world.
F Finding A determination or conclusion based on the evidence presented and prepared by a hearings body in support of its decision. Local jurisdiction Boards of Appeal are required by the Critical Area Law to hold a public hearing to hear evidence when they receive a petition for a variance, special exception, rezoning, or appeal of a planning official's decision. When it presents its decision the body is required to demonstrate, in writing, that the facts presented in evidence support its decision in conformance with the law. The Critical Area Law requires findings of hardship, that the proposed development activity will not adversely affect water quality or adversely impact fish, wildlife, or plant habitat within the critical area, and be in harmony with the general spirit and intent of the Critical Area Law before the Board of Appeal can grant of a variance to Critical Area regulations. Forest A biological community dominated by trees and other woody plants.