Under the Freshwater Wetlands Act, Ordinary wetlands require a transition area of what minimum width from all development?

Under the Freshwater Wetlands Act, the correct answer regarding transition areas for Ordinary wetlands is that an average of 50 feet is required, but this can be adjusted down to a minimum of 25 feet based on certain conditions. This concept is essential for maintaining the ecological integrity of wetlands while allowing for development, emphasizing the importance of buffer zones to mitigate impacts from nearby construction or land use changes.

The rationale for having a transition area is rooted in the need to provide a buffer to protect wetlands from the effects of adjacent developments, which can include pollutants, sedimentation, and habitat disruption. The ability to "flex" the average transition area down to as low as 25 feet acknowledges that sometimes site-specific assessments can justify a reduced buffer, but still necessitates a minimum to ensure some level of protection remains in place.

By establishing these criteria, the law reflects a balance between environmental preservation and the rights of property owners to develop their land responsibly.