Buffer preserves include lands managed by the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection on the mainland and the natural islands.

The management goals of the buffer preserves are to:

(a) Conserve and preserve natural values of ecosystems;

(b) Provide public access and recreation that is compatible with natural and cultural resource conservation;

(c) Protect and preserve wetlands, natural and water resources of adjacent aquatic preserves, parks and other special management areas administered by either the department or other state, federal or local government authorities;

(d) Protect and preserve native plant and animal species and natural communities, particularly any that are endangered or threatened;

(e) Restore natural communities and original ecosystem functions, which have been historically degraded;

(f) Protect cultural resources; and

(g) Enhance public appreciation for natural and cultural diversity.