 |
|
2/13/2018
|
Sen. Sheehan announces DEM grant for Gilbert Stuart green space in North Kingstown
|
 STATE HOUSE — Sen. James C. Sheehan (D-Dist. 36, Narragansett, North Kingstown) has announced that the Department of Environmental Management has awarded an open space matching grant for $124,500 to help North Kingstown protect valuable green space.
The grant, which will be used to acquire a 5.3 acre vegetated peninsula on Gilbert Stuart Road that extends into Carr Pond, was made possible by the 2016 Green Economy Bond, which was passed overwhelmingly by Rhode Island voters, and invests $35 million in preserving open space, improving recreational facilities, and cleaning up lands and waters.
“I am gratified to see that the Gilbert Stuart green space is among those that received the Green Economy Bond grant money,” said Senator Sheehan. “This habitat is extremely important to migratory birds and provides drinking water protection. This is a smart investment for the whole state — one that preserves our natural resources for generations.”
The property is located in an area with significant protected open space and its acquisition fills in the last remaining gap around Carr Pond with a ring of protected land.
Grants were awarded to help preserve lands that offer significant natural, ecological or agricultural value and those that connect or expand existing protected lands. DEM's successful open space grant program has provided funding for the preservation of over 10,000 acres of land across the state since its inception in 1985.
DEM has worked with partners in every municipality to complete 172 easement transactions with land trusts and local communities to date, furthering the mission of preserving Rhode Island's precious resources and increasing the public's access and enjoyment of our natural lands.
Over the years this grant program has resulted in the protection of places used by residents and tourists alike for outdoor recreation – and has also contributed to the economic health of the state. These natural assets play a big role in the state's tourist economy by providing opportunities for the public to camp, fish, hunt, hike, and enjoy the great outdoors, and at the same time bring revenue to the local economy.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
|
|