The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has announced $1.23 million in grants to support the protection of 174 acres of open space across the state. The funds, made available through the 2022 Green Bond approved by voters, will go to four projects under DEM’s Local Open Space Grant Program.
“These grant awards will help preserve natural spaces that are so important for protecting both our environment and local communities,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Through DEM’s Local Open Space Grant Program, preserving green spaces, ensuring that they continue to provide resiliency and recreational benefits for generations of Rhode Islanders to come.”
DEM Director Terry Gray stated, “DEM is proud to invest in communities and conservation organizations leading the charge to make Rhode Island greener, healthier, and more sustainable. These grant awards will open more doors to the outdoors, protect and restore our vital water resources, preserve valuable farmland, and strengthen our ability to withstand the impacts of climate change, helping to ensure a more resilient future for Rhode Island’s communities, economy, and environment.”
Eligible applicants included municipalities, land trusts, and nonprofit land conservation organizations. Applications were reviewed by Governor Dan McKee’s Natural Heritage Preservation Advisory Committee with final decisions made by the State Natural Heritage Preservation Commission. Grants could cover up to half of project costs with a maximum award of $500,000.
The four grants awarded are as follows:
– Glocester Land Trust received $142,500 to acquire 24 acres adjacent to Steere Hill Conservation Area. The property includes wetland habitat and streams as well as road frontage for auxiliary parking.
– The Town of Tiverton was awarded $500,000 for a conservation easement on 49 acres overlooking Mount Hope Bay in northern Tiverton. This will secure public access and protect woodland and shoreline.
– Audubon Society of Rhode Island received $200,000 for 23 acres along Hunt River. This area provides riverine habitat connectivity while supporting wildlife and offering flood storage.
– West Greenwich Land Trust was granted $391,000 for 78 acres between Big River and Arcadia Management Areas. The property includes farmland and upland forest within an important groundwater protection zone.
Since its inception in 1985, over 13,000 acres have been protected through this program. These lands contribute significantly to tourism by offering opportunities such as camping, fishing, hunting, hiking and other outdoor activities.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment operates from its main office at DEM Headquarters in Providence where it handles permits and forestry programs according to its official website. The division works statewide overseeing agriculture and conservation on both public and private lands (source). It also partners with landowners through initiatives like the Farm, Forest and Open Space Act (source), offers services such as agricultural product registrations and forest stewardship planning (source), seeks to sustain agriculture while managing forests (source), and functions under the authority of DEM which manages all state natural resources (source).
For further information about DEM programs or updates on their work visit www.dem.ri.gov or follow their social media channels.
