The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has conserved 70 acres at Gull Cove in Portsmouth, using $880,000 from the Bouchard B120 Oil Spill settlement. The newly protected area includes salt marsh habitat and coastal uplands along the northwestern shoreline of Gull Cove, an intertidal estuary next to the Sakonnet River.
With this acquisition, DEM now manages the entire north shore of Gull Cove, which also includes a 16.75-acre parcel recently transferred from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation. The conservation effort aims to preserve wetlands and create a buffer that supports inland migration of coastal habitats as sea levels rise due to climate change. The land is important for foraging, roosting, and breeding birds that depend on salt marshes.
“Gull Cove is a true state treasure; a thriving coastal ecosystem that provides critical bird habitat while offering opportunities for shellfishing, paddling, and birdwatching,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “The conservation of this parcel provided a unique opportunity to add to the smaller DEM property already at Gull Cove, allowing for even better coastal access opportunities in Portsmouth while further enhancing the area’s wildlife habitat. Preserving this extraordinary stretch of coastline with Bouchard B-120 funds marks a significant conservation milestone and a lasting victory for the people of Rhode Island.”
In 2003, nearly 98,000 gallons of fuel oil spilled from the Bouchard B-120 barge into Buzzards Bay in Massachusetts. The spill affected about 100 miles of shoreline across Massachusetts and Rhode Island and harmed wildlife habitats and recreational activities. In response, natural resource agencies reached a settlement to restore impacted resources and lost recreation opportunities. Agencies involved included DEM, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EEA), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Restoration work at Gull Cove will focus on improving marshland health and facilitating migration as conditions change over time. Design planning is underway with funding support from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). DEM’s Division of Fish & Wildlife will manage the site for both habitat protection and outdoor recreation.
DEM’s Land Conservation Program acquires ecologically valuable land to enhance management areas such as parks or forest lands throughout Rhode Island. These efforts are funded by State Open Space Bonds along with contributions from municipalities, land trusts, federal programs, and other partners. Since 1985, more than 20,000 acres have been protected statewide.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment supports local agriculture through grant programs like Farm Energy Program or Organic Certification Cost Share Reimbursement; it also offers inspections for plant exporters as well as permit services for farms. Its mission includes sustaining agricultural viability within Rhode Island, organizing programs that promote sustainability in agriculture or forestry sectors, administering Local Agriculture & Seafood Act grants, registering produce farms,and managing land protection initiatives.
For updates on DEM programs or events visit www.dem.ri.gov or follow them on social media channels.
