Ocean State Today

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced the conservation of 7.31 acres of coastal land on Winnapaug Pond in a collaborative effort with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Senator Jack Reed, Governor Dan McKee, the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC), the Town of Westerly, and Save The Bay. The project was funded through a $2.635 million grant from the National Coastal Zone Management Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The funds enabled the DEM to purchase a conservation easement from the Town of Westerly for the Sorensen property, a six-acre salt marsh previously known as Water Wizz, securing the habitat against development. This conservation effort aims to enhance public access, protect valuable habitats, and buffer nearby areas from the effects of climate change and sea-level rise.

Senator Jack Reed stated, “This federal funding will help protect Rhode Island’s natural resources while improving coastal resiliency and enhancing shoreline access to Winnapaug Pond. The $2.6 million we delivered in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help Westerly and the state preserve this coastal gem and ensure it remains a family-oriented place and a real community asset."

Senator Whitehouse emphasized the importance of the investment, saying, “This federal investment, made possible by our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help protect businesses and homes in Westerly from rising seas and increasingly dangerous storms, while broadening shoreline access.”

Governor Dan McKee highlighted the significance of protecting Rhode Island's coastlines as a hallmark of the state, noting, “Protecting this land not only improves public access to Winnapaug Pond, but also strengthens our state’s conservation resilience efforts.”

DEM Director Terry Gray expressed gratitude for the funding and partnerships that made the project possible. “This property represents a major win for coastal habitat preservation, climate resiliency, and public shoreline access,” said Gray.

Jeffrey Willis, Executive Director of the CRMC, remarked on the project's significance in promoting habitat restoration and public access, adding, "Through this NOAA funding and in cooperation with DEM and the Town of Westerly, we'll be able to promote habitat restoration, enhance public access, and reduce coastal hazards in this dynamic environment."

Westerly Town Administrator Shawn Lacey highlighted the benefits for the local community and visitors, stating, “This partnership and investment will protect the property for many generations to enjoy.”

Save The Bay Director of Recreation Wenley Ferguson noted the benefits of the conservation, saying, “Protecting this unique parcel will provide an area for our valuable coastal habitats to migrate as sea levels rise while enhancing public access to Winnapaug Pond and creating environmental education opportunities.”

The project includes developing a management plan for public recreation on Winnapaug Pond, expected to be completed by November 2025, with a restoration plan focusing on regrading, native vegetation planting, invasive plant removal, and improved stormwater management. Public access features, such as permeable paths and a paddlecraft launch, will also be created.

For more information about DEM programs, visit their website at www.dem.ri.gov, or follow their social media updates on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.