For Release: July 17, 1998

Contact: Lisa Pelosi, (401) 222-2080, x 203

Pager (401) 745-0651

Governor Lincoln Almond today announced the permanent protection of 38 acres on Long Cove in Narragansett for public use. The property consists primarily of marshlands and contains a significant wetlands ecosystem, to be used by the public for fishing access, hiking on nature trails, and bird watching.

The land is being purchased for $550,000, with $351,500 of the purchase price funded from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) and $198,500 from the Champlin Foundations through The Nature Conservancy.

"Once again, we're pleased to be able to provide this purchase of wetlands property for the citizens of Rhode Island," Almond said, "and especially pleased to be able to purchase this area in South County. Our additional purchase of property near Westerly announced yesterday helps us all in our efforts to preserve these areas."

The Department of Environmental Management and the Town of Narragansett successfully negotiated with the owner, Bass Rock Farm Associates, for the acquisition of 17 acres and a donation of another 21 acres. The town will hold ownership of the property and a conservation easement will be held by DEM. The property will be managed by the Narragansett Land Conservancy Trust.

"This is tremendous news for Rhode Islanders," DEM Director Andy McLeod said. "Along with the acquisition of Winnapaug Pond in Westerly, it means the preservation of almost 125 acres of valuable wetlands and migratory bird habitat on our south shore."

Senator John Chafee, an original author of the NAWCA in 1989, said, "I am thrilled to celebrate the closing of this deal to protect precious wetlands. These projects help us to meet the habitat protection goals of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, a fantastic program that helps state, local and non-profit groups preserve wetlands."