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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DEM PRESERVES SIGNIFICANT FORESTLAND PARCEL IN CHARLESTOWN PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces that it has preserved a significant 43-acre forested parcel in Charlestown through the purchase of a conservation easement.The property lies within the drainage basin of Worden's Pond, the single largest freshwater wetlands system in the state; contains a diverse selection of rare plants, animals, and unique habitats such as oak/heath forest habitat and bog; and abuts lands already protected by the federal forest legacy program, the South Kingstown Land Trust, and The Nature Conservancy. Access to the property, which remains in private hands, will be allowed for scientific study and for occasional walks by conservation groups. The owner, Larry Webster, will manage the property to protect the important resource values that forested lands provide, such as protection of water resources, fish and wildlife habitat, and scientific and educational opportunities, guided by a written forest management plan approved by DEM's Division of Forest Environment. DEM acquired the conservation easement with a $363,000 grant from the US Forest Service's forest legacy program and $61,000 in state open space bond funds. In addition, Mr. Webster donated a portion of the value of the easement. To date, Rhode Island has been granted over $4 million in forest legacy funds to preserve nearly 2,000 acres of important forest land, keeping it from conversion to non-forest uses. -30- |
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