The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced today the permanent protection of 125 acres of forested land in North Kingstown for public recreational use, including hunting. The D’Ambra property, which abuts a spur of Silver Spring Lake and contains the headwater tributaries of the Mattatuxet River, was purchased with a $1.25 million grant from the US Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) Wildlife Restoration Program.

“Forests perform many valuable ecological functions and are central to state efforts to preserve biodiversity and increase resilience to climate change, so to be able to preserve this swath of pristine forestland and help protect the Narrow River watershed at the same time is a huge win for the public,” said DEM Director Terry Gray.

The conservation of the D’Ambra property will add to more than 1,100 acres of protected lands in the Narrow River Watershed and help to further protect the water quality of the Mattatuxet and waters downstream, including Shady Lea Brook, Carr Pond, and the Narrow River.

The D’Ambra property will be open to the public and hunting and fishing will be allowed. The Federal Wildlife Restoration Program, also known as the Pittman-Robertson Act, is a user-pay, user-benefit program that is derived from excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, and arrow components, and is apportioned to states to support wildlife restoration and conservation programs.

The State Land Conservation Program purchases ecologically valuable land to enhance DEM’s management areas, parks, and forest lands. Funding for these acquisitions is made possible by State Open Space Bonds, with contributions from municipalities, land trusts, and from various federal programs. Since 1985, over 20,000 acres of land have been protected.

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov

The Latest from What'sUpNewp

Snacks and other food items banned in the US

Stacker explores snacks and other food items banned in the U.S. From tasty cheeses to the famed Scottish dish haggis, these 30 foods aren’t welcome in most of the United States.

Jerry Frear: What is an intention in personal growth

When it comes to growth, setting intentions is essential. It helps focus on what we want to achieve, and make progress towards the goals. Without intention, it is easy to get sidetracked and lose sight of what we truly want to accomplish.

Loading...

Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.

Ryan Belmore is the Owner and Publisher of What'sUpNewp.  Belmore has been involved with What’sUpNewp since shortly after its launch in 2012, proudly leading it to be named Best Local News Blog in...