The Town of Tiverton will receive the largest share of $1.23 million in state grants announced Thursday to protect open space across Rhode Island, with a $500,000 award to conserve 49 acres of land overlooking Mount Hope Bay.
The grant will fund the acquisition of a conservation easement over the property, known as the Hicks parcel, in densely developed northern Tiverton. The project will secure the land for public access and protect a diverse woodland and shoreline.
The funding comes through the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s competitive Local Open Space Grant Program. Four projects across the state will receive matching grants to protect a combined 174 acres. The funding is made possible by the 2022 Green Bond, which was passed by Rhode Island voters and invests in preserving open space, improving recreational facilities, and cleaning up lands and waters.
“These grant awards will help preserve natural spaces that are so important for protecting both our environment and local communities,” Gov. Dan McKee said.
In addition to the Tiverton project, three other grants were awarded:
The West Greenwich Land Trust will receive a $391,000 grant to acquire 78 acres of farm and forestland that is home to an alfalfa operation on prime farmland soils and upland forest located between the Big River and Arcadia Management Areas. The property is located in an important groundwater protection area, and its conservation will help protect drinking water quality for local residents.
The Audubon Society of Rhode Island will receive a $200,000 grant to acquire 23 acres of key riverine habitat corridor and shrub swamp along the Hunt River, linking existing conservation land. Protection of the parcel supports diverse wildlife and provides flood storage and erosion control.
The Glocester Land Trust will receive a $142,500 grant to acquire 24 acres of forestland abutting the land trust’s Steere Hill Conservation Area. The land contains areas of important wetland habitat and high-quality streams, along with road frontage that will allow for auxiliary parking to the popular Steere Hill.
“DEM is proud to invest in communities and conservation organizations leading the charge to make Rhode Island greener, healthier, and more sustainable,” DEM Director Terry Gray said. “These grant awards will open more doors to the outdoors, protect and restore our vital water resources, preserve valuable farmland, and strengthen our ability to withstand the impacts of climate change.”
Municipalities, land trusts and nonprofit land conservation organizations were eligible to apply to the fiscal year 2026 Local Open Space Grant Program in May 2025. Applications were reviewed and ranked by McKee’s Natural Heritage Preservation Advisory Committee, with final awards made by the State Natural Heritage Preservation Commission. Grants of up to $500,000 covering up to 50% of project costs support projects that preserve or connect lands with significant natural, ecological or agricultural value.
Since 1985, more than 13,000 acres of land have been protected through the Local Open Space Grant Program.