WASHINGTON – The U.S. Forest Service will set aside $3 million to protect 1,100 acres of land in Coventry and West Greenwich, which will be designated a Forest Legacy Project, under a plan announced this afternoon by U.S. Sen. Jack Reed.
Known as the Shepard property, it is part of the state’s North-South Corridor – one of the largest forested stretches in southern New England; the region’s average wooded parcel in the region is less than 10 acres – and connects thousands of acres of existing conservation land.
“The forested North-South Corridor is a special natural treasure, providing an important habitat for many rare species of plant and animals, including neotropical migratory songbirds,” Reed said in a statement. “Its location at the head of the Wood River and its proximity to other forested land makes it a valuable resource to the entire state.”
Like woodlands elsewhere this parcel has been threatened by road and residential development, the senator said. It includes the headwaters of the scenic Wood River, which the local chapter of The Nature Conservancy says is known for its native brook trout, hawks and warblers, beavers and wood turtles, damselflies and rare dragonflies.
“Senator Reed really delivered for the people of Rhode Island in securing these Forest Legacy Funds,” said Janet Coit, director of the conservancy’s Rhode Island chapter, adding: “The federal grant money will be used to match the state, local and private funds already devoted to this project … providing critical funds to carry off this conservation effort.”
Reed added, “This is a great example of the important work that can be achieved when federal, state and local governments work together with private organizations.”
Besides The Nature Conservancy, the project has been supported by the R.I. Department of Environmental Management and the towns of West Greenwich and Coventry.
The Forest Service is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Its Forest Legacy Program works with states to help protect environmentally sensitive woodlands, focusing on the acquisition of conservation easements on privately owned lands. Matching funds of at least 25 percent must come from state, local or private sources. Additional information can be found at na.fs.fed.us.
