EXETER – As part of a long-term conservation effort to protect the “headwaters” areas of the state’s watershed, The Nature Conservancy in Rhode Island has purchased a 75-acre property in Exeter.
The group last month paid $600,000 for the former Talbot property, which borders the 1,500-acre preserve area that it already owns in Exeter and West Greenwich. Funding for the purchase came from The Champlin Foundations and the state.“This project protects a stunning property and also plays a key role in protecting drinking water supplies,” TNC State Director Janet Coit said in a statement. “We thank the R.I. Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and The Champlin Foundations for their leadership and support in conserving the Talbot tract and dozens of other properties like it around the state. Thanks to this 20-year partnership, the Conservancy has protected 30,000 acres across Rhode Island for all to enjoy.”
The Talbot family had owned the property for more than 40 years. According to TNC, the property provides migratory songbird habitat and protects the groundwater resources of the Queens River.
DEM Director W. Michael Sullivan added, “The Queens River is one of the state’s natural treasures. Through the long-term partnership … we are now closer than ever to seeing the watershed conserved for future generations to enjoy.”
