Redevelopment of Quonset Point/Davisville NorthKingstown, RI
Development in Rare Species Habitat
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Data Analysis
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Data Collected
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Rare
Species Habitat
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total
area covered
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previously
developed
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proposed
development
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proposed
protection
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Grasshopper
Sparrow
upland
Sandpiper Least Tern
|
415
acres (13% of property
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382
acres (92%)
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408
acres (98%)
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7
acres (2%)
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The Grasshopper Sparrow and upland Sandpiper are State Endangered Species that use the inter-runway grasslands of the airport as nesting habitat. The Least Tern is a State Threatened Species that nests on the beach adjacent to the northern part of the airport. Presently, there is no plan for protecting their habitats. EDC is aware that these birds occupy the property, but do not specify how they plan to maintain their habitats. These birds have obviously adapted well to the human-built environment, but once this property is fully developed, there will be much more of an impact on them. It would be better if in the next plan for development, EDC shows that it recognizes this future change in their habitat and is planning on protecting and maintaining these areas used by State Endangered and Threatened birds.