As the map to the right illustrates, the State of Rhode Island owns a large swath of land in the heart of Charlestown. This is Burlingame State Park which provides recreational access to Watchaug Pond, and has boating, swimming, and campsite facilities. The State also protects parts of Charlestown's shoreline. The town owns Ninigret Park which has trails, picnic grounds, ball fields, and a swimming pond which is nestled next to Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge. Scattered around the town's surface water are branching systems of wetlands which are also protected.

Why Is Protected Openspace and Acquisition Important?

• It is an essential attribute of the town's "rural character."
• It is therefore key to the town's top industry of tourism.
• It is an effective growth management tool in limiting residential sprawl.