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Open Space
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As stated in New Shoreham's Comprehensive Plan
(1994), "the viability of Block Island's
economy depends upon its open space and recreation."
Forty rare or endangered species, including several
federally endangered species and numerous other
native species make up the island's unique ecosystems.
Endangered species survival is dependent on the
preseravtion of open space on the island
A recent
survey conducted by the Block Island Land Trust
found that 88% of year round residents want to
see continued land preservation. (Scott
Comings, personal communication, 2001)
Protected Open Space Map (right): Open
space has been consistently aquired on block island
by the various conservation agencies since 1970.
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Protected
Open Space: Currently approximately 1/3 of
the island's land is preserved as open space,
including 200 acres protected in the past two
years alone. In recent decades, several private,
non-profit organizations, along with the local
government's Conservation Commission have driven
this land preservation movement .
(graph from the
proposed revision of the New Shoreham Comprehensive
Plan, 2001)
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| Organizations
Involved in Block Island Open Space Protection
The
Nature Conservancy
(401-466-2129)- This international organization
dedicated to preserving the habitats of rare and
endangered species has named Block Island one
of the world's last 12 great places? It has had
played a large role on the island since the 1970s,
and it established a local headquarters on Block
Island in 1991
The Block Island Conservancy
(401-466-3111)-
Founded in 1972 by local residents, this is the
oldest of the island's land preservation groups.
The organization aquires land with contributions
for habitat and viewshed preservation and recreational
uses.
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The Committee for the Great
Salt Pond (401-466-5061)- This local grass-roots
organization is concerned with the preservation of the
fragile salt pond ecosystem.
The Block Island Land Trust (401-466-3207)
This is a governmental organization, founded in 1987
through state and local legislation, which is funded
by a 3% property transfer tax and devotes this money
to preserving open space for recreation and habitat
preservation purposes. In recent years this tax has
amounted to roughly $1 per year in funds. BILT is run
by elected trustees. In late April the Land Trust appealed
to the town council for bonding authority of up to $10
million "saying that the figure was consistent,
based on inflated land values, with the $3 million in
bonding authority it had when it was established. The
council has referred the proposal for voter approval.
(Weaver. "Land Trust Bonding Stirs Debate."
The Block
Island Times. 4/21/2001.)
Town of New Shoreham-
The town strives to protect open space with a focus
on recreational uses.
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