click map to enlarge [RIGIS]

This map shows where there is protected openspace in South Kingstown. This includes land held by the Audubon society and The nature conservancy. It also includes openspace held by the town and state (openspace and wildlife management areas). A map like this could possibly be used along with maps from other towns in order to take a more regional approach to protecting openspace.

Notable Protection Strategies:

1. Zoning Ordinances: Not all the land in South Kingstown will be developed, because of zoning restrictions. Cluster zoning is an example of how open space might be created.

2. Land inventory: If there is a clear inventory of what the town has then it will be easier for prioritization.

3. Working with conservation organizations: South Kingstown has proved willing to work with agencies such as the Nature Conservancy and Audubon in order to aquire openspace. Towns can also work togther to create open space that is more continuous.

4. State Programs that help protect open space include: Farm, Forest and Open Space Program (tax assessor's office), Open Space and Recreation bond, The agricultural Land Preservation Program and several more.

5.Public education: involving and educating the public can result in public easements, donations and purchase of development rights.

There are other stratefies as well. All strategies are intended to work together to provide more open space in order to help the ecological community and the quality of life in South Kingstown.