Currently, only 14% of the land in Westerly is protected as open space, although this figure increases to 32% when wetlands as are included as constrained and unbuildable land. Of the town's remaining land, 25% is neither developed nor protected, even though it is presently zoned for development. These areas might be considered for possible open space acquisition in the future.

As a result of the town's comprehensive plan, Westerly has developed a source of revenue to acquire and maintain open space for municipal needs. However, the Town has yet to implement its comprehensive plan objectives to acquire and link key parcels of open space for other purposes. Part of this failure results from the lack of a municipal land trust, which hinders the town when applying for funding as land becomes available, as well as from accepting land donations from residents. Westerly must therefore rely on three private land trusts, organizations like the Nature Conservancy and Audubon Society, and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for the protection of the town's open space.