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Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401. 222. 4700 | www. dem. ri. gov | @RhodeIslandDEM CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mike Healey, 401-258-0787 Wednesday, April 5, 2023 Michael. Healey@ dem. ri. gov
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<p style="margin:0in"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Impact",sans-serif;color:#00457A">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#00457A">235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401.222.4700 |</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">
</span><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">
</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#00457A">| @RhodeIslandDEM</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:</span></b><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Mike Healey, 401-258-0787 Wednesday, April 5, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:Michael.Healey@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Michael.Healey@dem.ri.gov</span></a><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">PRISTINE, 84-ACRE SWATH OF CUMBERLAND WATERSHED IS 200<sup>TH</sup><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">LOCAL OPEN SPACE PROPERTY ACQUISITION IN STATE HISTORY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="color:#201F1E;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p>
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</v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_s1027" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Explore Beyond the Barway at Cumberland Land Trust's Newest Preserve." style='position:absolute;margin-left:236.8pt;margin-top:.4pt;width:4in;height:3in;z-index:251661312;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:right;mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin;mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:margin;mso-height-relative:margin'>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="384" height="288" style="width:4.0in;height:3.0in" src="cid:image006.jpg@01D96863.B18A4460" align="right" hspace="12" alt="Explore Beyond the Barway at Cumberland Land Trust's Newest Preserve." v:shapes="Picture_x0020_3"><![endif]><span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#201F1E;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">PROVIDENCE,
RI – </span></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Governor Dan McKee, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), the Town of Cumberland, and the Cumberland Land Trust today are announcing the protection of a pristine,
84-acre swath of forested land including tributaries of two reservoirs that are critical drinking water resources for residents of the Blackstone Valley.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xparagraph" style="margin:0in;background:white;vertical-align:baseline">
<span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoCaption"><b><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:windowtext">The Cumberland Land Trust’s newest preserve is the result of this open space acquisition. Credit: Lauren Miller-Donnelly</span></b><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:windowtext"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="xparagraph" style="margin:0in;background:white;vertical-align:baseline">
<span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="xparagraph" style="margin:0in;background:white;vertical-align:baseline">
<span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">The $830,000 acquisition of the Joseph and Amy Cracco property, nestled along the north side of Tower Hill Road and abutting Diamond Hill Management Area in rural Cumberland, is the 200<sup>th</sup>
property that has been protected through </span><span style="color:black"><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/planning-development/land-conservation"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">the DEM Local Open Space
Grant Program</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> since its start in 1985. Partners in the transaction include the Pawtucket Water Supply Board, which provided $180,000 toward the final purchase cost; the Town
of Cumberland, which contributed $175,000; and the Cumberland Land Trust, which contributed $75,000. The state’s $400,000 share, administered through the Local Open Space Grant Program, originated in financing from the
</span><span style="color:black"><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/green-bond-2016-green-economy-bond"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">2016</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> and
</span><span style="color:black"><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/green-bond-2018-green-economy-clean-water-bond"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">2019</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">
</span><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">green bonds, which voters approved by margins exceeding 70%.</span><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xparagraph" style="margin:0in;background:white;vertical-align:baseline">
<span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">“Being a lifelong Cumberland resident and knowing this special place as I do, it’s exciting to be a part of preserving it for future generations and to know that the state is doing so
much good through the Local Open Space Grant Program,” said Governor McKee. “Preserving Rhode Island’s natural resources and increasing the public’s access to and enjoyment of outdoor spaces benefits our residents and our economy many times over.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">“The acquisition of the Cracco property with its irreplaceable natural habitats and permanent preservation as open space is something that Cumberland residents should be proud of, as
is the tremendous amount of collaboration that made it possible,” said Cumberland Mayor Jeffrey J. Mutter. “Since 1989 and with the
</span><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style='position:absolute;margin-left:294pt;margin-top:.1pt;width:345.2pt;height:268.5pt;z-index:251660288;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:right;mso-position-horizontal-relative:margin;mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:text;mso-width-percent:0;mso-height-percent:0;mso-width-relative:margin;mso-height-relative:margin'>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><img width="460" height="358" style="width:4.7916in;height:3.7291in" src="cid:image007.jpg@01D96863.B18A4460" align="right" hspace="12" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_2"><![endif]><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">leadership
of the Cumberland Land Trust, our town has protected more than 700 acres of land through purchase, donation, and conservation easements. I’m sure hikers, birdwatchers, and other users will love coming to this property.”</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">“DEM’s land conservation programs including the Local Open Space Grant Program leverage voter-approved bond funds to support and promote access to outdoor recreational activities, farmland
preservation, habitat protection, and open space conservation,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “DEM is thrilled to partner with cities, towns, and organizations throughout Rhode Island that work hard to protect open space in their communities.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">“Conserving this land has many important benefits,” said Cumberland Land Trust President Randy Tuomisto. “In particular, conserving core forest habitats has proven critical for the long-term
persistence of rare species and other species of conservation concern. We are grateful for DEM’s Local Open Space Grant Program, without which this project would not have been possible.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Dominated by steep slopes, stone walls, and wetlands, the Cracco property contains the headwaters of Catamint Brook and Ash Swamp Brook, which are primary tributaries of the Pawtucket
and Diamond Hill reservoirs. The protection of this property helps to ensure the quality of these critical public drinking water resources. Also, the Cracco property and surrounding complex of protected open spaces are top priorities for saving habitats where
some of Rhode Island’s rarest wildlife remain.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Since 1985, the Local Open Space Grant program has protected more than 12,000 acres of land, including nearly 1,700 acres over the past five years. Places used by residents and tourists
alike for outdoor recreation, including iconic properties such as Weetamoo Woods and Pardon Gray in Tiverton, Mount Hope Farm in Bristol, Third Beach in Middletown, and Mercy Woods in Cumberland, all have been protected through this program. These natural
assets play a big role in the state’s tourism economy by providing opportunities for the public to camp, fish, hunt, hike, and enjoy the great outdoors — all while generating revenue for the local economy.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Nearly every town in the state has received funding through the program over the course of the 200 grants administered since 1990. Grants have aided in the protection of 12,360 acres
and successfully leveraged $52,738,584 in state funds towards $109,646,000 in real estate. Municipalities, land trusts, and nonprofit land conservation organizations are eligible to apply to the Local Open Space Grant program. Applications are reviewed and
ranked by the Natural Heritage Preservation Advisory Committee, with final awards made by the State Natural Heritage Preservation Commission. Selected projects preserve lands that offer significant natural, ecological, or agricultural value by direct purchase
or perpetual restriction via a conservation easement.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit
</span><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">. Follow
</span><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!NVUrcyl0IMFmMD2jeSWyoVp_Hja1J5elfFW6xGslwZ02TKQVSZs2TNituCTG2H6sYYGkx9rtErDlRTLcYh2mbKwXnNnHZXXELP81$"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">DEM on Facebook</span> [facebook.com]</a><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM),
or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNoSpacing" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">###</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="xxxxydpe3ecabc6yiv8679005185ydp7f4f0b45yiv2173515244xxxmsonormal" style="margin:0in">
<b><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Michael J. Healey | Chief Public Affairs Officer</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xxxxydpe3ecabc6yiv8679005185ydp7f4f0b45yiv2173515244xxxmsonormal" style="margin:0in">
<b><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xxxxydpe3ecabc6yiv8679005185ydp7f4f0b45yiv2173515244xxxmsonormal" style="margin:0in">
<span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">235 Promenade Street, Providence RI 02908</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xxxxydpe3ecabc6yiv8679005185ydp7f4f0b45yiv2173515244xxxmsonormal" style="margin:0in">
<span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">401-222-4700, X277-7273</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xxxxydpe3ecabc6yiv8679005185ydp7f4f0b45yiv2173515244xxxmsonormal" style="margin:0in">
<span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">Email: </span><a href="mailto:michael.healey@dem.ri.gov" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">michael.healey@dem.ri.gov</span></a><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xxxxydpe3ecabc6yiv8679005185ydp7f4f0b45yiv2173515244xmsonormal" style="margin:0in">
<span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">Web: </span><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.dem.gov__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!JTan8GFpr31dz0axLZC-y-wGNcw1msmDMbDiMRiDsdSguslA8VuLG4ZstXozPoLcLmecg9NNx54sgvHaiJ8xNg$" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.gov
[dem.gov]</span></a><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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