Environment Council of Rhode Island

...building an ecologically healthy future in a sustainable economy

Little Compton Agricultural Conservancy Trust

The Little Compton Agricultural Conservancy Trust is the recipient of the 2008 John H. Chafee Conservation Leadership Award for preserving five diverse and invaluable parcels of land totaling more than 300 acres, during 2007. Working with various partners, the Trust is being honored for acquiring development rights to 115 acres of the historic Treaty Rock Farm, 95 acres of Sakonnet Vineyards, and 10 acres of the Boddington Parcel, while purchasing 28 acres of the Peckham parcel, 19 acres of the Goulart parcel, and 49 acres of the Boddington Parcel.

These purchases of land and the acquisition of development rights have preserved farmland, protected watersheds including a major source of drinking water for the City of Newport and the watersheds of the near pristine Tuniper’s and Quicksand salt ponds. The Trust conserved key wildlife habitat including areas inhabited by endangered species, as well as providing open space and viewsheds for the community. Throughout its 22 year history, The Little Compton Agricultural Conservancy Trust has preserved 1560 acres of land, of which 987 acres are in open space, and 573 acres are working farmland, with more than 1/5 of this total being preserved in 2007. The Trust is being honored for its efforts to protect the historic rural character, working farms, landscapes, and sensitive habitats of Little Compton.

Award Type: 
John H. Chafee Conservation Leadership Award
Award Year: 
2008