A Warning From Conservation Leaders: Rhode Island Could Lose Land Protection Funding

Send us Fan MailRhode Island’s proposed Rhode Island Green Bond includes funding for climate resilience, parks, and water infrastructure — but no money for land conservation.Two leading environmental organizations say that omission could halt decades of progress protecting farmland, forests, and community open space.In a recent op-ed, Jeffrey Hall of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island and Kate Sayles of the Rhode Island Land Trust Council warned that without a $10 million addition to the Green Bond, Rhode Island risks stalling conservation projects across the state.They argue the funding gap could jeopardize efforts to preserve working farms, protect forests, and expand local open space at a time when development pressure continues to grow.On this episode, Hall and Sayles explain:Why conservation funding was left out of the Green Bond proposalWhat projects could be lost without new fundingHow Rhode Island’s long-running land protection programs workWhy they’re asking lawmakers to add $10 million during the current budget sessionWhat the debate says about the state’s environmental prioritiesThe decision ultimately rests with the Rhode Island General Assembly, which must finalize the bond proposal before it goes to voters.If conservation funding isn’t restored, they say, Rhode Island could see farmland, forests, and community open spaces slip out of reach.Support the showFollow Bill on Instagram and YouTube