The Rhode Island Land Trust Council leads efforts to conserve land in both rural and urban areas of Rhode Island to secure thriving farms, resilient forests, healthy watersheds, welcoming shorelines and parks, well-maintained trails, biodiverse habitats, and clean drinking water for the benefit of all Rhode Islanders. The Rhode Island Land Trust Council advocates for policies that:
- Invest in Land and Water Conservation: We work to secure funding to protect critical natural areas, farmland, forests, and watersheds that safeguard Rhode Island’s drinking water, promote biodiversity, and ensure the health and resilience of our environment and the people who depend on it.
- Encourage Smart Land Use Planning: We advocate for strong land use policies that balance development with conservation, preserve working farmlands and forests, and protect Rhode Island’s natural heritage for future generations.
- Expand Access to Green Spaces: We strive to ensure equitable access to parks, trails, and conservation lands for recreation so that all Rhode Islanders, regardless of income, race, or geography, can benefit from the mental and physical health opportunities provided by nature.
- Promote Climate Action through Conservation: We advance policies that leverage nature-based solutions through land and water conservation to address the climate crisis by protecting forests, mitigating flood risks, supporting local food systems, and fostering resilient communities.
- Strengthen Community Engagement: We support inclusive decision-making processes and advocate for environmental justice initiatives by partnering with diverse communities to ensure conservation efforts address inequities and meet the needs of all Rhode Islanders. The Rhode Island Land Trust Council is committed to promoting equity and inclusion in conservation efforts, recognizing that access to nature and environmental benefits must be shared by everyone. Together, we can build a healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable Rhode Island.
2025 Priorities
Land & Water Conservation
Conserved natural areas provide critical wildlife habitat, clean air, clean drinking water, and essential spaces for recreation and connection with nature. Access to parks and conservation areas is vital for improving mental and physical health outcomes, building strong, healthy communities across Rhode Island. Forests and wetlands store and sequester carbon, buffer storm impacts, and support climate resilience, making land and water conservation an indispensable part of the climate change solution.
Conservation & Housing
We believe that all Rhode Islanders deserve a safe and affordable place to live with access to clean air, clean water, open spaces for recreation, and healthy food. We are partnering with affordable housing organizations and other land use stakeholders to find common ground, and are working towards our mutual goals of conserving and protecting Rhode Island’s important natural areas, recreational land, and agricultural land, while also creating and sustaining low- and moderate-income housing.
Enhancing Farmland Access
Rhode Island has the most expensive and unattainable farmland in the country. We will work with the land trust community to prioritize the protection of Rhode Island’s important farmland while ensuring that working lands remain in working hands. This includes advancing conservation methods that support farmers in owning land, strategizing to address farmland succession challenges, and supporting training opportunities for current and aspiring farmers.
