Dear Rhode Island Land Trust Community,
Last evening, Governor McKee submitted his draft budget to the General Assembly, which includes the 2027 Green Bond (attached). While we’re pleased to see funding for the Narragansett Bay Watershed Restoration Program and the Resilient Rhody Infrastructure Program, there is NO FUNDING for conservation, and a small amount for Outdoor Recreation Grants.
Land trusts use funding from the Green Bond to leverage federal and other matching funds to conserve important open spaces, farms, and watersheds that benefit all Rhode Islanders. For every $1 invested in conservation programs by the State of Rhode Island, our community unlocks nearly $2 in matching funds. Unfortunately, the Green Bond does not include State and Local Open Space Programs, or funding for the Farmland Preservation Program.
The lack of investment in the conservation of our natural resources has real and immediate consequences. At a time when Rhode Island is facing accelerating climate impacts and a growing biodiversity crisis, these investments are not optional. They are among the most cost-effective strategies that we have at our disposal to protect our communities from flooding and other climate impacts, ensure Rhode Islanders have access to clean air and clean water, sustain healthy ecosystems and wildlife, and support community health and resilience for generations to come.
The proposed Green Bond does include $1 Million for Outdoor Recreation Grants, a critical source of matching support that helps local governments acquire and improve parks and recreational facilities. While we are glad to see the program included, $1 Million is not enough to meet statewide demand. Stronger investment is essential to expand access to parks and outdoor spaces and strengthen public health and quality of life across Rhode Island.
Please rest assured that the RI Land Trust Council team will coordinate a comprehensive strategy to Make the Green Bond Greener with our partners in the General Assembly, but we will need your help. You will be hearing from me frequently as we build a grassroots campaign with calls to action. Please consider starting that process today by contacting your legislators and letting them know that you are concerned about the lack of funding for conservation and outdoor recreation in the Green Bond.
Not sure who to contact? Check out the Secretary of State’s Voter Information Center to identify your Senator and Representative.
Not sure what to say?
- State your name and where you live.
- Let legislators know that in order to conserve RI’s most important open spaces, forests, and farms, and improve outdoor recreation opportunities, funding for conservation programs is urgently needed in the Green Bond.
- Highlight your own experiences! Talk about a hiking trail that you frequent, a property you helped protect in your community, or how you’ve benefitted by having access to the outdoors.
- Urge your legislator to support efforts to Make the Green Bond Greener by including funding for the State and Local Open Space Programs, and the Farmland Preservation Program, and increasing funding for Outdoor Recreation Grants.
- Close by thanking your legislator for supporting efforts that improve the environment and natural resources in our state.
Additionally, please consider making a gift to the RI Land Trust Council to support this work, and ensure that we have the capacity we require to lead this important effort this session.
Together, we can make anything happen.
My very best,
Kate Sayles, Executive Director
