Advocacy

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.

Learn about past work.

Interested in learning more about the RI State Legislature? The RI Food Policy Council has some amazing resources! Check out their infographics on Advocacy 101 and How Our Laws Are Made in Rhode Island.

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Visit our Bill Tracker to stay up-to-date on relevant bills.

Policy 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 and 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.