WARWICK -- Governor Carcieri will propose a referendum for an open space
bond for the 2004 ballot so "future generations have the opportunity to
explore the natural beauty" of Rhode Island, Carcieri told the Rhode
Island chapter of The
Nature Conservancy.
"We want them to discover Rhode Island's parks, natural habitats, farms,
forests and open spaces," Carcieri said at The Nature Conservancy's
Inaugural Conservation Awards luncheon in Warwick.
"Through our state's open space bond funds and through the support of
our local partners and organizations, including Champlin Foundations,
the Nature Conservancy, and local land trusts, we have preserved over
5,500 acres over the last three years," Carcieri said. "This new bond
will enable us to build upon the success we've seen."
Carcieri said it was especially important that the state help preserve
200 square miles of forest land spanning western Rhode Island and
eastern Connecticut, "the largest unfragmented forest between Boston and
Washington, D.C."
"This is a resource of national significance," Carcieri said. "It is
imperative that we continue to work to preserve the Borderlands."
Carcieri said that he plans to discuss the issue with Connecticut Gov.
John G. Rowland.
Carcieri also credited The Nature Conservancy for working with the state
Department of Environmental Management and other partners to preserve
open space. The Nature Conservancy is an international, nonprofit
organization dedicated to preserving plants and animals by protecting
the lands and waters they need to survive.
"Without question, this outstanding organization plays a vital role in
enhancing our quality of life," he said.
At today's luncheon, Sen. Lincoln Chafee, R-R.I., presented the
inaugural "Commitment to Conservation" awards in honor of his late
father, U.S. Sen. John H. Chafee. The awards are to be presented
biannually to honor individuals, businesses and community leaders who
have demonstrated "uncommon commitment" to protecting and preserving
Rhode Island's natural landscape.
Recipients were
The Champlin Foundations of Warwick and Robert V. Gilbane, president of
Gilbane Properties.
The Champlin Foundations have awarded grants of $289 million since 1980,
almost all of it in Rhode Island. Of that amount, $36 million went
toward the acquisition of land for open space and recreation in Rhode
Island. The foundations are credited with helping to save 17,775 acres
in Rhode Island.
Gilbane joined the Conservancy's board in 1995, serving as chairman from
1997 to 2003. The chapter protected 12,244 acress across the state
during Gilbane's chairmanship.
