WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline announced $412,500 in funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that will go toward the purchase of 103 acres of land on Prudence Island for inclusion in the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NBNERR) – thus protecting it from future development.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will use the NOAA funding to partner with the local land trust, the Prudence Conservancy, in acquiring the land. The parcel, known as the Little Property, is adjacent to existing reserves on Prudence Island and home to a unique landscape and diverse wildlife. Once acquired, the land will be open to the public for outdoor recreation. The reserve will also engage in research in an effort to better manage coastal and ocean resources in Narragansett Bay.

“This NOAA grant leverages funds from federal, state, and private partners to acquire and protect this important area of Prudence Island. From our coastlines to our forests, safeguarding our diverse natural landscape is a smart investment in the health of both our environment and economy. This grant will help save this special parcel of land and permanently protect it for future generations,” said Senator Jack Reed. 

“This funding is great news for everyone who enjoys the outdoors in and around Narragansett Bay. It will protect a beautiful site on our beautiful Bay, for Rhode Islanders and visitors for generations to come,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. “Thank you to the DEM and the Prudence Conservancy for their efforts to preserve the environment in Rhode Island, and congratulations on this award.”

“Prudence Island is one of our state treasures, and the incorporation of the Little Property in the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve will ensure this pristine and previously unprotected property is available and easily accessible to the public for education, research, and recreation. We in Rhode Island are fortunate to have places like the NERR and organizations like the Prudence Conservancy. Their work, alongside that of our federal partners and state agencies, will protect places like the Little Property for Rhode Islanders and our visitors to enjoy for generations to come,” said Congressman Jim Langevin.

“This federal funding will ensure we preserve the natural landscape of Prudence Island for generations of Rhode Islanders to enjoy. I applaud the Department of Environmental Management and the Prudence Conservancy for working together on this project and working to preserve our state’s beautiful natural resources,” said Congressman David Cicilline.

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