Wednesday, 29 October 2008

By ANDREW MARTIN

The state Department of Environmental Management, in coalition with other agencies, announced the $4.25 million acquisition of Richmond’s 486-acre Tuckahoe Turf Farm last Wednesday.

And to celebrate this purchase, state and local officials assembled at the farm to discuss its importance, as well as the upcoming $2.5 million bond question for purchasing additional farmlands and development rights.

DEM Director W. Michael Sullivan, who resides in Richmond, hosted the 30-minute event that he said represented the culmination of years of vibrant partnerships between the town, state, and Tuckahoe. "It takes partnerships to get these deals done," he said.

In particular, Sullivan noted the joint venture between the willing buyer, the state, and the willing seller, Tuckahoe owner George Bates. "I'm pleased to thank all of the people who have contributed to protecting this farmland," Bates said.

Bates continued to say that the money he received will help him pay off significant debt he has accrued over the years. "By paying that off, I hope to perpetuate the land to my family and continue the land's use as a farm," he said.

Funding for the $4.25 million purchase came from $1.29 million from the Rhode Island Agricultural Land Preservation Commission’s state farmland bonds; $600,000 from the State Open Space program; $1.86 million from the Federal Highway Trust Fund; and $500,000 from the Nature Conservancy.

This land purchase results in the creation of 3,000 contiguous acres of conservation area. The land in question is located on both sides of Switch Road and abuts the Chariho Regional High and Middle schools.

Tuckahoe Farm fronts both the Wood River and Meadow Brook, a tributary of the Pawcatuck River. And the land also sits on top of one of the highest quality aquifers, according to Sullivan.

The Tuckahoe acquisition represents 20 percent of the total acreage (2,315) preserved by the state in the past fiscal year, which ended June 30. Also, there were several other land acquisitions in the area during that time: 49.78 acres in Hopkinton; 43 acres in Charlestown; and 1.3 acres and 6.31 acres in Westerly.

According to Sullivan, this is the largest acquisition the state has ever been involved in. In the past year, there was only one other – a habitat/forest resources/recreation 476-acre parcel in West Greenwich – that rivaled Tuckahoe.

For Janet Coit, executive director of the Nature Conservancy, this purchase is one that truly stands out. "[Tuckahoe] is something valuable that will maintain its value and it will also give back to the community and economy," she said.

Gov. Donald L. Carcieri also recognized the importance of the event. "This [acquisition] is a big one. These are the kinds of things that need to be done. We are preserving what makes Rhode Island a place you want to live in," he said. "It's significant because [Tuckahoe] will continue to be farmed and enjoyed."

The governor said the 486 acres are part of the 12,000 acres the state has acquired since he began his time in office six years ago. He said it was all part of an aggressive program that must continue. One way that can happen, he explained, is through passing the $2.5 million bond. "It's a small bond and I would like to put more into it … but we have to make sure we get it approved," Carcieri said.

Two state house legislators were also on hand to share their feelings on Tuckahoe. Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski, D-District 37 (New Shoreham, South Kingstown), said she has been deeply committed to this project. And she discussed how the farm is an essential part of the state's economy. "We have all seen how agriculture is so important to Rhode Island," she said.

Rep. Donna M. Walsh, D-District 36 (Charlestown, New Shoreham, Westerly, South Kingstown), shared many of the same sentiments. "This is what Rhode Island needs," she said in reference to the farm and the $2.5 million bond.

State Conservationist Roylene Rides at the Door, Richmond Town Councilor Kevin Gosper, and Town Planner Denise Stetson were also in attendance.