A scenic, roughly 70-acre property that offers hiking and paddling opportunities was recently conserved in Rhode Island.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) acquired the 68-acre Princess Pine Estate in Hopkinton, Rhode Island in April.
The property includes Wincheck Pond and is located near the Connecticut border.
The $1.66 million purchase was funded by an $800,000 grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Wildlife Restoration Program, $361,000 in Green Bond funds, and a $500,000 grant from The Nature Conservancy’s Thomas and Dorothy Ginty Memorial Endowment Fund.
“In completing this acquisition, we are conserving ecologically important habitat while at the same time, expanding public access to an exceptional site for outdoor recreation,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “This is one of the most beautiful parts of Rhode Island and we hope that people come out and enjoy a hike or just visit and connect with nature.”
The property is a key addition to the 2,140-acre conserved block in the Canonchet Region of western Rhode Island, known for its natural beauty and exceptional recreational opportunities.
Bordering Ell Pond Preserve and other conservation lands held by DEM and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, this strategic acquisition along North Road will expand public access. It includes a small parking area for cartop boats and fishing access on Wincheck Pond. Gas motors will not be allowed, however.
The property will be open to the public and incorporated into DEM’s Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Rockville Wildlife Management Area. DFW will manage the property for hunting, fishing and trapping opportunities as well as for habitat conservation. Fifteen acres of the property will be temporarily closed to public access for site improvements.
