Charlestown Mulls Significant Conservation Land Purchase

CHARLESTOWN, RI — The Charlestown Town Council plans to hold a public hearing at their regular April 12 meeting to discuss the possible acquisition of 66.5 acres of conservation land known as the Tucker Woods.

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The forested land along Alton Carolina Road lies between The Nature Conservancy’s Francis Carter Preserve and the state’s Carolina Wildlife Management Area. The acquisition would fill in a gap to preserve a significant open space and wildlife corridor, the Charlestown Citizen’s Alliance reports. The land is ecologically important and part of the Pawcatuck River watershed.

The land would be acquired with a $400,000 state Natural Heritage Program grant and with town open space funds approved in a 2015 referendum. The owner-developer has asked for a total of $900,000.

Charlestown has posted clear instructions for those who wish to attend the town's virtual public meetings. The April 12 Town Council meeting is set for 7 p.m.