A 27-acre tract of land along the Little Compton and Tiverton border will be saved from development in perpetuity, following its purchase last week by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service's Wildlife Restoration Program and Little Compton Agricultural Conservancy Trust.

The federal agency and local conservancy paid $435,000 for the parcel, with the feds picking up $326,500 and the conservancy contributing $108,750. It was purchased from the Booth family.

The 26.9-acre parcel abuts the state Department of Environmental Management's Eight Rod Management area, which consists of more than 600 acres of forest and farm fields. The property will remain open for recreational use, including hunting.

The new acquisition also abuts Newport Water’s Watson Reservoir, and is located between Eight Rod Management Area to the north and Watson Reservoir to the south. The property consists of mixed oaks, American beech, and hickory hardwood forest with an understory of American holly, which is a relatively rare species. Public access will be maintained on the property to provide for recreational use including hunting and hiking. 

“Green spaces to enjoy nature, clean blue waters to swim and fish in, and sandy beaches to soak up the rays are what we love most about Rhode Island,” Governor Dan McKee said in describing the land.

 "The Little Compton Agricultural Conservancy Trust appreciates the opportunity to successfully collaborate with RIDEM and federal partners to preserve the Booth property and looks forward to supporting the conservation and recreational opportunities this land presents," the trust's chairman, William Richmond, said.