LWCF Funded Units in Rhode Island

Federal Program
Block Island NWR
Great Salt Pond NWR
Pettaquamscutt Cove NWR
Roger Williams NMem
Trustom Pond NWR
Approximate Federal Total	$22,000,000
State Program
Approximate Total Stateside Grants	$40,000,000
Approximate Total Federal and State	$62,000,000

LWCF Success in Rhode Island

The Land and Water Conservation Fund has helped protect some of Rhode Island’s most treasured places. Rhode Island has received approximately $62 million over the past four decades, protecting places such as the Great Salt Pond National Wildlife Refuge and the Roger Williams National Memorial.

Block Island National Wildlife Refuge

The Block Island National Wildlife Refuge, supported by the Land and Water Conservation Fund, is home to the federally endangered American burying beetle, hosts sea turtles and seals, contains pristine shrub and dune complexes, and offers excellent opportunities for wildlife watchers and anglers. Each year, the refuge hosts over seventy species of migratory songbirds and is internationally recognized as one of the most important migratory bird habitats on the east coast. With full and dedicated LWCF funding, the natural resources at the refuge could be further protected, and the recreational and economic opportunities it offers will be greatly enhanced.

Economic Benefits

Active outdoor recreation is an important part of the Rhode Island economy. Each year, 163,000 sportspersons and 436,000 wildlife watchers combine to spend $381 million on wildlife-associated recreation in Rhode Island. This is an integral part of the American outdoor recreation economy, which contributes $730 billion annually to the U.S. economy, supports 6.4 million American jobs (1 out of every 20 jobs in the U.S.), and stimulates 8 percent of all consumer spending, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.