Good Dirt

 Newport Tree and Open Space Commission Created

Last night, the Newport City Council approved the formation of the Newport Tree and Open Space Commission.  This new Commission, which replaces the former Newport Tree Commission, shall, in addition to its tree related responsibilities, advise the City Council on acquisition, management, preservation and improvement of City parks and other open spaces in order to enhance and protect the quality of life of the City’s citizens.  The Newport City Council, City staff, the Newport Tree Commission and the Aquidneck Land Trust worked closely together on forming this new commission over the past number of months.

                 (Morton Park, Newport, RI)

Regarding the creation of the new commission, Mayor Stephen Waluk stated, "Newport still has quite a bit of precious open space and the creation of this Open Space Commission is a sign of our community's commitment to preserving as much of it as possible for generations to come."

"We view open space preservation in Newport as very consistent with our previous role of preserving and enhancing Newport's incomparable treescape.  We look forward to supporting the City of Newport in our expanded role, and would welcome inquiries from anyone interested in joining the expanded Tree and Open Space Commission.", said Susan Ruf, Chair of the Newport Tree and Open Space Commission.

Ted Clement, Executive Director of the Aquidneck Land Trust, noted, “There are a number of important open space projects left to do in Newport so the Land Trust has long had a goal of helping create an open space committee in Newport to support and help with these efforts.  We have completed many successful conservation projects with the open space committees in Portsmouth and Middletown, and now look forward to also working with the Newport Tree and Open Space Commission.  Thanks to the Newport City Council, City staff, and the former Tree Commission for helping make it all possible.”

ALT’s mission is to preserve Aquidneck Island’s open spaces and natural character for the lasting benefit of our community.  The organization has conserved 1,983.26 acres on Aquidneck Island.  ALT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  For more information about ALT, visit www.AquidneckLandTrust.org.

As always, thank you for your continued support
for conservation on our Island.

This email update has been sent to the entire Aquidneck Land Trust email list. Please let us know if you do not wish to receive these email updates by replying to this message. If you have any questions or comments, please call 401-849-2799 x18 or jpohl@ailt.org.