Aquidneck Island Land Trust (ALT) Executive Director Chuck Allott joined me on Friday to discuss current ALT projects and issues. A long term concern and one that relates directly to ALTs mission of preserving open spaces is the protection of our Island’s watershed areas. These are areas where water runoff from rain and storms flow into one of our seven Island fresh water reservoirs. Developed land, with houses and pavement, in water shed areas can allow over 50% of the stormwater to flow directly into the reservoirs, carrying tars, oils, chemicals and other pollutants directly into our fresh water sources. Undeveloped land allows rainwater to be naturally filtered and only about 10% to run directly into the reservoirs. In Portsmouth, there are three of the island’s seven reservoirs: Lawton Valley, St, Mary’s Pond, and Sisson Pond.ALT is working to preserve open spaces in these watershed areas, aided by mapping support from Salve Regina and Roger Williams Universities.
Chuck also discusses other projects in Portsmouth, including the now dormant ALT proposal to preserve open space land at Glen Farm. He indicated that ALT’s offer is still open for discussion if the town is interested.
ALT has several upcoming events scheduled for later this month. These events are focused on showcasing the beauty of our island’s open spaces. Check out the ALT website at www.AquidneckLandTrust.org for details or to sign up as an ALT supporter. Like most non-profit organizations, ALT needs support from the public to continue its programs. If you agree that open space protection is important for the future of Aquidneck Island, contact ALT to see how you can help.
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Portsmouth this Week, the “Voice of Portsmouth Town Hall” is a weekly public TV program sponsored by Town Administrator John Klimm to provide a forum for issues of concern to the Portsmouth Community. These programs are aired on Cox Channel 18 at various times and are posted on Youtube for viewing anytime. Links to past editions can be accessed from the Town’s website.
