CRMC, DEM designate additional Westerly parcels for conservation and public space

July 16, 2026, WESTERLY – The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC), along with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and Town of Westerly, have designated additional parcels in Westerly for conservation and coastal public access.

In April 2025, the partners announced that more than seven acres of land at the former Water Wizz site on Winnapaug Pond were placed under a conservation easement with designated public access. Two additional parcels have been purchased, bringing the total to about 10 acres of conservation land connecting to a contiguous 15-acre DEM-managed salt marsh. CRMC and DEM will jointly hold the conservation easement and manage the easement with the Town of Westerly.

Public access will include at least 10 designated parking spots for the public to access the site and Winnapaug Pond, and additional parking will be provided for those with kayaks or small watercraft. The Town will install signage to clearly mark the parking spaces as CRMC public access parking. Three-hour limits will be used during peak seasonal timeframes to make parking available to all.

In 2024, the CRMC and DEM secured a $2.6 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Coastal Zone Management Program. The additional parcels were secured via an additional $1.5 million grant from the same funding source in 2025.

CRMC, the Town of Westerly, and DEM’s Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NBNERR), The Salt Ponds Coalition, and Save The Bay will continue to collaborate on restoration planning to include re-grading the site, removal of invasive plants, planting of native vegetation, and stormwater management.

The entire site has been named Winnapaug Pond Public Access and Conservation Area.

“This is great news for protecting Rhode Island’s precious natural resources, improving coastal resiliency, and enhancing shoreline access to Winnapaug Pond,” said Senator Jack Reed. “With the support of federal investments we delivered in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law totaling over $4 million, the state will preserve this coastal gem and make sure that this space continues to be an asset for families and community members.”

“With this new conservation project, the Ocean State will further strengthen our coastline against climate change,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a longtime supporter of the CRMC and champion for Rhode Island’s oceans and coastline. “I’m glad to see this federal investment – made possible by our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – used to restore and protect more of Westerly while broadening shoreline access for residents.”

“We must ensure Rhode Island’s coastline and other natural spaces are protected for future generations,” said Representative Seth Magaziner. “Today’s announcement to expand conservation and public access space in Westerly will help preserve the lands Rhode Islanders take so much pride in. I am excited to see locals and visitors enjoy these public spaces for years to come and will continue to work to deliver federal funding for Rhode Island’s beaches.”

“The CRMC is honored to again be one of the partners for this second conservation project next to the Sorensen (former Water Wizz) property,” said CRMC Executive Director Jeffrey Willis. “The NOAA funding will allow the project partners to conserve 10 acres of land and add important public access, and these in turn will promote habitat restoration and reduce coastal hazards.”

“The conservation of additional parcels at this coastal property further advances habitat preservation, climate resiliency, and public shoreline access in the area,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “DEM remains grateful for the federal funding support and the collaboration with CRMC, the Town of Westerly, and Save The Bay that have made this project such a big win for our environment and the community.”

“The Town is very thankful for this partnership with all the agencies involved, as the combined funding allowed us to complete the purchase of this property and allows it to remain public access in perpetuity,” said Westerly Town Manager Shawn Lacey. “I look forward to the next phase of this partnership in developing the parking and restoration plans for this parcel and providing future programs.”

Map showing the recently acquired parcels that will become the Winnapaug Pond Public Access and Conservation Area. (Source: NBNERR)