FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2019
BRISTOL, RI-Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente is pleased to announce the purchase of a conservation easement for the Stony Hedge Farm located at 1362 Hope Street. The Town of Bristol and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) have partnered to purchase the development rights to the Stony Hedge Farm property located on 7 acres of land at 1362 Hope Street. The Town of Bristol and the NRCS each contributed 50 percent of the funds towards the $426,000.00 purchase price. Town funds were authorized through a bond referendum approved by voters in 2016. USDA funds were provided through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) administered through NRCS.
The Stony Hedge Farm is owned by William B. White and is one of only a few active farms remaining in Bristol. Its preservation will ensure that this property remains agricultural in perpetuity. The Stony Hedge Farm currently houses several horses and is also used for the production of vegetables. The farm property is also located adjacent to over 100 acres of Town-owned open space in the north-central portion of Bristol. Town Administrator Contente said “I am proud that this piece of Bristol’s agricultural land will be preserved and wish to thank the NRCS for their assistance and funding. I especially want to thank Mr. White for his commitment to preserve his land for future generations.” Working with the NRCS and Mr. White, the Bristol Department of Community Development, coordinated all aspects of this farmland preservation project. “Farmland Preservation is an important goal of the Town and a priority in the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. We are grateful to Mr. White and are pleased that we could help him with the preservation of his wonderful farm,” said Diane M. Williamson, Director of Community Development
The Stony Hedge Farm remains privately owned, with the Town of Bristol and USDA holding a conservation easement on the property which prevents its development and ensures that it remains in agricultural use.