WASHINGTON, DC - At the urging of Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), a 1,100-acre stretch of forest land will be protected as a Forest Legacy Project in an operating plan released by the U.S. Forest Service this week. Reed announced that under the plan $3 million will be directed to the North-South Corridor, also known as the Shepard property, in Coventry and West Greenwich for conservation.Funding for the Forest Service plan is provided through a continuing resolution that Congress passed last month. Reed supported the legislation which will fund the federal government through fiscal year 2007. Similar language was included in the Senate's version of the fiscal year 2007 appropriations bill at Reed's request."The forested Shepard property is a special natural treasure, providing an important habitat for many rare species of plant and animals including neotropical migratory song-birds. Its location at the head of the Wood River and its proximity to other forested land makes it a valuable resource to the entire state," said Reed. "This federal funding will help preserve this unique piece of property. This is a great example of the important work that can be achieved when federal, state, and local governments work together with private organizations." The heavily forested Shepard property is one of the largest of its kind in southern New England, where the average forested parcel size is less than 10 acres. Like other similar properties in the region, it is currently under threat due to road and residential development. The land connects thousands of acres of existing conservation land and is located at the head waters of the Wood River. This river is considered one of the cleanest in southern New England and is home to rare dragonflies and a native brook trout fishery. The conservation of this land has been supported by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), the Town of West Greenwich, the Town of Coventry, and The Nature Conservancy. "Senator Reed really delivered for the people of Rhode Island in securing these Forest Legacy funds. The Nature Conservancy is so appreciative of the Senator's consistent support for this project in West Greenwich and for Rhode Island's environment," said Janet Coit, state director for The Nature Conservancy. "This federal grant money will be used to match the state, local and private funds already devoted to this project. The federal dollars plug a big hole in the funding for this project, providing critical funds to carry off this conservation effort -- one which will benefit Rhode Islanders for generations to come." The U.S. Forest Service's Forest Legacy Program (FLP) works in partnership with states to support efforts to protect environmentally sensitive forest lands.The program focuses on the acquisition of partial interests in privately owned forest lands and helps states carry out forest conservation plans, encouraging support for acquisition of conservation easements to help restrict development, require sustainable forestry practices, and protect other values.-end-