Like you, we are Bonnet Shores residents who value the beauty and serenity of life in our community. And, like you, we want to make certain that our children and grandchildren have that same opportunity.

Bonnet Shores is rich in outstanding natural resources. Bounded by Narragansett Bay on two sides and facing Conanicut Island to the east, it offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Narragansett Bay. With Wesquage Pond in its midst and open spaces in between, the existing natural features have collective value to residents.

In 1991, a group of forward thinking Council members led by Chairman Mike Falvey decided to establish a tax exempt trust to allow property owners to donate land to Bonnet Shores. By donating the land to the Bonnet Shores Land Trust, owners would receive favorable income tax treatment as well as relief from paying property taxes.

By an act of the General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island in 1991, the Bonnet Shores Fire District Council was authorized to establish the Bonnet Shores Land Trust.
The Land Trust has several missions, not the least of which is to preserve open space and to ensure continued access to water and water views by all Bonnet Shores residents. Since then over 50 parcels of land have been transferred to or acquired by the Land Trust.

The Bonnet Shores Fire District, as a corporation, owned property (Kelly Beach, Little Beach, Bonnet Battery, The Community Center, etc...) and was being taxed for several thousands of dollars per year by the Town of Narragansett. The community building and its surrounding acreage as well as all the beaches were placed into the trust resulting in no property taxes being paid on almost $1,500,000 in property (2016 assessed values). The result is a tax savings to the Fire District of almost $ 15,000 per year.

When a property is transferred to the Land Trust, the donor is no longer responsible for town, Fire District taxes and liabilities. When the federal tax-deductible value is added, you can see that a donation to the Land Trust may well be a viable way for someone to handle property that may no longer be useful or fit into one’s future plans… while also benefiting everyone at Bonnet Shores.

You may also want to take advantage of the tax deductible status of Land Trust by making a cash contribution that will assist in pursuing our goals.

The Bonnet Shores Greenbelt Map

Stop by the Community Center and take a look at the plat maps hanging on the wall showing Land Trust holdings within Bonnet Shores. You may be surprised at the extent of holdings that are protected as open space… and consider how your contribution, large or small, could further our efforts and ensure the quality of life that is so much a part of Bonnet Shores.

BSLT Property and Greenbelt Map 3-28-15

INTERESTED?

Why not get in touch with us at :  info@bonnetshoreslandtrust.org