To protect and enhance the environmental quality of the Great Salt Pond Watershed, including its shoreline and wetlands, and to promote appropriate and productive uses of the Pond’s resources by residents, visitors and local businesses.

In 1987, a group of citizens who were concerned about the continual degradation of the 800-acre Great Salt Pond – one of Block Island’s most significant natural features – formed an organization to work for its protection. In just four years, the CGSP had more than 400 members, approximately half of the island’s total population.

The CGSP advocates for appropriate land use around the Pond’s fragile coastal features and has established a legal defense fund to ensure the enforcement of important coastal management regulations.

Today, 21 years later, the CGSP continues to be the leader in protecting the Great Salt Pond and its watershed.

Individual contributions, membership dues, special events, program grants.  As a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, your contributions are tax-deductible as applicable by law. Your donations help to support:

OUR LEGAL DEFENSE: Nearly six years ago, Champlin’s Marina submitted plans to expand the marina area approximately four acres, extending 240 feet beyond the current docks into the Great Salt Pond, with an additional 2,990 feet in fixed docks, for 140 more boats. The CGSP, the Town of New Shoreham, The Land Trust and The Block Island Conservancy, immediately joined forces to oppose the expansion.

WATERSHED QUALITY: Over the years, the CGSP has been testing the water in the pond. In fact, we have one of the longest running water test databases in the country. and the General fund. The CGSP follows the stringent guidelines set up by the University of Rhode Island Watershed Watch Program. This program cost approximately $10,000 per year.

OPERATING EXPENSES: The CGSP makes every effort to keep the operating expenses to a minimum. All board members serve strictly on a volunteer basis. However, there are some expenses that are necessary for the organization to function these expenses include; maintaining equipment, insurance and outreach.