Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Existing Conditions | Page 152

Newport Comprehensive Land Use Plan

Vegetation

The complex, interdependent relationships between soil,
vegetation and wildlife is called an ecosystem, vividly
described as a "web". The Newport environment consists of
a multitude of land and water based ecosystems, wherein
each element performs multiple roles in supporting both its
immediate and other habitat communities, affecting living
environments throughout Narragansett Bay and beyond.
As large portions of the city have been developed, there is
very limited forest cover throughout Newport. In the
northern part of the city, forest cover is mostly limited to
portions of Miantonomi Memorial Park. There is also
limited forest cover located south of the park, just west of
Malbone Road and south of Admiral Kalbfus Road.

A lack of trees and the natural
environment in general could
lead to habitat loss for the
many of the birds and other
wildlife that call Newport
home. Because of this, the
limited forest cover in Newport
should be preserved and
supported. Trees provide
numerous ecological benefits
and can act as corridors and
stepping stones to help support
migratory patterns and the
movement of wildlife.

In the southern portion of the city, mainly in the Ocean
Drive, Fifth Ward, and Lily / Almy Pond neighborhoods, there is sparse and naturally occurring ruderal forest cover.
Many of the naturally occurring forests have been cleared. Historically, this clearing occurred for either agricultural
reasons or development. However, with only 50 acres of agricultural land remaining in Newport, most of the naturally
occurring forest cover has given way to development.
According to the Open Space Partnership Existing Conditions Report prepared by Sasaki and Associates in 2015, there
were an estimated 357 different species of trees document in the 19th century. This number is estimated to be at
least half of what it was then. The most notable tree species that remains in Newport is the Centennial Beeches, of
which nearly 400 remain within the city.
The City offers a subsidized tree planting program to residents interested in sponsoring city trees. The trees can be
located in the public right-of-way, or setback on private properties. All public trees planted through this program are
managed by the Buildings, Grounds & Forestry Division of the city government. In addition to private efforts, many
beautiful and majestic trees were planted along the public streets leading to the estates, as well as in the City's
parks. Newport’s trees are not only historic; they mitigate pollution and provide shade from the sun and energy
savings for buildings. As visual amenities, trees are an important contribution to the quality of life in Newport.

Wildlife Habitat

Shellfishing has a long history in Newport and the State of Rhode Island as a whole. The most popular shellfish in the
state is the quahog (also known as the hard shell clam) and