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Charlestown Citizens Alliance Newsletter - March 8, 2026

Van Slyke Adds International Dark Sky Week To Town Council Agenda

Photo of Milky Way over Frosty Drew Observatory by Scott MacNeill
At the March 9 Town Council meeting, Councilor Bonnie Van Slyke will ask her fellow Town Councilors to join her in proclaiming the week of April 13 to 20 as International Dark Sky Week in Charlestown. Charlestown is an important location for the study and viewing of the cosmos because we have the darkest skies along the coast between New York and Boston. Read post for details.

Ruth Platner's Testimony On Reforming RI's Low And Moderate Income Housing Act

Image showing the density that 2025 State housing legislation would cause
RI DEM Onsite Wastewater Treatment System rules focus on individual system compliance rather than cumulative impact analysis. While designed to prevent individual failures, they fail to address the collective, long-term nutrient loading from high-density, individual septic systems on groundwater and coastal watersheds.

In This Election, We Need New People To Stand Up And Volunteer

In This Election, We Need New People To Stand Up And Volunteer
This year Charlestown voters will elect the individuals who will lead our town into the future, and it matters who is elected to town government. Much of what has been created and protected is at risk if people who cherish Charlestown’s beautiful, natural character do not stand up and volunteer to guide our town. Needed are individuals who understand that protecting our environment and preserving our natural resources are critical to maintaining our quality of life and our low tax rate.

Tell Legislature To Protect Drinking Water From Too Dense Housing

Rhode Island State House Photo by Noel Rowe
Let the Rhode Island Legislature know that you support Representative Megan Cotter's bill to protect our environment and natural resources. This bill would give local communities greater control over the density of housing developments built on public drinking water supply watersheds and groundwater so clean it is classified as suitable for drinking without treatment. Sample email to send in post.

National Wildlife Refuge - Kettle Pond Visitor Center In Need Of Volunteers

National Wildlife Refuge - Kettle Pond Visitor Center In Need Of Volunteers
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Rhode Island Headquarters is at the Kettle Pond Visitor Center on Bend Road in Charlestown. This is the headquarters for all of the National Wildlife Refuges in Rhode Island. What is needed? Volunteers for front desk shifts at the Kettle Pond Visitor Center, Environmental Education Support, and Shorebird Stewardship. Details in post.
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The banner image is a photo of the frozen edge of Watchaug Pond by Dan Slattery. If you have photos of Charlestown wildlife, landscapes, or events that you would like to share with us to use on our website, Facebook, or in newsletters, please send them to us by email at charlestowncitizens@gmail.com
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