An unprecedented chance to conserve land steps from the business center and save it from development.  It makes a bold statement about Block Island’s conservation culture in a highly visible location.

The Solviken property involves two lots totaling an acre of land between Harbor Pond and the inset of Crescent Beach. Environmentally it is an extremely vulnerable location. A third half-acre in the parcel has been acquired by the owner of the adjacent land for limited development. The Block Island Conservancy is partnering with the Block Island Land Trust in order to acquire the property.

Over the past several decades there have been three proposals to develop this property, most recently to put three substantial houses on the property each with its own wastewater disposal system.

The goal is to preserve this one-acre parcel, which would include:

• A surfer’s overlook facing Crescent Beach with a gravel parking lot for cars, benches and seaside appropriate landscaping. The foundation of the long condemned building would remain as a reminder of its past use and an attractive landscape element.
• A Harbor Pond Nature Center oriented to the pond will include walking trails, benches and possibly a small wooden overlook extending over the pond available to tie up kayaks and small water craft. Signage will highlight land and water resources.
  

The Block Island Conservancy must raise $700,000 by the end of 2012 to secure the property and make the improvements.

Major Donors will be recognized with appropriate signage on the site:

• $30,000-50,000- Rob Lewis Associates
• $15,000-29,999- Solviken Trustees
• $10,000-14,999- Solviken Partners
• $5,000-$9,999- Solviken Stewards

Gifts in all amounts are deeply appreciated.  Pledges may be redeemed over a five-year span. All gifts are tax deductible.

Click Here to make a donation!

Dear Friends of Block Island Conservation,

Today, you and I have an unprecedented opportunity to save a special piece of Block Island for future generations. The project offers a chance to provide residents and visitors with a high profile example of our conservation values.

Although few know it by name, the Solviken Property is one of the most prized pieces of land on Block Island. At the edge of town and directly north of the Beachead, it boasts one of the island’s most popular vistas where year-round residents, day-trippers, summer workers and surfers alike pause and watch the waves roll in.

This thin neck of land faces both the innermost section of New Harbor Pond as well as the sprawling Atlantic Ocean. Few people realize that this 1.5 acre property has been threatened by development for decades. In fact, within the last year a developer has submitted an application to build three substantial houses each with a septic system transforming this property forever. A multi-unit condo development and an inn had previously been proposed.

Partnering with the Block Island Land Trust, Block Island Conservancy has launched a campaign to preserve this land and maintain its rural character. The Solviken Solution will incorporate benches and paths creating new spaces fostering appreciation of the island’s open spaces and vistas. It guarantees that no large structures will ever mar the view we all treasure.

In past years we have talked about the bookends of the built environment in the Old Harbor district. Now the Ocean View Pavilion, on one side, and the Solviken Property, on the other, will become natural bookends, making a clear statement of island values and our community’s emphasis on stewardship of this special place.

BIC’s goal of $700,000 is surprisingly modest given that the asking price for the land was almost $2 million. Nevertheless, it requires the commitment of all of us who treasure Block Island’s natural heritage.

Your gift to the Solviken Solution is a sound investment in an organization that this year celebrates four decades of service to the community. My grandfather, Capt. Rob Lewis, was a prime mover in establishing Block Island Conservancy. My father, David, and my uncle, Keith, carried on his tradition. Now I am pleased to continue their work and to call on people of all generations who love Block Island to join me in this mission.

Help preserve this natural refuge where people can celebrate the serenity of Block Island just steps from its population center.

Please give generously and, with your help, we will ensure that this critical piece of property is accessible to all for generations to come.

Sincerely,
Justin Lewis,
Campaign Chair

P. S. Your gift to The Solviken Solution is tax deductible and may be payable over five years.

The Block Island Conservancy must raise $700,000 by the end of 2012 to secure the property and make the improvements.

Major Donors will be recognized with appropriate signage on the site:

• $30,000-50,000- Rob Lewis Associates
• $15,000-29,999- Solviken Trustees
• $10,000-14,999- Solviken Partners
• $5,000-$9,999- Solviken Stewards

Gifts in all amounts are deeply appreciated.  Pledges may be redeemed over a five-year span. All gifts are tax deductible.

We appreciate your donation to this very important cause!!