BURRILLVILLE, R.I. — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has conserved 151 acres of forested land for habitat restoration and public recreational use, including hunting.

DEM received a $911,000 grant from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service through the Wildlife Restoration Program to complete the acquisition. The purchase price of the property was $1,336,500. The federal grant provided 75% of the appraisal value of the property at $911,250, matched with $425,250 in Green Bond money.

The St. Angelo property, also known as Sweet’s Hill, will be incorporated into DEM’s 1,684-acre Black Hut Management Area, which abuts on three sides. State officials said the acquisition will strengthen the boundary of the management area, will be open to the public, provide excellent recreational opportunities, and protect important habitat that includes forested uplands, a series of streams, vernal pools, and an old field dense with pollinator-friendly plants.

DEM’s Division of Fish & Wildlife will manage the property for hunting and trapping and for open space and conservation habitat.

“The conservation of his property as an addition to Black Hut Management Area is another win for expanding recreational opportunities and protecting important habitat,” DEM director Terry Gray said. “DEM appreciates the support of the USFWS as well as hunters and target shooters, whose purchase of firearms and ammunition in the state is taxed specifically to fund conservation projects like this.”