Arnold Brown Sawmill Privilege Land

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Arnold Brown Sawmill Privilege Land is a scenic nature preserve located in the town of Westerly, Rhode Island.


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Summary

The land was recently acquired by the Westerly Land Trust and is open to the public for hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities.

Visitors to the area can enjoy a variety of natural features, including forested trails, wetlands, and a picturesque stream. There are also several historic buildings on the property, including a restored sawmill that dates back to the 19th century.

One of the most interesting facts about the area is its historical significance. The land was once part of a larger tract that was granted to Arnold Brown in the 17th century, making it one of the oldest settlements in the area.

The best time of year to visit Arnold Brown Sawmill Privilege Land is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the vegetation is in full bloom. However, visitors should note that the area can become quite crowded during peak season, so it's best to plan ahead and arrive early in the day.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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