EQIP FY 2023 Ranking Criteria for Rhode Island Conservation Planning Activities

Applicability

Is the Planned Land Unit (PLU) located in Rhode Island?

1. Yes — Points: 0
2. Otherwise — Points: 0

Category Question 

Is the Planned Land Unit (PLU) located in Rhode Island?

1. Yes — Points: 0
2. Otherwise — Points: 0

Program Questions 

1. Is the land permanently protected through a CONSERVATION EASEMENT, purchase of development rights or other mechanism?
   1. Yes — Points: 50
   2. Otherwise — Points: 0
2. Does the applicant meet the NRCS definition of a Historically Underserved (HU) producer as identified in the CPA-1200?
   1. YES — Points: 90
   2. NO — Points: 0
3. If this application is approved for funding, will this be the applicant's first EQIP contract?
   1. YES — Points: 60
   2. NOT APPLICABLE — Points: 0

Resource Questions 

1. Please select the applicable activity to be included in this application:
   1. Is the application for a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) Design and Implementation Activity (101) or Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (102) or both? Check Tech Reg for availability of TSP prior to ranking — Points: 15
   2. Is the application for a Forest Management Plan (106) or Forest Management Design and Implementation Activity (165) or both? Check Tech Reg for availability of TSP prior to ranking — Points: 14
   3. Is the application for Agricultural Energy Design (120)? Check Tech Reg for availability of TSP prior to ranking — Points: 12
   4. Is the application for Conservation Plan Supporting Organic Transition (138) or Transition to Organic Design and Implementation Activity (140) or both? Check Tech Reg for availability of TSP prior to ranking — Points: 7
   5. Is it for a wildlife activity: Fish and Wildlife Habitat Design and Implementation Activity (144), Pollinator Habitat Design and Implementation Activity (148)? Check Tech Reg for availability of TSP prior to ranking — Points: 6
   6. Is the application for Nutrient Management Design and Implementation Activity (157)? Check Tech Reg for availability of TSP prior to ranking — Points: 10
   7. Is the application for Pest Management Conservation System Design and Implementation Activity (161)? Check Tech Reg for availability of TSP prior to ranking — Points: 5
   8. Is the application for Irrigation Water Management Design (163)? Check Tech Reg for availability of TSP prior to ranking — Points: 11
   9. Is the application for Conservation Plan (199)? Check Tech Reg for availability of TSP prior to ranking — Points: 1
   10. Does the application contain one of the following Conservation Evaluation & Monitoring Activities (CEMA): Site Assessment Soil Health Testing (216), Soil and Source Testing for Nutrient Management (217) and/or Agricultural Energy Assessment (228)? — Points: 16
   11. Does the application contain one of the following CEMA: Soil Testing for Contaminants Activity (207) and Carbon Sequestration and Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Assessment (218)? — Points: 3
   12. Not applicable — Points: 0
2. What is the distance from the Planned Land Unit (PLU) to water bodies including streams, ponds, lakes, estuaries, or all surface waters? 
   1. PLU is 100 ft or less from waterbody — Points: 50
   2. PLU is 100-500 ft from waterbody — Points: 30
   3. PLU is 500-1000 ft from a waterbody — Points: 20
   4. Otherwise — Points: 0
3. Is the Planned Land Unit (PLU) 100 ft or less from the edge of the wetland?
   1. PLU is 100 ft or less from the edge of the wetland — Points: 10
   2. Otherwise — Points: 0
4. Does the Planned Land Unit (PLU) include Prime and State Important Soils?
   1. Yes - PLU contains prime or state important soils — Points: 20
   2. Otherwise — Points: 0
5. Are the Planned Land Units (PLUs) in a targeted source water watershed?
   1. Yes — Points: 15
   2. Otherwise — Points: 0
6. Is the project in one of the source water priority watersheds?
   1. Yes — Points: 5
   2. Otherwise — Points: 0