EQIP FY 2023 Ranking Criteria for Rhode Island Forest Resiliency

Applicability

Is the applicant implementing an approved forest management plan (NRCS 106 CAP, Forest Stewardship Plan, other)?

1. YES — Points: 0
2. NO — Points: 0

Category Question

Is the 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: 20
   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: 60
   2. NO — Points: 0
3. Did the applicant apply for funding in Fiscal Year 2022 but was previously NOT funded?
   1. YES — Points: 70
   2. NOT APPLICABLE — Points: 0
4. If this application is approved for funding, will this be the applicant's first EQIP contract?
   1. YES — Points: 50
   2. NOT APPLICABLE — Points: 0

Resource Questions 

1. FOR PRACTICES IN THE FOREST: Does the schedule of operations include implementation of practices that address one or more of these priority resource categories? [Important: MUST review the Guidance Drop-down for specific practices.]
   1. Concentrated Erosion — Points: 18
   2. Degraded Plant Condition — Points: 25
   3. Pest Pressure — Points: 10
   4. Terrestrial Habitat — Points: 17
   5. Fire Management — Points: 5
   6. Not Applicable — Points: 0
2. FOR PRACTICES IN ASSOCIATED AG LAND: Does the schedule of operations include implementation of practices that address at least one of these priority resource categories? [Important: MUST review the Guidance Drop-down for specific practices.]
   1. Terrestrial Habitat — Points: 15
   2. Pest Pressure — Points: 10
   3. Not applicable — Points: 0
3. Does the Conservation Plan include one or more conservation practices from the Climate-Smart Ag & Forestry Mitigation Activities List (FY23 Version)?  
   1. 3+ Climate Smart practices are planned — Points: 10
   2. 1 or 2 Climate Smart practices are planned — Points: 5
   3. Zero (0) Climate Smart practices are planned — Points: 0
4. 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: 30
   2. PLU is 100-500 ft from waterbody — Points: 15
   3. PLU is 500-1000 ft from a waterbody — Points: 10
   4. Otherwise — Points: 0
5. Is the application in the RI Dept. of Environmental Management (RIDEM) Drought or Gypsy Moth mortality area?
   1. Yes — Points: 8
   2. Otherwise — Points: 0
6. 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
7. Based on the source water dashboard, is the Planned Land Unit (PLU) located in a "high" / targeted source water watershed?
   1. Yes — Points: 15
   2. Otherwise — Points: 0
8. Is the project in one of the source water protection priority watershed areas?
   1. Yes — Points: 5
   2. Otherwise — Points: 0
9. 9.Is the Planned Land Unit (PLU) part of the State Forest Priority Area?
   1. Yes — Points: 15
   2. Otherwise — Points: 0
10. Will the contract address Oak Resiliency? (Important: MUST read the hover text for requirements).
    1. Yes — Points: 7
    2. Not Applicable — Points: 0