USDA announces 2023 application ranking date for the RI Statewide Natural Systems Demonstration Project

RCPP is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to farmers and forestland owners to address natural resource concerns through an array of conservation practices. This demonstration project will have three focus areas:

• Eastern Rhode Island (Bristol and Newport counties) – Funding will be used to implement a suite of natural system-based approaches including floodplain restoration and riparian buffer restoration to reduce erosion, sediment transport and nutrient loading into surface waters.
• Northern Rhode Island (Providence County) – Funding will be used to implement a suite of natural systems-based approaches including green infrastructure improvements, riparian buffers, and stream corridor restoration to protect water quality in an inland, forested watershed.
• Southern Rhode Island (Kent and Washington counties) – Funding be used to implement a suite of natural system-based approaches including green infrastructure to protect water quality in a coastal saltwater pond.

“Through the RCPP program, NRCS and our partners help farmers and forest landowners install and maintain conservation activities in selected project areas.,” said Phou Vongkhamdy, State Conservationist for NRCS in Rhode Island. “Assistance is available to support private landowners and managers in addressing farm, field, forest, and/or water, management issues.”

Applications may be submitted at any time during the year, however, interested farmers should and forest landowners should apply to their local NRCS office by April 21, 2023, to ensure their application is considered in the 2023 fiscal year ranking period. For more information on available programs, the application process, and natural resource priorities, visit the Rhode Island NRCS website at www.ri.nrcs.usda.gov.

RCPP encourages partner organizations to join in efforts with farmers to increase the restoration and sustainable use of soil, water, wildlife and related natural resources on regional or watershed scales. Partners leverage RCPP funding in project areas and report on the benefits achieved.

NRCS is a federal agency that works hand-in-hand with conservation districts and the people of Rhode Island to improve and protect soil, water, and other natural resources.

For more information, contact your local conservation district or NRCS field office at:

Eastern RI Conservation District 
Serving Newport and Bristol counties 
401-934-0842

Northern RI Conservation District
Serving Providence County
401-934-0840 extension #3

Southern RI Conservation District 
Serving Kent and Washington counties 
401-661-5761

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
60 Quaker Lane, Suite 46
Warwick, RI 02886 
www.ri.nrcs.usda.gov 
NRCSInfo@ri.usda.gov 
401-828-1300

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