RCPP - RI Forest Health Works - FY 2024 Ranking Criteria for Entity-Held Easements

Applicability Question

Did the participant apply for RCPP project #2526 known as the Forest Health Works, and has provided proof of ownership? 

1. YES – Points: 0
2. NO – Points: 0

Category Questions

Please select the most applicable category:

1. Providence Water Reservoir – Points: 0
2. State of Rhode Island – Points: 0

Program Questions

1. OUTCOMES: Application directly addresses one or more resource concerns for which outcome metrics have been included in the PPA Attachment E? (Minimum 40 points)
   1. Proposed acres is greater than 90% forested – Points: 40
   2. Proposed acres is greater than 75% but less than 90% forested – Points: 35
   3. Proposed acres is greater than 50% but less than 75% forested – Points: 20
   4. Proposed acres are less than 50% forested – Points: 0
2. CONTRIBUTIONS: PPA exhibits identify direct relationship between proposed US-held easement activities and partner contributions, and application directly leverages RCPP funding with partner contributions. (Minimum 40 points)
   1. 25-50% cash match provided by eligible entity for payment of easement compensation to the landowner – Points: 40
   2. 25% cash match provided by eligible entity for payment of easement compensation to the landowner – Points: 20
   3. No cash-match provided by eligible entity for payment of easement compensation to the landowner with partner – Points: 0
3. Historically Underserved Producers: Application or applicant meets HU requirements or criteria as identified in the PPA or by NRCS (Maximum 40 points)
   1. YES – Points: 40
   2. NO – Points: 0
4. Status of the Forest Management Plan. Select the most appropriate option: 
   1. The applicant is implementing a forest management plan – Points: 40
   2. The applicant has a forest management plan in place but is not yet implementing – Points: 30
   3. The applicant does not have a forest management plan – Points: 0
5. Would enrollment of the Entity Held easement under RCPP eligibility criteria permanently protect land which is currently ineligible for any other NRCS administered easement program?
   1. YES – Points: 40
   2. NO – Points: 0

Resource Questions 

1. Proximity of parcel to Conserved Land
   1. Parcel abuts conserved land – Points: 35
   2. Conserved land is within 1320 feet – Points: 25
   3. Does not apply – Points: 0
2. Parcel Size (Proposed Easement Boundary)
   1. Greater than 100 acres – Points: 35
   2. Between 51-99 acres – Points: 25
   3. Between 30-50 acres – Points: 15
   4. Less that 30 acres – Points: 0
3. Core Forest
   1. Contained within a core forest of 500+ acres – Points: 20
   2. Contained within a core forest area between 250-500 acres – Points: 10
   3. Entirely outside of a core forest – Points: 0
4. The parcel is located in a drinking supply reservoir watershed.
   1. Yes – Points: 10
   2. Otherwise – Points: 0
5. Select the total "Length of Riparian Area" (linear feet) that is within the easement boundary:
   1. Greater than or equal to 2640 feet – Points: 10
   2. Between 1000 feet and up to 2640 feet – Points: 7
   3. Between 500 feet and up to 1000 feet – Points: 5
   4. Less than 500 feet – Points: 0
6. Is the parcel contained within; or does it intersect with, any TNC Resiliency and Natural Heritage Areas?
   1. Parcel is contained within the TNC Resiliency Area/Heritage Area – Points: 40
   2. The parcel intersects more than 50% but less than 99% – Points: 35
   3. The parcel intersects more than 25% but is not contained within the TNC Resiliency Area/Heritage Area - Points: 25
   4. Otherwise – Points: 0
7. What percentage of the easement area soils are classified as Ordination Class 3?
   1. 50% land in proposed easement has ordination class of 3 – Points: 30
   2. 25-49% of the parcels forest soils has an ordination class of 3 – Points: 20 
   3. Otherwise – Points: 0
8. Threat of Solar Development: If over 30 acres and the property is not in a Core Forest, does the property have three phase power available?
   1. 3-phase runs by property – Points: 20
   2. 3-phase is within 1320 feet of property – Points: 10
   3. Not Applicable – Points: 0