USDA announces 2026 application ranking date for the RI Statewide Natural Systems Demonstration Project - Apply by February 27, 2026, to be eligible for this year’s funding.
Project Summary
The Rhode Island State Conservation Committee (RISCC) and a host of partners are developing and implementing a suite of innovative natural systems-based conservation practices in three separate landscapes that represent coastal, inland and agricultural focused watersheds. The projects will be implemented at a large scale across these watersheds to directly impact aquatic habitat, water quality and quantity for each resource area. End Year: 2027.
Priority Resource Concerns
Aquatic habitat, Concentrated erosion; Field sediment, nutrient and pathogen loss; Long term protection of land; Soil quality limitations; Terrestrial habitat
Priority Areas
►Northern Rhode Island - Funding 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 the Scituate Reservoir watershed.
►Southern Rhode Island - Funding used to implement suite of natural system-based approaches including green infrastructure to protect water quality in the Winnapaug Pond watershed (a coastal saltwater pond in Westerly).
