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:
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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.
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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.
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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 and to apply for NRCS programs, contact your local NRCS field office or Conservation District:
Eastern RI Conservation District Serving Newport and Bristol counties Conservation District Office: 401-934-0842
Northern RI Conservation District Serving Providence County Conservation District Office: 401-934-0840
Southern RI Conservation District Serving Kent and Washington counties Conservation District Office: 401-661-5761
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