RI 2012 Soil Survey Planning Conference at URI's Coastal Institute WARWICK, RI (June 29, 2012) – The 2012 RI Soil Survey Planning Conference was held on June 28, 2012 at the Coastal Institute's Kingston, campus where approximately 75 attendees learned about the latest version of the Soil Survey of Rhode Island. In addition, attendees learned about mapping latest research in soil science, and how to use and access soils data from a variety of sources.
2012 Annual Rhode Island Envirothon Competition at Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick, RI; U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse Presented Awards
(PDF Version, 323 KB) This document requires Acrobat Reader. WARWICK, RI (May 23, 2012) – Rhode Island Envirothon, Inc. held its annual competition on Friday, May 18, 2012 at Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick, RI. This one-day event marked the culmination of a year of dedicated, hard work by high school students from around the State who competed in teams of five to address environmental issues in four subject areas which include aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife, soils and land use, plus one special environmental issue which changes annually.
NRCS Announces National Water Quality Initiative in Rhode Island WARWICK, RI (May 15, 2012) – State Conservationist R. Phou Vongkhamdy announced the launch of a new National Water Quality Initiative committed to improving three watersheds in Rhode Island. The watersheds include the Sakonnet River, Tomaquag Brook-Pawcatuck River, and Upper East Passage. USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will manage the initiative by making funds available to farmers and forest land owners in the selected watersheds.
Celebrate Spring and and Earth Day by Planning and Planting a People's Garden WARWICK, RI (April 19, 2012) – Earth Day is April 22. One way you can get involved is by planting a People's Garden. The People's Garden Initiative is an effort by United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) agencies including the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). When Abraham Lincoln founded USDA in 1862, he referred to is as The People's Department. Lincoln said "the most valuable of all arts will be the art of deriving a comfortable subsistence from the smallest area of soil." It's a description that is as true today as it was then.
NRCS Announces Innovative Working Lands for Wildlife Partnership to Preserve Working Lands and Conservation Habitat for Wildlife Species Including New England Cottontail Rabbit WARWICK, RI (April 3, 2012) – USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in partnership with the Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service announced funding for the Working Lands for Wildlife partnership which allows farmers and forest landowners to use innovative approaches to restore and protect habitat for wildlife including at risk species such as the New England cottontail rabbit. Working Lands for Wildlife is a national effort with $33 million in funding nationwide from the NRCS Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP).
$125,000 Available for Rhode Island State Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) WARWICK, RI (April 3, 2012) – The United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service of Rhode Island is accepting applications for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Grants of up to $75,000 will be awarded through a competitive grants process with up to $125,000 to be awarded statewide.
NRCS Extends Sign-Up Period For Conservation Stewardship Program
(PDF Version, 29 KB) This document requires Acrobat Reader. WARWICK, RI (January 12, 2012) – USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Chief Dave White announced that the cut-off date for the current Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) ranking period has been extended to January 27, 2012. Producers who maintain a high level of conservation on their land and agree to adopt higher levels of stewardship are eligible for CSP payments.
NRCS Rhode Island State Resource Conservationist Eric Scherer Retires After 36 Years of Federal Service
(PDF Version, 72 KB) This document requires Acrobat Reader. WARWICK, RI (October 3, 2011) – Rhode Island State Resource Conservationist Eric Scherer retired from the federal government after more than 36 years of service in various agencies. Eric's begins his next "career" as the district manager with the Southern Rhode Island Conservation District and plans to work with the Rhode Island Resource Conservation and Development Council.
NRCS Civil Engineer Frank Vogel Retires After 31 Years of Federal Service
(PDF Version, 50 KB) This document requires Acrobat Reader. WARWICK, RI (October 3, 2011) – Frank Vogel retired from the federal government in October 2011 after more than 31 years of service in various agencies. Frank began his career in the U.S. Air Force, followed by positions at the Walter Reed Facilities Engineering, U.S. Coast Guard, and then NRCS.
NRCS Participates in the Pawtuxet River Restoration Commemoration on September 30, 2011 WARWICK, RI (September 23, 2011) – Please join us on Friday, September 30, 2011 from 10 a.m. to noon to celebrate the restoration of the Pawtuxet River! Hosted by the Pawtuxet River Authority and Narragansett Bay Estuary Program, the event will be held at the Broad Street Bridge in Pawtuxet Village, overlooking the restored falls. In August, the Pawtuxet River Authority and its partners including the Natural Resources Conservation Service demolished the obsolete Pawtuxet Falls Dam, restoring natural flows to the river and opening passage for native migratory fish which have been absent from the river for 300 years!
NRCS Announces Recipients of Conservation Innovation Grants in 40 States Including Two RI Aquaculture Farms WARWICK, RI (August 24, 2011) – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the winning proposals for the 2011 Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). CIG grants support pioneering efforts in conserving and protecting natural resources and enhancing agricultural productivity. A total of 52 grants were awarded and includes two Rhode Island aquaculture farms which will address renewable energy and water quality issues.
NRCS Announces Second Ranking to Protect Farmland in Rhode Island - Ranking Deadline August 19, 2011 WARWICK, RI (July 19, 2011) – R. Phou Vongkhamdy, Rhode Island State Conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced today a second ranking period for the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP). "Since 1996, Rhode Island NRCS has provided over $12 million in matching funds to partner’s funds for the protection of over 3,000 acres of farmland in Rhode Island,”“ said Vongkhamdy.
NRCS Participates in the U.S. Senator Whitehouse Tour at the Narragansett Bay Commission's Bucklin Point Facility WARWICK, RI (May 17, 2011) – The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) participated in the U.S. Senator Whitehouse tour of the Narragansett Bay Commission's (NBC) Bucklin Point facility on May 13, 2011 where Sen. Whitehouse discussed legislation he recently introduced which would support research, pollution reduction, and protection efforts by NBC and other Rhode Island organizations.
NRCS Celebrates Earth Day at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Oath Ceremony WARWICK, RI (April 22, 2011) – USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Rhode Island State Conservationist R. Phou Vongkhamdy was the main presenter at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Oath (USCIS) Oath Ceremony held on Earth Day April 22, 2011. Over 100 attendees from well over 25 countries were sworn in as U.S. citizens at the Johnston, RI Field Office where they learned about NRCS conservation efforts in Rhode Island.
Funding Available for Organic Initiative in Rhode Island - Application Deadline March 4, 2011 WARWICK, RI (January 13, 2011) - Offered by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for the third year. the EQIP Organic Initiative is available for Rhode Island farmers who are certified organic, transitioning to certified organic, or organic exempt according to USDA's National Organic Program regulations.
NRCS Extends Sign-Up Period For Conservation Stewardship Program WARWICK, RI (November 3, 2010) - The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has extended the ranking period cut-off date for producers to apply for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CPS) to January 21, 2011. CSP is a voluntary program that encourages agricultural and forestry producers to maintain existing conservation activities and adopt additional ones on their operations.
NRCS Begins Statewide Sign-Up for Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) WARWICK, RI (June 4, 2010) - The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service of Rhode Island (USDA NRCS) is accepting applications for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) which offers annual payments for up to 5 years to producers who maintain a high level of conservation on their land and who agree to adopt higher levels of stewardship. The first application cutoff for ranking purposes was originally scheduled for June 11, 2010 but the application period has been extended to June 25, 2010 State Conservationist R. Phou Vongkhamdy announced today.
NRCS Announces $500,000 in Funds for Forestry Initiative in Rhode Island WARWICK, RI (May 26, 2010) - Looking for conservation funding opportunities to improve wildlife habitat, forest health, and productivity, and water quality on your private forest lands? If so, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service of Rhode Island may be able to help.
Second Ranking Period Announced to Provide Financial and Technical Assistance for Rhode Island Private Agricultural Land and Private Forest or Woodland Owners Available Under EQIP WARWICK, RI (May 19, 2010) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service of Rhode Island (USDA NRCS) announced a second ranking period for the availability of financial and technical assistance for private agricultural land and private forestry or woodland owners in Rhode Island. Funding is available under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The closing for the EQIP ranking period on May 27, 2010 will require all eligibility determinations and paper work to be completed by this date.
$158,000 Available for Rhode Island State Conservation Innovation Grants WARWICK, RI (April 29, 2010) - The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service of Rhode Island (USDA NRCS) is accepting applications for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Grants of up to $75,000 will be awarded through a competitive grants process with up to $158,000 to be awarded statewide.
NRCS Flood Assistance for Nonagricultural Land Impacted by the March 2010 Floods WARWICK, RI (April 15, 2010) - The recent record rainfall events during the month of March 2010 in Rhode Island have caused extensive flooding in numerous areas throughout the State. These floodwaters have resulted in business closures, property damage, and temporary evacuations in many cases. Funding is available through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP).
NRCS Assistance for Agricultural Land Impacted by the March 2010 Floods WARWICK, RI (April 15, 2010) - The recent record rainfall events during March 2010 in Rhode Island caused extensive flooding throughout the State. These events may have resulted in property damage as well as damage to conservation practices previously installed with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) assistance.
Funding available for 2010 Organic Initiative in Rhode Island -_Application Deadline Extended to April 2, 2010(pdf 27 kb) WARWICK, RI (February 3, 2010) – Rhode Island organic farmers and those in transition to organic production may sign-up now for technical and financial assistance under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Although sign-up is continuous throughout the year, farmers are highly encouraged to apply by April 2, 2010 in order for their applications to be reviewed and ranked for currently available 2010 funds.
Funding available to help farmers extend the growing season while protecting natural resources - NRCS High Tunnel Pilot Program WARWICK, RI (January 6, 2010) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced a new pilot project under the 'Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food' initiative for farmers to establish high tunnels - also known as hoop houses - to increase the availability of locally grown produce in a conservation-friendly way. Interested farmers should sign up by February 15, 2010.
Pawcatuck Watershed Optimization Study Workshops(pdf 44 kb) WARWICK, RI (August 7, 2009) - The Wood- Pawcatuck Watershed Association, in partnership with the Rhode Island Resource Conservation and Development Council, Natural Resources Conservation Service U.S. Geological Survey, and the Rhode Island Water Resources Board, are delighted to announce the completion of the Pawcatuck Watershed Water Use Optimization Study (the Study).
Rhode Island Aquaculture Producers Complete First Set in 2009 Oyster Restoration Project (pdf 446 kb) WARWICK, RI (June 16, 2009) – On Tuesday, June 9, 2009, 13 aquaculture producers (oyster farmers) began the 2009 oyster restoration project funded through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
USDA-NRCS announces a second WHIP application period until June 30, 2009 (pdf 27 kb) Warwick, RI (June 15, 2009) - This extended application period will cover all of Rhode Island but will give priority to applications that benefit aquatic habitat within the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed which is located in the southern part of Rhode Island.
Secretary Vilsack Announces Floodplain Easement Selections Through Recovery Act Funding WARWICK, RI (June 2, 2009) – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today selected 289 applications for the first national sign-up for floodplain easements under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. The easements will cover more the 36,000 acres of land in 36 states.
$165,000 AVAILABLE FOR CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS WARWICK, RI (June 3, 2009) - The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) is accepting applications for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies.
USDA-NRCS Provides $4.2 Million to Protect Farmland in Rhode Island
WARWICK, RI (May 7, 2009) – Phoukham Vongkhamdy, Rhode Island State Conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced today the agency has received $4.2 million through the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP).
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Merrigan Announces Funding for new organics initiative - $50 Million in Funding Available Nationwide WARWICK, RI (May 6, 2009) - Speaking today to the USDA National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced $50 million for a new initiative to meet the Obama Administration’s promise to encourage more organic agriculture production. Funding for the initiative is being made available as part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
$145 Million Available in Floodplain Easement and Restoration Funds WARWICK, RI (March 9, 2009) - The American Recovery and Re-investment Act (ARRA) authorized $145 million nationwide for floodplain easements and floodplain restoration under the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWPP).
Rhode Island Welcomes Phoukham Vongkhamdy, new State Conservationist WARWICK, RI (February 25, 2009) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently announced that Phoukham "Pooh" Vongkhamdy has been named State Conservationist for Rhode Island.
USDA Announces Fiscal Year 2009 Sign-Up For $20 Million in Conservation Innovation Grants WARWICK, RI (February 9, 2009) - The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced the availability of program funding for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Fiscal Year 2009. The CIG program is designed to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies.
Gooseneck Cove to be Restored After Decades of Degradation Newport, RI (January 29, 2009) - The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Save the Bay, and the conservation partnership effort will reduce flooding and improve habitat and water quality conditions in Gooseneck Cove, Newport, RI.
Blackstone River Fish Passage Restoration Final EA and FONSI WARWICK, RI - NRCS has completed the Final Environmental Assessment (EA) and Issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Blackstone River Fish Passage Restoration Project, Rhode Island.
NRCS EQIP Conservation Grant Program to Aid Farmers WARWICK, RI - (October 15, 2008) - The Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS) is encouraging farmers to take advantage of its Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a voluntary conservation grant program designed to promote and stimulate innovative approaches to environmental enhancement and protection while improving agricultural production.
Conservation Security Program
WARWICK, RI — The Narragansett Bay Watershed is the largest watershed in Rhode Island, and includes the Taunton River sub-basin in Massachusetts, which is the second largest watershed in MA. In total, the Narragansett Bay watershed includes 1,366 square miles. The area selected for 2008 is a portion of the Narragansett Bay Watershed that equals 212,000 acres (~331 square miles), of which 105,000 acres are in Rhode Island and 107,000 acres are in Massachusetts.
Treaty Rock Farm in Little Compton Little Compton, RI — The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) along with the Little Compton Agricultural Conservancy Trust and The Nature Conservancy have announced the conservation of 114 acres of historic and ecologically valuable Rhode Island farmland. A partnership of Ocean State land preservation groups, and state and federal agencies contributed $3.6 million to protect this portion of the 120-acre Treaty Rock Farm in Little Compton.
CIG Grants WARWICK, RI — (January 2, 2008) – The RI Office of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces a request for proposals for 2008 Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). Grants of up to $75,000 are available to fund creative ideas and practices that will conserve soil, water and energy resources or improve air quality, grazing land and forest health in Rhode Island.
Salisbury Farm , Acquisition of Development Rights to this 30-acre Farm Johnston, RI — (September 11, 2007) - (Quote from Roylene Rides at the Door, State Conservationist, NRCS) NRCS is honored to be apart of purchasing of the development rights to ensure the continuation of the Salisbury farm for many future generations.
Federal Funds Available for Innovative Ideas for Conserving Natural Resources in Rhode Island
WARWICK, RI — (June 4, 2007) – The RI Office of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has announced a second round of requests for proposals for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG), for 2007. Grants of up to $75,000 are available to fund creative ideas and practices that will conserve soil, water and energy resources or improve air quality, grazing land and forest health in Rhode Island. The total pot from which NRCS will make awards to CIG is $176,000.
The 2007 Rhode Island Envirothon
Rockville, RI (May 1, 2007) - The RI Envirothon was held on Thursday, May 17, 2007at Camp Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Rockville, Rhode Island. Nine teams competed from five High Schools: Coventry, Narragansett, North Kingstown, the Wheeler School and Cumberland.
Kickemuit River Fish Passage Media Event
WARREN, RI (May 1, 2007) - Officials announced the completion of a $340,000 fish ladder that will allow herring to swim into the reservoir from the river below. About 75 people gathered at the headquarters of the Bristol County Water Authority, which owns the Kickemuit Reservoir, to celebrate the restoration of a crucial fish habitat. "It's nice to see all these organizations here and see there's still a fight for Mother Earth," said Ed Page, a member of the Pocasset Indian tribe, which once fished the waters of the Kickemuit. "It's a beautiful thing."
FEDERAL GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR INNOVATIVE ON-FARM ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECTS IN RHODE ISLAND WARWICK, RI (April 17, 2007) — State Conservationist Roylene Rides at the Door today announced the request for proposals for the Rhode Island Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). Conservation Innovation Grants is a voluntary program intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production.
USDA TO PROVIDE FEDERAL FUNDS TO PROTECT RHODE ISLAND’S WORKING FARMS -Project proposals will be accepted through April 27, 2007 WARWICK, RI (January 3, 2007) — State Conservationist Roylene Rides at the Door today announced the request for proposals for the national Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). Conservation Innovation Grants is a voluntary program intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production.
USDA ANNOUNCES FISCAL YEAR 2007 SIGN-UP FOR UP TO $20 MILLION IN CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS WARWICK, RI (January 3, 2007) — State Conservationist Roylene Rides at the Door today announced the request for proposals for the national Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). Conservation Innovation Grants is a voluntary program intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production.
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