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Rhode Island NRCS Strategic Plan 2003-2007

  1. ENHANCE NATURAL RESOURCE PRODUCTIVITY TO ENABLE A STRONG AGRICULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE SECTOR.

    1. By 2007, 25% of nursery, turf and vegetable farmers are implementing sustainable soil quality practices.
    2. By 2007, 400 acres of grazing and grasslands are improved.
    3. By 2007, 30% of producers' land containing forested land are implementing forest management plans.

     

  2. REDUCE UNINTENDED ADVERSE EFFECTS OF NATURAL RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND USE TO ENSURE A HIGH QUALITY ENVIRONMENT.

    1. Using USDA funds, assist partners with the preservation of 600 acres of farmland per year.
    2. By 2010, all RI watersheds have and are implementing watershed plans that address natural resource problems, such as erosion and sedimentation, storm water management, water quality, and farmland protection.
    3. Reduce soil erosion problems caused by wildlife on agricultural lands.
    4. By 2010, 50% of all livestock farms that are impacting water resources fence animals out of streams and wetlands.
    5. By 2007, 80% of RI farmers and their consultants assess risks to ground water and surface water from nitrogen fertilizer and pesticides and minimize those risks through the implementation of conservation practices.
    6. By 2007, 90% of Animal Feeding Operations (AFO) that are impacting water quality as identified through monitoring or other assessment processes are following a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP).
    7. By 2007, 130 acres of Rhode Island's degraded coastal habitats are restored. Specifically, 30 acres of Eelgrass (approximately 30% of the total eelgrass in Narragansett Bay), 100 acres of salt marsh habitat , and 20 miles of diadramous fish habitat are restored.
    8. By 2005, 100 acres of freshwater wetland habitat are restored.
    9. By 2005, 3800 acres of upland habitat are restored. Specifically, 2500 acres of seedling-sapling forest, 1000 acres of upland grassland-herbaceous and 300 acres of field border habitat are restored or created.

     

  3. REDUCE RISK FROM DROUGHT AND FLOODING TO PROTECT INDIVIDUAL AND COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY.

    1. By 2005, the state of RI has adopted a state standard for dam safety & maintenance.
    2. By 2004, all critical flooding areas in Rhode Island are identified and agreed to by all partners.
    3. By 2007, alternatives for the highest impacted flooding areas in the Pocasset River watershed will be developed, presented and selected, and implementation.
    4. By 2005, communities have determined the most sustainable water sources for agriculture in the Pawcatuck River watershed.
    5. By 2008, 75% of all large volume irrigators are implementing a water management plan to enhance soil water-holding capacity, conserve water and reduce offsite impacts.

     

  4. DELIVER HIGH QUALITY SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC TO ENABLE NATURAL RESOURCE STEWARDSHIP.

    1. By 2005, Rhode Island citizens are aware of and know how to access RI NRCS services.
    2. By 2007, increase rate of implementation of conservation systems by 200%.
    3. By 2004, assure sufficient staff capacity & expertise to accomplish NRCS-RI objectives.
    4. By 2007, the RI NRCS Soils Program meets its user needs.