2001 Conservation Technical Assistance

Rhode Island Summary

Overview

In 2001, Rhode Island continued to experience demand for conservation technical assistance not associated with any cost share programs. These requests for assistance originated from a variety of sources including, agricultural producers and other farmers, rural landowners, community and non-profit organizations, private companies, tribal governments, and other state or local governments. The types of assistance requested ranged from assisting farmers and land trusts to develop and implement conservation plans to protect, conserve and enhance their natural resources; to providing resource inventory information to landowners applying for Rhode Island’s Farm, Forest and Open Space designation; to working the state public health veterinarian to identify suitable sites for disposal of catastrophic animal moralities; to advising on storm water remediation. The demand for conservation technical assistance continues to outstrip the availability of current staffing to meet it.

Accomplishments

Rhode Island NRCS staff responded to nearly 650 requests for assistance not associated with conservation financial assistance programs. Natural resources benefited by the installation of: erosion control practices on cropland and in forested areas; improved pasture management that prevent erosion, conserve water and avoid polluting waterways; conservation tillage to improve soil quality; and animal waste management systems that protect water quality.

Outlook

The agricultural community of Rhode Island finds it increasingly more difficult to farm in a rapidly urbanizing environment. Some farmers very much desire natural resource management technical assistance without any associated financial assistance. Land trusts and other local government agencies are urging that all easement holders develop conservation plans with the assistance of NRCS. State and local government agencies regularly seek NRCS expertise in the use and interpretation of our GIS data, the enhancement and restoration of wetlands and wildlife habitat, etc. Conservation technical assistance funding will assist private and public landowners and managers to be wise stewards of their natural resources.

State Contact

Judith M. Doerner
State Conservationist, USDA NRCS
60 Quaker Lane, Suite 46
Warwick, Rhode Island 02886
phone: 401-828-1300

Slater Park Pond Restoration Project

Slater Park; an urban park, is approximately 200 acres, of which 4 acres is the pond. This urban park supports a variety of recreational activities and attracts approximately 400,000 visitors a year.

The purpose of this project was to stabilize the eroded shoreline and adjacent areas, control any runoff contributing to the shoreline erosion, and establish designated fishing access areas. The runoff caused sediment to deposit in the pond.

The shoreline was stabilized using a variety of bioengineering techniques including coconut-fiber logs. The fiber logs were used to reestablish a permanent shoreline. The eroded section of the lawn and perimeter wetland was repaired. Topsoil was placed as needed to support the vegetation, grass was used in the open areas, and a combination of low-bush blueberries, sweet pepper bush, viburnums, and blue flag iris was used in the wooded areas. Wood timber and stone dust steps and pathways will direct the foot traffic to the access areas.

The project improved the water quality to the pond, stabilized and restored the pond shoreline, and provided wood and stone terraces for fishing access.

The total cost of the project was approximately $190,000. NRCS provided $40,000 of technical assistance.