2002 Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program

Rhode Island Summary

Overview

In Rhode Island, strong interest and participation in the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) continued through 2002. Applications requesting Federal cost-share funds totaling $1 million were submitted by five landowners. NRCS staff developed and approved four WHIP conservation plans and contracts totaling $250,000.

Accomplishments

Rhode Island NRCS received five applications with a dollar value of applications totaling $1 million. Four contracts were approved with 50 acres under contract. The dollar value of partner contributions totaled $500,000.

Program Benefits

Program funding is providing landowners with financial resources to improve wildlife habitat, as well as creating partnerships in Rhode Island that can provide them with the best technical expertise. All four Rhode Island contracts will encourage the wildlife to return, and will have a positive impact on the watersheds involved.

State Contact

Joseph Bachand
Resource Conservationist, USDA NRCS WHIP Program Manager
60 Quaker Lane, Suite 46
Warwick, Rhode Island 02886
Phone: 401-822-8818
Fax: 401-828-0433

Program Focus

Grassland Restoration Project

Warm season grasslands once occurred throughout New England prior to European colonization. Today, grassland habitats have mostly disappeared, leading to the decline of many species of migratory birds, mammals, and plants. As part of our goal to restore 1,000 acres of grassland by 2005, NRCS has partnered with the Rhode Island Water Resources Board (RIWRB). RIWRB and NRCS have been working to restore grasslands at the Big River Management Area in West Greenwich.

Since 2001, we have established 16 acres of warm season grasslands on the 140-acre abandoned gravel pit. The success of this project is demonstrated by wildlife now using the site, from large mammals, such as black bears, to smaller migratory songbirds. The project also benefits recharge to the drinking water supply aquifer by increasing vegetative cover on the denuded soils of the gravel pit. The grasslands are also visited yearly by West Greenwich Elementary School children who are treated to educational field trips by RIWRB, University of RI, and NRCS staff. RIWRB and NRCS will continue to restore the remaining 122 acres of the gravel pit over the next five years.

Rhode Island WHIP Dollars and Contracts by Congressional District

Rhode Island WHIP Dollars and Contracts

Occupessatuxet Cove,. Coastal Marsh Restoration (Spring Green Farm)

Location:

600 Spring Green Road, Warwick, RI 02888

Owner:

Alice Westervelt

USDA Contact for Project:

Joseph Bachand, West Bay Service Center, Warwick, RI 02886, 401-822-8818

USDA Programs Involved:

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)

Partners:

Save the Bay, University of Rhode Island

Project Goal:

Restore the 10 acres of the 50-acre Occupessatuxet Cove coastal marsh to native vegetation. Maintain the marsh in native Spartina grasses.

Farm Overview:

Spring Green Farm an historic farm located on Narragansett Bay. The property has been in the Westervelt’s family since the 1600’s. There are approximately 30 acres of managed hayland on the property. The hayland and associated farmhouse and barn overlook Occupessatuxet Cove a beautiful 50-acre coastal salt marsh.

Site Conditions Prior to Project:

Approximately 10 acres of the invasive plant Phragmites australis (common reed) had become established in the upper end of the marsh. Phragmites form a monotypic stand of vegetation and replaces native plants such as Spartina Alternaflora, and Spartina patens. The invasion of the Phragmites decreases habitat, food sources and wildlife diversity. The main concern was that the Phragmites would eventually spread throughout the 50-acre marsh.

Project Overview:

The goal of the project was to eliminate the Phragmites and replace it with native marsh plants.

Practice Used:

Restoration and Management of Declining Habitats

Invasive Plant Removal:

The Phragmites was sprayed with the aquatic herbicide Rodeo. Once all of the Phragmites was killed the remaining canes were mulched using low ground pressure marsh equipment. The area was then seeded with native marsh vegetation.

Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management:

The project will be monitored for the duration of the contract. Any sign of Phragmites returning will be dealt with appropriately.

Problems:

None

Funding:

Federal (75%), Landowner (25%)

Outcome Owner:

Enjoys the beauty of the native marsh.

Outcome- Environment:

Ten acres of native marsh is available to be used by native wildlife. Protected an additional 40 acres of marsh from Phragmites invasion.