2003 Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program

Rhode Island Summary

Overview

In Rhode Island, strong interest and participation in the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) continued through 2003. Applications requesting Federal cost-share funds totaling 2.3 million were submitted by 14 landowners. NRCS staff developed and approved nine WHIP conservation plans and contracts totaling $1.1 million.

Accomplishments

The dollar value of partner contributions totaled $4.1 million. Rhode Island received the most funding for WHIP nationwide.

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 available. All nine contracts will encourage the wildlife to return and 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

Mussachuck Creek Project

Mussachuck Creek is a salt marsh and anadromous fish run located in the town of Barrington. The creek was once one of Narragansett Bay’s premiere river herring runs but road restrictions and collapsed culverts now prevent safe passage for spawning river herring. These road restrictions also reduce the amount of salt water entering the creek. Consequently, the 20 acre salt marsh has been invaded by the invasive plant Phragmites australis, eliminating valuable wildlife habitat. One goal of this project is to eliminate the tall monotypic stands of Phragmites australis and to restore the salt marsh to a native short-grass plant community. Similar RI restorations have resulted in increasing finfish biodiversity and production. The second goal of the project is to remove obstructions to fish passage. It is anticipated that upstream spawning habitat would support 100,000 adult river herring.
The final outcome will be to restore a natural balance to this vital ecosystem. This project will assist in the ongoing statewide efforts to restore Narragansett Bay’s fish and wildlife habitats.

Rhode Island WHIP Dollars and Contracts by Congressional District

Rhode Island WHIP Dollars and Contracts