Rhode Island

Fish, Wildlife and Biodiversity

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (http://www.dem.ri.gov/index.htm)
This is the state agency responsible for the conservation and management of the state’s natural resources including wildlife and aquatic resources. Sources of information on threatened and endangered species include:

Natural Heritage Program (http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bpoladm/plandev/heritage/)
The Natural Heritage Program provides information on federally and state listed plants and wildlife and habitats of conservation concern as well as stewardship actions that may benefit them. Statewide lists of threatened and endangered species and communities of concern are available for download.

Division of Fish and Wildlife (http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bnatres/fishwild/index.htm/)
In 2005, all states completed State Wildlife Action Plan to identify and focus management on fish and wildlife in greatest need of conservation. This document provides an overview of key species (primarily nongame) and habitats of conservation concern throughout the state.

Special Sites

Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission (http://www.rihphc.state.ri.us/)
This is the primary state agency with knowledge and expertise in historic preservation, providing assistance in identifying and protecting historic properties, archaeological sites, burial places, and other cultural sites in the state. The staff includes preservation specialists (including historians, architectural historians, historic architects, and archaeologists). The Commission published a series of illustrated survey publications of Rhode Island’s communities that highlight important historical places. These booklets are available at local government offices and libraries throughout the state and can also be downloaded from the Commission’s website.

Natural Resources Conservation Service- Cultural Resources (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/cultural.html)
The NRCS provides financial and technical assistance, including guidance related to cultural resources,to implement conservation practices. Prior to implementation, NRCS staff or other conservation partners will normally conduct site visits that include an inventory of cultural resources. If resources are identified, they can help provide options for preservation and a variety of appropriate land uses. Even if you are not receiving funding from NRCS, the Cultural Resources Specialist or Coordinator can provide information regarding cultural resources and may be able to visit your property or connect you with other organizations or individuals for assistance. The Cultural Resources Directory can be used to locate your state’s Cultural Resources Specialist or Coordinator.

Rhode Island State Archives (http://archives.state.ri.us/archives/)
The State Archives identifies, preserves, and makes accessible records (such as census records, military records, family histories, and various county, state and federal records and other documents of historical value to the state.

Best Management Practices

States are required by the federal Clean Water Act to identify Best Management Practices to control surface runoff and other forms of nonpoint pollution. In many states in the US, BMPs are considered voluntary for forest owners. However, the AFF’s Standard of Sustainability says that to be certified, forest owners must apply BMPs (Standard 4, Performance Measure 4.1). States are given the flexibility to define their own BMPs appropriate to the management measure and approved by EPA and below is the link to your state’s BMPs:
http://www.rifco.org/publications.htm