USDA announces 2026 application ranking date for the RI Statewide Natural Systems Demonstration Project

RCPP is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to farmers and forestland owners to address natural resource concerns through an array of conservation practices. This demonstration project has two focus areas:

• Northern Rhode Island (Providence County) - Funding will be used to implement a suite of natural systems-based approaches including green infrastructure improvements, riparian buffers, and stream corridor restoration to protect water quality in the Scituate Reservoir Watershed.
• Southern Rhode Island (Kent and Washington counties) - Funding be used to implement a suite of natural system-based approaches including green infrastructure to protect water quality Winnapaug Pond Watershed, Westerly (a coastal saltwater pond).

Applications may be submitted at any time during the year, however, interested farmers and forest landowners should apply to their local NRCS Field Office or Conservation District office by February 27, 2026, to ensure their application is considered in the 2026 fiscal year ranking period. For more information on available programs, the application process, and natural resource priorities, visit the Rhode Island NRCS website at www.RI.nrcs.usda.gov.

RCPP encourages partner organizations to join in efforts with farmers to increase the restoration and sustainable use of soil, water, wildlife and related natural resources on regional or watershed scales. Partners leverage RCPP funding in project areas and report on the benefits achieved.

NRCS is a federal agency that works hand-in-hand with conservation districts and the people of Rhode Island to improve and protect soil, water, and other natural resources.

For more information, contact your local conservation district or NRCS field office at:

Northern RI Conservation District
Serving Providence County
401-934-0840 extension #3

Southern RI Conservation District
Serving Kent and Washington counties
401-661-5761

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
60 Quaker Lane, Suite 46
Warwick, RI 02886
www.ri.nrcs.usda.gov
[email protected]
401-828-1300

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