Narragansett Bay and Watershed Restoration Bond Fund 1) Govt. Entities Nonpoint Source Water Pollution Control Fund 2) Non-Govt. Non-point Source Water Pollution Control Fund 3) Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund
Goal of the Watershed Restoration Bond Fund Restore and protect the water quality, enhance economic viability and environmental sustainability of Narragansett Bay and the State s watersheds.
Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund Why are Riparian Buffers important? What is the purpose of the grant? Who s eligible? What types of projects are eligible? How are projects selected for funding?
What is a Riparian Buffer? Riparian is from Latin ripa, the bank of a river. Land adjacent to rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and coastal waters that is maintained in a natural condition and is integral to the ecology of aquatic systems.
Transition Between Land & Water Surface water present (at least part of the year) High edge to area ratio Unique Plant & Animal Communities
Link Land Uses Within a Watershed
Buffers Conditions Within a Watershed
Riparian Buffers Provide Water Quality Benefits at Low Cost Remove Sediments Prevent erosion
Riparian Buffers Provide Water Quality Benefits at Low Cost Biological Functions Stream temperature Organic material Filter Pollutants 4-80% of N 29-78% of P
Other Benefits of Riparian Buffers Greenways Recharge groundwater Flood storage Aesthetics Recreation Wildlife habitat
Riparian Buffer Restoration Fund Who s eligible: government & non-govt. entities & persons Purpose: water quality improvement/protection Goal: re-establishment of native species or other improvement projects that will establish or restore riparian habitats, or enhance the overall quality of riparian buffers
Ineligible Projects Experimental Technology Improvement in business operations rather than pollution reduction Research Land Acquisition ISDS Stormwater BMPs
Other Important Points Personnel costs (not directly related to project) are ineligible Match required 50% In kind services= match Landowner permission Permits required
Cover letter Application Requirements Map Project schedule and budget Supporting Materials
Cover letter Minimum Purpose of project Expected water quality improvements Specific sub-fund and why it is eligible Other pertinent information Suggested Location Water Quality Protection Water Quality Restoration Readiness To Proceed Likelihood Of Success Impact of Restoration
Application RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Riparian Buffer Restoration Grant Application A.Contact Information Contact Person Date Received Organization Address Telephone number Email B. General Information Project Location Town Watershed Length of area restored Width of area restored Total Project Acres Summary of Project Existing conditions Proposed activities Desired outcome WorkPlan & Timetable Task example: site preparation Units 2 acres Schedule March-April 2007 Task/Item Budget example: Trees for riparian buffer planting (red maple, sycamore, pin oak) Units Cost 16 trees (1.5" caliper) 1750 Total Funding Request 0
Proposed activities Site preparation (including removal of invasive plants) and establishment of native vegetation in riparian area to reestablish a healthy buffer. The extent and exact location of these activities are shown on the attached map. RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Riparian Buffer Restoration Grant Application A.Contact Information Contact Person Address Date Received Organization Telephone number Email B. General Information Project Location Town Watershed Length of area restored Width of area restored Total Project Acres Summary of Project Existing conditions Proposed activities Desired outcome WorkPlan & Timetable Task example: site preparation Units 2 acres Schedule March-April 2007 Task/Item Budget example: Trees for riparian buffer planting (red maple, sycamore, pin oak) Units Cost 16 trees (1.5" caliper) 1750 Total Funding Request 0
RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Riparian Buffer Restoration Grant Application A.Contact Information Contact Person Date Received Organization Address Telephone number Desired Outcome This project will result in the eradication of invasive plants and an increase in native plant species, improving wildlife habitat and diversity and improving the buffer s capacity for ameliorating/attenuating pollutants in runoff. Email B. General Information Project Location Town Watershed Length of area restored Width of area restored Total Project Acres Summary of Project Existing conditions Proposed activities Desired outcome WorkPlan & Timetable Task example: site preparation Units 2 acres Schedule March-April 2007 Task/Item Budget example: Trees for riparian buffer planting (red maple, sycamore, pin oak) Units Cost 16 trees (1.5" caliper) 1750 Total Funding Request 0
RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT Riparian Buffer Restoration Grant Application A.Contact Information Contact Person Date Received Organization Address Telephone number Email Tasks Schedules Authorization from Feb. -March 2007 DEM WQ/WR team Site Preparation April-June 2007 Planting April-June 2007 Maintenance July- Jan. 2008 B. General Information Project Location Town Watershed Length of area restored Width of area restored Total Project Acres Summary of Project Existing conditions Proposed activities Desired outcome WorkPlan & Timetable Task example: site preparation Units 2 acres Schedule March-April 2007 Plant materials (50 trees, 250 shrubs) $1750.00 Plant Installation $3400.00 Task/Item Budget example: Trees for riparian buffer planting (red maple, sycamore, pin oak) Units Cost 16 trees (1.5" caliper) 1750 Total Funding Request 0
Maps Earth.google.com http://maps.live.com/ Dem.ri.gov Melissa Street Restoration Project
Supporting Materials What extra information should be included in the application? Permits Documentation of match Property owner s permission statement Other (pictures) Should this site be restored?
Project Ranking Location Water Quality Protection Water Quality Restoration Readiness To Proceed Likelihood Of Success Impact of Restoration
Project Ranking-Location Headwater streams make up 80% of streams
Ranking-Water Quality Protection www.dem.ri.gov
Ranking- Water Quality Restoration Effects of Different Size Buffer Zones on Potential Reductions of Sediment and Nutrients from Field Surface Runoff (Norris 2001). Width Type Sediment red. N red. P red. 15 Grass 61.0 4.0 28.5 30 Grass 74.6 22.7 24.2 62 Forest 89.8 74.3 70.0 75 Forest/grass 96.0 75.3 78.5 95 Forest/grass 97.4 80.1 77.2 Wider is better Trees & Shrubs better
Ranking-Water Quality Restoration Center for Watershed Protection cwp.org Chesapeake Bay Program Chesapeake bay.net Maryland Cooperative Extension riparianbuffers.umd.edu/ Iowa State University Extension forestry.iastate.edu/topics/woodland_ mgmt/buffstrips.html NRCS www.ri.nrcs.usda.gov/
Ranking- Readiness to Proceed Applicant owns the parcel or has the owner s written permission Conceptual Plans and Site Plans have been completed Necessary permits have been obtained Applicant has demonstrated the capacity to plan and implement riparian buffer restoration There are no known issues that could hinder implementation
Ranking- Likelihood of Success The property is permanently protected The application is of high quality The project is cost effective The applicant has a proven track record of successful restoration The project leverages other funding The project leverages partnerships
Grant Timeline March April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. March April May June July Prepare Proposal Proposals Due May 1st Grants evaluated by DEM Offer Letter Scope of Work Refined Landowner Permission Letter Permit Approval Contracts signed Project plan Developed Procure Materials Select Contractors 2007 2008 Restoration Proceeds Submit Reimbursement Request Record of expenses/invoices Pictures Final Report Sept. 2008 DEM
For More Information Contact: Gregg J. Cassidy Senior Environmental Planner RI DEM, Sustainable Watersheds Office 235 Promenade Street Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-4700, extension 4403 Gregg.Cassidy@dem.ri.gov
Center for Watershed Protection cwp.org Chesapeake Bay Program Chesapeake bay.net Maryland Cooperative Extension riparianbuffers.umd.edu/ Iowa State University Extension forestry.iastate.edu/topics/woodland_mgmt/buffstrips.html NRCS www.ri.nrcs.usda.gov/