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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DEM ACCCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR NEW ROUND OF GRANTS TO HELP WITH START-UP COSTS FOR ALTERNATIVE FOREST-BASED BUSINESSES PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management is accepting a new round of grant applications through January 9 from forest landowners interested in starting small businesses based on producing specialty crops that are grown and harvested in forests, or on recreational use of forestland. The grants, which in most cases will range from $500 to $1,000, will be awarded on a competitive basis to projects that best meet the goal of promoting alternative forest-based businesses in Rhode Island.The grants will reimburse landowners up to 50 percent of the cost of supplies and materials needed to start up non-traditional forest-based businesses that fit in with community character and that generate revenue to help landowners pay property expenses, reducing the likelihood the land will have to be sold. Forests cover nearly 60 percent of the state's landscape, providing clean air and water, jobs, recreational opportunities, and aesthetic benefits. Most of this forestland is owned by individuals and families and under the threat of conversion to other uses. The small size of most of these parcels makes management for traditional wood-based forest products difficult. Eligible grant categories include edible and medicinal products such as maple syrup, wild and cultivated mushrooms, ginseng and witch hazel; floral greens for decorative use and as backdrops for floral arrangements; specialty wood products such as raw material for carving, wood turning, and artistic crafts; and recreational use of forestland. Items not eligible for reimbursement include land purchase, leasing, property taxes, or other costs for the use of land, engineering charges, permit fees, consultant fees, advertising, equipment purchase or other capital costs, or costs incurred prior to notification of grant award. Landowners will have up to one year to complete their projects and submit requests for reimbursement. As a condition of receiving the grants, landowners must agree to report back to DEM on the growth and yield of the crops and to assist DEM in promoting this concept to other forest landowners. Funding for the specialty grants comes from the US Department of Agriculture's Forest Service. In the first round of funding, DEM in August awarded more than $8,000 in challenge grants for nine projects. More than $30,000 remains available. Applications and additional information are available on DEM's website at www.dem.ri.gov under "Topics". Click on "Grants/Financing" for an application and/or "Forests" for a challenge grant fact sheet and regulations regarding the grants. Additional information and applications are also available by contacting Gregg J. Cassidy of DEM's Sustainable Watersheds Office at 222-3434 extension 4403. -30- |
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