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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 AWARDS $169,200 IN GRANTS FOR RIPARIAN RESTORATION PROJECTS PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management announces the award of $169,200 in state bond fund grants for seven projects that will restore riparian buffers to improve water quality for Narragansett Bay and its watersheds. The funds come from the $70 million Open Space, Recreation, Bay and Watershed Protection Bond proposed by Governor Carcieri and approved by voters in 2004.A riparian buffer is an area of natural vegetation adjacent to rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and other wetlands that forms a transition from upland to water. These areas serve as natural filters, removing sediment and pollutants from water making its way through the watershed. They also provide unique habitat for many species of wildlife. "It's great to see that the environmental bond I proposed and championed in 2004 is continuing to make such an important difference along the coastline of several Rhode Island communities," Governor Donald Carcieri said. "I have always said that Narragansett Bay is Rhode Island's most important natural resource. The bay is also a critical part of Rhode Island's economy and quality of life. That's why we have worked so hard over the last five years to protect and preserve it for future generations. While this work will be performed in communities like East Greenwich and Middletown, the benefits of these environmental improvements will be felt throughout Narragansett Bay and throughout all Rhode Island for years to come." The seven funded projects target both rural and urban watersheds. The grants, which will provide up to 50 percent of eligible costs, will give financial assistance for the re-establishment of native vegetation to establish or restore riparian habitats and enhance the overall quality of riparian buffers for water quality improvement and/or protection. DEM Director W. Michael Sullivan, Ph.D., said, "Maintaining riparian buffers in a natural condition is integral to the ecology of natural systems. I am pleased that we are able to fund these seven diverse projects, for protection and restoration of riparian buffers plays an important role in preserving and enhancing Narragansett Bay and its watersheds from the effects of erosion and runoff from landside pollution sources." Funding for the grants is provided through the $8.5 million portion of the bond allotted for anti-pollution projects and restoration activities benefiting Narragansett Bay and state watersheds. Grant applications were reviewed by an interagency committee and projects with the highest public benefits were selected for funding. Middletown will receive two grants. One, in the amount of $20,000, will fund removal of invasive plants and establishment of native trees and shrubs on a newly acquired parcel adjacent to Bailey Brook The second, in the amount of $39,000, will aid implementation of the Bailey Brook Watershed plan by restoring three parcels in the northern portion of the watershed, north of O'Neil Boulevard. The Town of East Greenwich will receive a $32,000 grant to establish a 50-foot wide vegetated buffer on either side of the peninsula at the confluence of Maskerchugg Creek and Greenwich Cove that is part of a larger restoration project on the 13-acre property involving closure of a former landfill. Johnson and Wales University will receive a $26,000 grant to establish a vegetated buffer along its urban coastal greenway on the Providence/Cranston line. The riparian restoration involves about 2 acres of a 4.7-acre project. Two grants will be used for restoration projects at DEM's Arcadia Management Area. One, in the amount of $7,700, will restore vegetation at Brook trail, adjacent to the Wood River. The second, in the amount of $34,500, will restore vegetation to an area at Beach Pond, where heavy recreational use has led to erosion. The Beach Pond project will restore vegetation to an area previously used as a parking lot, and filter runoff from Route 165 before it enters the pond. The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council will receive a $10,000 grant to restore the riparian area owned by the RI Department of Transportation adjacent to Cutler Brook in Glocester. -30- |
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