# Rhode Island

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Welcome to Rhode Island NRCS!

## On This Page

            - Contact Information
            - State Programs and Initiatives
            - How to Get Assistance
            - Related News and Events

NRCS is a federal agency that works hand-in-hand with the people of Rhode Island to improve and protect soil, water and other natural resources. Our office is located in Warwick and our staff members work with Rhode Island's three conservation districts and other partners to serve farmers and landowners throughout the Ocean State. **Sign up here** to receive our Program and Event notices via GovDelivery.

##   Happening in Rhode Island

        News    

###                     News                

**Press Releases** | **Features** | **Rhode Island FSA-NRCS Newsletter**

Get the latest news on program sign-ups, events, special projects, funding opportunities and feature stories in the Ocean State.

        Events    

###                     Events                

**NRCS & District Activities and Events**

Join one of our upcoming Rhode Island NRCS or Conservation District events or activities.

        Success Stories    

###                     Success Stories                

**Rhode Island Success Stories**

Read stories of farmers, forest land owners, and partners who work with NRCS to protect the Ocean State's natural resources. 

        Field Office Technical Guide    

###                     Field Office Technical Guide                

**Rhode Island Field Office Technical Guide**

Search the Rhode Island Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) for natural resources data and reports, resource concerns and planning criteria, conservation practices and conservation effects.

## Rhode Island Highlights

### Featured Video

## Rhode Island State Office

                -    401-828-1300 
                -    60 Quaker Ln, Ste 40Warwick, RI02886-0181 

State Office Page

## Find Your Local Service Center

    USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.  

##   More About Rhode Island

Dig deeper into what NRCS has to offer farmers, forest land owners, and communities in the Ocean State. Learn about state initiatives, read success stories, and find informational resources.

Learn More

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## State Programs and Initiatives

Environmental Quality Incentives Program -  Rhode IslandApply by:May 17, 2024

Conservation Stewardship Program - Rhode IslandApply by:May 17, 2024

Watershed Programs - Rhode Island

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Rhode IslandApply by:May 17, 2024

Conservation Innovation Grants - Rhode IslandApply by:June 24, 2023

Regional Conservation Partnership Program - Rhode IslandApply by:May 17, 2024

Agricultural Management Assistance - Rhode IslandApply by:March 15, 2024

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## State Payment Schedule

NRCS provides financial assistance for selected conservation practices. The availability and amount of financial assistance can vary between states.

Learn More

## Civil Rights Committee

The National Civil Rights Advisory Committee to the Chief (NCRACC) is designed to provide management officials and employees with counsel and advice to enhance and ensure compliance with their equal employment opportunity and program delivery responsibilities.

Learn More

## State Technical Committee

State Technical Committees serve in an advisory capacity to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and other agencies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the implementation of the natural resources conservation provisions of Farm Bill legislation.

Learn More

##   How to Get Assistance

**Do you farm or ranch and want to make improvements to the land that you own or lease?**

Natural Resources Conservation Service offers technical and financial assistance to help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners.

**Print this information

###         Step 1: Make a Plan    

**To get started with NRCS, we recommend you stop by your local NRCS field office. We’ll discuss your vision for your land.**

NRCS provides landowners with free technical assistance, or advice, for their land. Common technical assistance includes: resource assessment, practice design and resource monitoring. Your conservation planner will help you determine if financial assistance is right for you.

###         Step 2: Start an Application    

**We’ll walk you through the application process. To get started on applying for financial assistance, we’ll work with you:**
                        - To fill out an AD 1026, which ensures a conservation plan is in place before lands with highly erodible soils are farmed. It also ensures that identified wetland areas are protected.
                        - To meet other eligibility certifications.

Once complete, we’ll work with you on the application, or CPA 1200.

Applications for most programs are accepted on a continuous basis, but they’re considered for funding in different ranking periods. Be sure to ask your local NRCS district conservationist about the deadline for the ranking period to ensure you turn in your application in time.

###         Step 3: Check your eligibility    

**As part of the application process, we’ll check to see if you are eligible. To do this, you’ll need to bring:**
                        - An official tax ID (Social Security number or an employer ID)
                        - A property deed or lease agreement to show you have control of the property; and
                        - A farm number.

If you don’t have a farm number, you can get one from USDA’s Farm Service Agency. Typically, the local FSA office is located in the same building as the local NRCS office. You only need a farm number if you’re interested in financial assistance.

###         Step 4: Rank your application    

**NRCS will take a look at the applications and rank them** according to local resource concerns, the amount of conservation benefits the work will provide and the needs of applicants. View Application Ranking Dates by State.

###         Step 5: Implement your plan    

**If you’re selected, you can choose whether to sign the contract for the work to be done.**

Once you sign the contract, you’ll be provided standards and specifications for completing the practice or practices, and then you will have a specified amount of time to implement. Once the work is implemented and inspected, you’ll be paid the rate of compensation for the work if it meets NRCS standards and specifications.

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## Related News and Events

Press ReleaseRhode Island Farmers and Forest Landowners can Act Now for NRCS Climate-Smart FundingApril 04, 2024

Press ReleaseUSDA Announces Third Signup for Inflation Reduction Act Funding for Climate-Smart Agriculture in Rhode IslandApril 04, 2024

Press ReleaseUSDA conservation program third signup open for Rhode Island farmers and forest landownersApril 03, 2024

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