Partner with and support the efforts of the natural resource conservation partners and to promote public awareness and implementation of farm bill activities

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) awarded a five-year cooperative agreement totaling $265,000 to The Rhode Island Association of Conservation Districts (RIACD), effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2030, under the Soil and Water Conservation program (CFDA 10.902). This agreement supports RIACD's partnership efforts to promote public awareness and facilitate implementation of Farm Bill conservation activities throughout Rhode Island. As a critical partner to NRCS, RIACD will deliver conservation technical assistance and educational outreach to private landowners, conservation districts, and other stakeholders, focusing on sustainable land management practices that address natural resource concerns including soil erosion, water quality degradation, and ecosystem sustainability.

The funded activities align with the Soil and Water Conservation program's core mission of providing one-on-one conservation planning, technical assistance services, and implementation support for proven conservation technologies. RIACD's work will encompass conservation practices such as erosion control, water management, climate-smart agriculture, and habitat preservation across Rhode Island. This cooperative agreement represents continued federal investment in expanding conservation delivery capacity and enhancing public engagement with USDA conservation programs at the state and local level.