The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development
Land Use Toolbox
Rhode Island - Healthy Communities
links
University
of Rhode Island
Sustainable
Communities Initiative,
http://www.uri.edu/sustainability
Description:
The URI Sustainable Communities Initiative has evolved as a response to
the presence of several academic programs that are already addressing
the issues raised by the sustainability of contemporary human activity.
It is a university-wide initiative that includes fostering enhanced curricula
in topics of sustainability, planning for a new facility, and the design
of a sustainable neighborhood.
Topics: Healthy Communities, Transportation
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Appalachian
Mountain Club
Appalachian
Mountain Club,
http://www.outdoors.org/
Description:
The enhancement program reflects a growing recognition that transportation
programs, while vital for national mobility and international competitiveness,
must also be environmentally sound. The Vermont Agency of Transportation
(VTrans) encourages local communities to be directly involved in enhancement
projects. Enhancement activities are a means to more creatively and sensitively
integrate transportation facilities into the surrounding communities.
Topics: Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do With Others
Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont
Aquidneck
Island Land Trust
Aquidneck
Island Land Trust,
http://www.ailt.org/
Description: The Aquidneck Island Land Trust preserves the Island's open spaces and natural character for the lasting benefit of our community.
Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Bike
Downtown
Bike
Downtown,
http://bikedowntown.org/bike/default.asp?PageID=63
Description: Bike Downtown is an initiative of Groundwork Providence, the City of Providence, and the Providence Foundation. We're working together to make bicycle commuting a safer and more pleasant experience for everyone. Our goal is to increase the number of people bicycling to work and college in and around downtown Providence.
Topics: Healthy Communities, Transportation
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Conservation
Law Foundation
Conservation
Law Foundation,
http://www.clf.org/
Description:
The Conservation Law Foundation is the oldest and largest regional environmental
advocacy organization in the United States. We're based in New England,
where our attorneys, scientists, economists, and policy experts work on
the most significant threats to the natural environment of the region
and its residents.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer
Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Department
of Environmental Management
Division
of Agriculture,
http://www.state.ri.us/dem/programs/bnatres/agricult/index.htm
Description: The responsibilities of the Division of Agriculture include a broad range of agriculture-related functions and others traditionally associated with agricultural agencies nationally, such as mosquito abatement.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities , Land Preservation, Water/Sewer
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Department
of Environmental Management
Division
of Planning and Development,
http://www.state.ri.us/DEM/programs/bpoladm/plandev/index.htm
Description: The Division of Planning and Development is responsible for several related and wide ranging Departmental functions. The functions of this unit include Land Acquisition and Real Estate, Local Grants, Natural Heritage Preservation, Capital Development Projects, Asset Protection, State/Local Bikeway and Trail Development and the Geographic Information System (GIS).
Topics: Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Department
of Environmental Management
Forest
Environment Program,
http://www.state.ri.us/dem/programs/bnatres/forest/index.htm
Description: The Forest Environment Program manages 40,000 acres of state-owned rural forestland. It coordinates a statewide forest fire protection plan, provides forest fire protection on state lands, assists rural volunteer fire departments, and develops forest and wildlife management plans for private landowners who choose to manage their property in ways that will protect these resources on their land. The Program promotes public understanding of environmental conservation, enforces Department rules and regulations on DEM lands, and assists the federal government in providing landowner assistance programs.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities , Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Department
of Environmental Management
Office
of Sustainable Watersheds,
http://www.state.ri.us/dem/programs/bpoladm/suswshed/index.htm
Description: The Office of Sustainable Watersheds coordinates activities in the Northern and South county watersheds, assisting to prepare and implement Watershed Action Plans; assists communities to plan for sustainable development that minimizes negative impacts to the environment and preserves community character and meaningful open space; and assits communities to identify and protect their natural, cultural and recreational resources.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Department
of Environmental Management
Office
of Water Resources,
http://www.state.ri.us/dem/programs/benviron/water/index.htm
Description: The mission of the Office of Water Resources is that rivers, lakes, and coastal waters will support healthy communities of fish, plants, and other aquatic life, and will support uses such as fishing, swimming, and drinking water quality, groundwater will be uncontaminated, wetlands will be protected and rehabilitated to provide wildlife habitat, reduce floods, and to improve water quality, and public health will be protected from the adverse impacts of water pollution.
Topics: Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer, What You Can Do With Others
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Department
of Transportation
Bike
Rhode Island,
http://www.dot.state.ri.us/WebTran/bikeri.html
Description: Information about cycling in the Ocean State.
Topics: Healthy Communities, Planning/Zoning, Transportation
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Department
of Transportation
Pedestrian
Safety Plan,
http://www.dot.ri.gov/WebTran/pedsafety.pdf
Description: A summary of the Department of Transportation's Pedestrian Safety Plan.
Topics: Healthy Communities, Planning/Zoning, Transportation
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
East
Coast Greenway
East
Coast Greenway,
http://www.greenway.org/
Description:
The East Coast Greenway will be the nation's first long-distance, city-to-city,
multi-modal transportation corridor for cyclists, hikers, and other non-motorized
users. Our goal is to connect existing and planned trails that are locally
owned and managed to form a continuous, safe, green route -- easily identified
by the public through signage, maps, users guides, and common services.
Topics: Healthy Communities, Transportation
Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island
Environment
Council of Rhode Island
Environment
Council of Rhode Island,
http://www.environmentcouncilri.org/ecri.html
Description: The Environment Council of Rhode Island (ECRI) is a coalition of organizations and individuals that serves as an effective voice for developing, advocating and lobbying for policies and laws that protect and enhance the environment. The Council embodies and promotes the vision that together we can build an ecologically healthy future in a sustainable economy.
Topics: Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Transportation, Water/Sewer
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Environmental
Protection Agency
Healthy
Communities Grant Program,
http://www.epa.gov/ne/grants/healthycommunities.html
Description:
The Healthy Communities Grant Program integrates nine EPA New England
programs – Assistance & Pollution Prevention: Schools Sector, Asthma,
Children’s Environmental Health, Community Air Toxics, Pesticides, Smart
Growth, Tools for Schools, Toxics, and the Urban Environmental Program
working in partnership to best identify competitive projects that will
achieve measurable environmental and human health improvements in communities
across New England. The Healthy Communities Grant Program is EPA New England’s
main grant program to work directly with communities to reduce environmental
risks to protect and improve human health and the quality of life.
Topics: Healthy Communities
Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Environmental
Protection Agency
UEP
Community Grants Program,
http://www.epa.gov/NE/eco/uep/grants.html
Description:
The UEP Community Grants Program started in 1995 to fund eligible applicants
to complete urban environmental and public health related projects in
the urban neighborhoods of New England. Projects that address the following
issues are of priority for the UEP Community Grants Program: Lead Poisoning
Prevention; Indoor Air Quality; Ambient Air Quality; Urban Rivers/Wetlands;
Urban Vacant Lots; and Open/Green Space.
Topics: Healthy Communities
Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Friends
of India Point Park
Friends
of India Point Park,
http://www.friendsofindiapointpark.org/
Description:
Friends of India Point Park is a group of citizens dedicated to protecting,
improving, and expanding India Point Park in ways that uphold its integrity
as an informal, natural open space. We support improvements that are consistent
with the Park's character as an unstructured refuge from the city.
Topics: Healthy Communities, Land Preservation
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Greenways
Alliance of Rhode Island
Greenways
Alliance of Rhode Island,
http://www.rigreenways.org/
Description:
The Greenways Alliance of Rhode Island, is the Rhode Island Affiliate
of the East Coast Greenway Alliance. Our mission is to encourage development
of greenways throughout the Ocean State.
Topics: Healthy Communities, Transportation
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Groundwork
Providence
Groundwork
Providence,
http://www.groundworkprovidence.org/
Description:
The mission of Groundwork Providence is to bring about the sustained regeneration,
improvement, and management of the physical environment by developing
community based partnerships, which empower people, businesses, and organizations
to promote environmental, economic, and social well-being.
Topics: Healthy Communities
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Grow
Smart Rhode Island
Grow
Smart Rhode Island,
http://www.growsmartri.com/
Description:
Grow Smart Rhode Island is a statewide 501 (c)(3) public interest group
representing a broad coalition of partners fighting sprawl by promoting
innovative policies and programs to revitalize city and town centers,
preserve cultural and natural resources and expand economic opportunities
throughout Rhode Island.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Planning/Zoning
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Housing
and Mortgage Finance Corporation
Housing
and Mortgage Finance Corporation,
http://www.rihousing.com/
Description: As the state's principal housing agency, we help low- and moderate-income Rhode Islanders find houses and apartments they can afford. Our mission is to assist Rhode Islanders who, by reason of income, special need or circumstance, are unable to fairly obtain and sustain a healthy, affordable home. More than just a physical structure, a home includes the people within and the community around.
Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Housing, Planning/Zoning
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Municipal
Affairs
Community
Development,
http://www.muni-info.ri.gov/cddefault.htm
Description: The primary purpose of the Community Development page is the development of viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunity; principally for persons of low and moderate income.
Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Planning/Zoning, Transportation
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
National
Park Service
Blackstone
Valley Institute,
http://www.nps.gov/blac/institute/index.html
Description:
The Blackstone Valley Institute is a "virtual" organization
created to help local communities plan for the future. Offering workshops,
one-to-one consulting, local seminars, and technical assistance, the Institute
promotes information sharing within the Corridor with a goal of preserving
the unique history and character of the Blackstone Valley.
Topics: Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Intergovernmental Cooperation, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning
Jurisdiction: Massachusetts, Rhode Island
Natural
Resource Conservation Service - USDA
Rhode
Island NRCS,
http://www.ri.nrcs.usda.gov/
Description:
NRCS soil conservationists, soil scientists, agronomists, ecologists,
engineers, planners, and other specialists promote land stewardship by
providing technical assistance through teams to address surface and groundwater
quality; wetlands, riparian areas, and biodiversity; aquatic and terrestrial
habitat; and impacts of landuse changes. NRCS teams work on all of a state's
landscapes: agricultural, wetlands and riparian areas, suburban, rural,
urban centers, and forested.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Water/Sewer
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
New
England Mountain Bike Association
New
England Mountain Bike Association,
http://www.nemba.org/
Description:
NEMBA is a recreational trails advocacy organization. Our mission, which
we've chosen to take, is to ride on the best trails that the world has
to offer. Luckily, most all of them are in New England, so we don't have
to travel far..
Topics: Healthy Communities, Transportation
Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Northeast-Midwest
Institute
Northeast-Midwest
Institute,
http://www.nemw.org
Description:
The Northeast-Midwest Institute is a Washington-based, private, non-profit,
and non-partisan research organization dedicated to economic vitality,
environmental quality, and regional equity for Northeast and Midwest states.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer
Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont
Office
of the Secretary of State
Rules
and Regulations Searchable Interface,
http://www.rules.state.ri.us/rules/searchme.php
Description: Searchable database of filed state agency regulations. Additionally, users may provide their email addresses and receive updates via email when regulations matching their criteria (per agency or per keyword) are promulgated.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Pawtuxet
River Watershed Council
Pawtuxet
River Watershed Council,
http://www.pawtuxet.org/
Description: The mission of the Pawtuxet River Watershed Council is to protect and restore the Pawtuxet River watershed.
Topics: Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Water/Sewer
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Rhode
Island Forest Conservators Organization
Rhode
Island Forest Conservators Organization,
http://www.rifco.org/
Description: Rhode Island Forest Conservators Organization (RIFCO) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and wise use of Rhode Island's woodland resources.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Rhode
Island Judiciary
Published
Court Opinions,
http://www.courts.state.ri.us/supreme/opinions.htm
Description: A listing of published court opinions dating back to 1999.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Smart
Growth Network
Rhode
Island Smart Growth News Articles,
http://www.smartgrowth.org/news/bystate.asp?state=RI&res=800
Description: Listing of news articles relating to smart growth issues in a specific state.
Topics: Healthy Communities, Historic Preservation, Housing, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning, Transportation, Water/Sewer
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Southside
Community Land Trust
Southside
Community Land Trust,
http://users.ids.net/~sclt/
Description: Located in South Providence, Rhode Island, SCLT is committed to the belief that city dwellers are entitled to a healthy environment. SCLT's community gardens produce food and the opportunity for better nutrition and greater self sufficiency. These gardens provide open and healthy urban space, transform blighted vacant lots, and offer recreation to individuals and to families.
Topics: Healthy Communities, Land Preservation
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Statewide
Planning Program
Economic
Development Planning Section,
http://www.planning.ri.gov/ed/default.htm
Description: The mission of the Economic Development Planning Section of the Statewide Planning Program is to foster and maintain a vigorous economy able to provide an adequate number and variety of activities that generate wealth for the people of the state.
Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Planning/Zoning
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Statewide
Planning Program
Growth
Planning Council,
http://www.planning.ri.gov/gpc/default.htm
Description: The Council has been charged by the Governor to examine the economic, environmental, and social impacts of current development patterns in the state; inventory existing State programs, policies, and expenditures to evaluate their effect on sustainable development and the preservation and enhancement of environmental quality and resources; recommend ways of encouraging growth in economically and environmentally sound locations; serve in an advisory capacity to local communities in the development of their land use plans; and recommend any changes in State and federal law or regulations.
Topics: Fiscal Impact/Taxation, Healthy Communities, Planning/Zoning
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Statewide
Planning Program
Rhode
Island Greenways Council,
http://www.planning.ri.gov/greenways/greencouncil
Description: The Rhode Island Greenways Council was established by the Rhode Island Greenways Act of 1995 (RIGL 42-125) to coordinate state agency greenway efforts, assist local governments and private groups in greenway creation, and provide information to the public on the availability and usage of greenways in Rhode Island.
Topics: Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Transportation, Water/Sewer
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
USDA
Forest Service
Northeast
Center for Urban & Community Forestry,
http://www.umass.edu/urbantree/index.shtml
Description:
The Northeast Center for Urban and Community Forestry is a cooperative
partnership among the USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Area State and
Private Forestry, the University of Massachusetts/Amherst, and the seven
states of New England and New York. The Center responds to Urban and Community
Forestry needs, facilitates and supports new and existing research, and
coordinates the exchange of information among the states in the region
in order to contribute to healthy and sustainable communities.
Topics: Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Planning/Zoning
Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont
USDA
Forest Service
Northeastern
Area State and Private Forestry,
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/
Description:
The mission of the USDA Forest Service Northeastern Area is to lead and
help support sustainable forest management and use across the landscape
to provide benefits for the people of the 20 Northeastern and Midwestern
States and the District of Columbia.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Water/Sewer
Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia
USDA
Rural Development in Southern New England
Rural
Development in Southern New England,
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ma/
Description:
USDA Rural Development in the Southern New England Jurisdiction offers
a wealth of services and programs to rural communities. It is our mission
to ensure that rural citizens participate fully in the global economy
as well as to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic
opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Housing, Water/Sewer
Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island
Wood-Pawcatuck
Watershed Association
Wood-Pawcatuck
Watershed Association,
http://www.wpwa.org/
Description: The Wood Pawcatuck Watershed Association (WPWA) was established in 1984 in response to a groundswell of interest generated by a National Park Service study conducted that year, which identified the Wood and Pawcatuck Rivers as "...unique and irreplacable resources." In April of 1999, WPWA was designated Watershed Council for the Pawcatuck by the RI Rivers Council, giving it legal authority to advocate for the Pawcatuck Watershed.
Topics: Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Water/Sewer
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Woonasquatucket
River Watershed Council
Woonasquatucket
River Watershed Council,
http://www.woonasquatucket.org/
Description: Watershed residents, organized as the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, continue their efforts to revitalize the river and the six communities in the watershed - Gloucester, North Smithfield, Johnston, North Providence and Providence. The Council works closely with local partners businesses, nonprofit organizations, and state and federal agencies to advance local goals.
Topics: Ag & Rural Change, Healthy Communities, Land Preservation, Water/Sewer
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
Lincoln Institute of Land Policy
Urban vacan lot redevelopment, www.lincolninst.edu
Description: Challenges and progress ...
Topics: land preservation, planning&zoning, historic preservation, fiscal impact/taxation, ag&rural change, healthy communities
Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Massachussetts
Univ of Rhode Island
Stated preferences & Length of Residency in Rural Commuities:, agecon.lib.umn.edu
Description: Systematic examination for residential development or conservation tradeoffs based on length of residency in rural community ..
Topics: land preservation, housing, planning&zoning, historic preservation, fiscal impact/taxation, healthy communities, ag&rural change
Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
EPA
State Brownfields & Voluntary Response Program:Region 1, www.epa.gov
Description: Region 1: CT; ME; MA; NH; RI; VT.
Topics: land preservation, planning&zoning, fiscal impact/taxation, healthy communities,
Jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachussetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
NERCRD ©2004
The Toolbox is a joint effort of The Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development (NERCRD)
and Penn State Cooperative Extension in Adams County.
This page was last updated on July 13, 2005.
For questions, suggestions or to report broken links, please contact NERCRD: nercrd@psu.edu.