Directions: University of Rhode Island - Memorial Union - Kingston Campus

 

From Providence and the North: Take I 95 South to RI Route 4 Exit 8. Note: this is a left Exit. Continue on Route 4 until it ends when it merges into US Route 1 South. Continue on US Route 1 South to the red light at the intersection with Route 138 West. Turn Right on Route 138. Follow Route 138 to Kingston. The 2nd Red Light on 138 is at Upper College Road. Turn Right on Upper College Road. Follow signs to parking for the Land & Water Conservation Summit.

 

From the East: Take Route 138 West over the Newport and Jamestown bridges to US Route 1. Take Route 1 South to Route 138 West. Follow Route 138 West to Kingston and the University. At the 2^nd Red Light on 138, Turn Right on Upper College Road. Follow signs to parking for the Land & Water Conservation Summit.

 

From the West: Take Route 138 East to Kingston. Turn Left on Upper College Road. Follow signs to parking for the Land and Water Conservation Summit.

Workshops - Session I

1-A. Better Site Designs through Lower Impact Development Strategies

- Rich Claytor - Horsley & Witten

This session will review several basic strategies and tools to design better site development projects and will cover such topics as conservation design, reduced impervious cover, redevelopment strategies, natural-system stormwater management and establishment of riparian buffer areas.

Rich worked with the Center for Watershed Protection to develop innovative development techniques and he has worked with state and local governments to revise stormwater management, subdivision and zoning regulations to promote these "cutting edge" techniques for minimizing environmental impacts.

 

1-B. Restoring Habitats: Getting Projects Started & Successful Case Studies

- Jenny Periera - Woonasquatucket Watershed Council

- Wenley Ferguson - Save the Bay

- Tom Ardito - Narragansett Bay Estuary Program

Throughout Rhode Island local groups are working in partnership with state and federal agencies to restore habitat areas along rivers and in coastal areas. Habitat restoration makes sense, but projects are often difficult and expensive. Learn from Rhode Island.s habitat restoration experts how to identify potential restoration sites, develop fundable restoration plans and then work with partners to implement projects on the ground.

 

1-C. Conservation Easement Basics

- Ted Clement, Esq. - Executive Director, Aquidneck Land Trust & Co-Chair of Lawyers for Land Trusts

This workshop will provide a basic overview of Conservation Easements.  Definitions, key legal underpinnings, important components of a strong Conservation Easement (Conservation Easement, Legal Description, Baseline Documentation Report, Management Plan, etc.) and other fundamental matters, such as the due diligence process that should occur prior to acquiring a Conservation Easement, will be examined.  Active participation will be encouraged. 

 

1-D. Creating & Maintaining Public Access to Our Waters

- Kevin Cute - CRMC (Coastal Resources Management Council)

- John O.Brien - RIDEM (Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management) (Invited)

Rhode Island.s coast and our network of rivers is an unparalleled recreational resource. Our Bay and rivers, even sections in urban neighborhoods, provide opportunities for swimming, boating and fishing. Shoreline areas offer the potential for walking paths. But there are often barriers to creating and improving access to our waters. Physical impediments such as steep shoreline slopes limit access in many places and sensitive ecosystems restrict public access in other areas. Private land ownership also limits opportunities for public access. CRMC works to identify and maintain public access to coastal areas. DEM provides public access at its parks and recreational areas. DEM also works to increase access and recreational opportunities for our rivers and streams. Both programs rely on local input and involvement. Learn how you can work with CRMC and DEM on promoting public access.

 

1-E. Maintaining Working Landscapes on Protected Lands

- Tom Sandham - District Manager, Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District

Property paying its way! Any size property can be a financial asset with the proper planning. We will discuss how you can beautify your landscape, meet your land and water conservation goals, and produce revenue on your property with small amount of effort and investment. One half acre or one hundred acres, open fields or forest land; it all has potential.   Stewardship of your organization's land can be fun and profitable for the organization.

 

1-F. Build & Empower Committees: Increase the Effectiveness & Capacity of Your Organization

- Claudia Staniszewski - LISC (Local Initiative Support Corporation)

Strong, committed and contributing committees are key to the success all non-profit organizations like Watershed Councils and Land Trusts. This workshop will cover how to create committees and attract committee members who actively participate in and build your organization.

Claudia Staniszewski, Program Officer for LISC Rhode Island, has extensive experience working with non-profits in both the environmental and housing sectors.

 

1-G. Rhode Island.s State Land Use Plan: What it says & how it impacts the work of Land Trusts and Watershed Councils.

- Kevin Flynn - Associate Director for Rhode Island.s State Planning Division

Rhode Island has just revised the State Land Use Plan. This document guides state policies and funding decisions that influence where new development, redevelopment and land conservation are encouraged. Municipal comprehensive plans, when updated, must be consistent with the State Land Use Plan. This workshop will provide an overview of the new Plan and provide an opportunity to discuss it.s implications for land trusts and watershed councils.

 

1-H. Advocacy 101: How to Design & Implement an Effective Grassroots Campaign

- Matt Auten - RIPIRG (Rhode Island Public Interest Research Group)

- Sheila Dormody - Clean Water Action

Ensuring that your local river attains its water quality goals...Drawing attention to critical lands that need to be protected in your local community. How can small grassroots organizations influence decision makers? This session is taught by two of Rhode Island.s leading environmental campaigners and will teach participants how to plan and then implement successful grassroots campaigns.

 

1-I. History of Rhode Island.s Rivers

- Rick Greenwood - RI Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission

The history of Rhode Island is intimately linked with the stories of our rivers. From the earliest days when Native Americans and European colonists were drawn to bountiful fish runs and fertile floodplains, to the heyday of industrialization, when manufacturers erected innumerable dams to harness waterpower and build their mill villages, rivers have had a powerful effect on the character of our community. Learning about river history and sharing the stories connects people to our rivers and watersheds and builds support for river protection and appropriate development. Rick Greenwood will introduce participants to some of Rhode Island's river stories and then provide you with the information you need to discover the rest!

 

1-J. Cesspools - The RI Cesspool Act of 2005: Where we have been;

What we have and why

- Jane Austin - Save The Bay

- Elizabeth Stone - RI Department of Environmental Management  

Rhode Island has approximately 50,000 homes and businesses serviced by out-of-date, substandard cesspools. Cesspools are often found in coastal communities, particularly in areas once filled with summer cottages. Cesspools provide little or no wastewater treatment and allow poorly treated waste to seep into our waters. Since 2002, legislation has been introduced in the RI General Assembly to phase out the state.s remaining cesspools, but the legislation has never passed. This workshop will describe the cesspool problem and discuss the legislative strategy(s) for 2006.

 

Workshops - Session II

 

2-A. Water Quantity: An Emerging Issue of Importance to All Rhode Island Rivers

- Mark Smith - Director, Eastern U.S. Freshwater Program; The Nature Conservancy,

- Lee Alexander - RI South County Landscape Manager, The Nature Conservancy

Though we have spent decades working on the quality of our rivers it.s only recently that issues surrounding maintaining the quantity of water in our rivers and streams has come into sharp focus in Rhode Island and across New England. States and communities now realize that they must strive to find an appropriate balance between the needs of our communities for water - for homes, fire protection, industry and agriculture -- and the needs of our rivers, streams, ponds and wetlands and the natural communities of fish, plants and other aquatic life they support. This session will explain why natural stream flows have been described as a 'master driver' of the ecology and health of rivers and streams, provide a Rhode Island case study, and will look at how various states in New England are addressing this issue. The session will allow for an interactive discussion of the array of factors that come into play when working to conserve natural stream flows and will describe some of the tools that can be used to help communities strike the right balance between water use and natural resource protection.

 

2-B.      Finding Funds for Habitat Restoration Projects

- Megan Higgins - CRMC (Coastal Resources Management Council)

- Greg Cassidy - RIDEM (Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management)

- Andy Lipsky - NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service)

Funding is available for restoration projects. Megan, Greg and Andy will introduce participants to funding and technical assistance available through CRMC, NRCS and DEM. Gregg Cassidy will discuss riparian buffer restoration and how other sources of money may be used to meet bond fund match requirements. Megan Higgins will discuss funding directed at salt marsh, eelgrass and riverine restoration and Andy Lipsky will discuss funding available through NRCS.

 

2-C. Conserving & Securing Important Governmental Lands

with Conservation Easements

- Ted Clement, Esq. Executive Director, Aquidneck Land Trust & Co-Chair of Lawyers for Land Trusts

The Aquidneck Land Trust ("ALT") has placed Conservation Easements on a number of important governmental conservation lands (municipal parks, municipal water reservoir areas, etc.). Why place a Conservation Easement on governmental conservation land such as a municipal park? Isn.t that land already secured? In 2004, ALT completed an extensive mapping project that identified all of Aquidneck Island.s conserved lands. The project demonstrated that not all conserved lands are equal. In other words, there are different levels of protection afforded conserved lands. For purposes of the project, three conservation levels were identified: the highest level, Land Conserved with a Perpetual Conservation Restriction (e.g., Conservation Easement); Land Conserved with a Deed Restriction; and the lowest level, Land Held with Conservation Intent Alone. Conserved lands falling into the latter two levels can be further secured with a perpetual conservation restriction such as a Conservation Easement. Good conservation is like good government, it requires checks and balances. The presentation will examine the following related topics amongst other related topics: setting the stage - educating the public about the different levels of conserved land and the fact that your "local park" may be at risk; selling points for governmental holding agencies; and special Conservation Easement provisions related to condemnation. Active participation will be encouraged.

 

2-D. Water Trails: Lessons from Across North America

- John Monroe - National Park Service

We all know how to identify a bike path and a hiking trail, but what exactly is a water trail? And why are communities throughout the country developing and promoting water trails? John Monroe with the National Park Service Rivers & Trails program will introduce participants to the world of water trails and will share lessons learned by trail developers throughout North America.

 

2-E. Invasive Plant Management

- Hope Leeson - Consultant

Are invasive plants a real threat in Rhode Island? Believe it or not, invasive plants pose the second largest threat to the ecology and health of our natural areas. Join local field botanist Hope Leeson and others to learn about invasive plants and their impacts on Rhode Island habitats. Several towns and
conservation organizations have launched management projects; find out what you can do to help reduce the introduction and spread of exotic invasive plants in your community.

 

2-F. Establishing an Endowment: Why it is a good idea & how do you do it?

-        Kimberly Butler - The Rhode Island Foundation

-        Benjamin Middleton .The Rhode Island Foundation

Many land trusts and watershed councils survive on a very lean budget. The notion that you might some day have enough money to establish an endowment is difficult to imagine. But organizations just like yours have established endowments and nearly 100 nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island have chosen to secure their endowments by entrusting them with The Rhode Island Foundation. If you are concerned about the future of your organization, a permanent endowment may provide you with the security you desire.  Kimberly Butler, Acting Vice President for Philanthropic Services and Benjamin Middleton, Gift Planning Advisor, will explain why an endowment is a good idea and how working with The Rhode Island Foundation as your philanthropic partner will enable you to secure the future of your organization while creating a permanent legacy.

 

2-G. Municipal Boards: Land Trusts & Conservation Commissions

- Our Unique Rules & Issues

- Ann-Marie Ignasher, Esq. - Chair, Smithfield Land Trust & Co-chair Lawyers for Land Trusts

This workshop will discuss issues that are unique to municipal land trusts and other municipal boards and commissions such as: how to work with your Municipal Council and staff, following open meeting laws, manuals for your Boards, transitions from public meetings to executive session, when records can be kept confidential during land conservation transactions and when land transaction records become public records.

 

2-H. Advocacy 102: Strategies for Working with Local & State Government Leaders

"The Little Compton Agricultural Conservancy Trust a Case History"

- George Mason - Chair, Little Compton Agricultural Conservation Trust

This workshop will provide a case study in how land trusts can work with both local and state government leaders to establish alternative funding sources as well as enhance political support for open space protection. The session will present a framework that follows the evolution of Little Compton's municipal land trust, "The Little Compton Agricultural Conservancy Trust": and its successful implementation of a 4% land transfer fee as a funding source. George not only has experience as Chair of Little Compton.s municipal land trust but has experience as Director of Policy and Legislation for Rhode Island.s Attorney General as well as Senior Policy Advisor for Governor Almond.

 

2-I. Campaign for a Fishable/Swimmable Blackstone River by 2015: Making It Reality in the Blackstone Watershed & How It Can Be Replicated in Other Watersheds

- Karen Mateleska - Director, Blackstone River Coalition (BRC)

- Tammy Gilpatrick - Water Quality Monitoring Program Coordinator for the BRC

- Peter Coffin - Blackstone Headwaters Coalition Coordinator

The Federal Clean Water Act establishes a goal for all our waterways to be fishable and swimmable, but it often seems like we have lost sight of this goal. But not in the Blackstone Watershed! Led by an interstate vision endorsed by MA and RI Governors, organizations throughout the Blackstone Watershed have come together to make the Blackstone River fishable and swimmable by 2015. The Coalition has focused its grassroots outreach efforts towards local officials and citizens through its watershed-wide volunteer water quality monitoring program. Karen, Tammy, and Peter will share their experiences and provide tips for implementing a similar campaign in your watershed.

 

2-J. Real Estate Appraisals and Land Trusts 

- Nate Godfrey - Newport Appraisal Group

An overview of real estate appraisal as it relates to conservancy efforts.  This workshop will explore how to facilitate and organize the process to benefit everybody.  What to expect from the appraiser and the questions to ask at the beginning of the process to make sure that you are getting a relevant and meaningful report.  We'll also discuss what to look for in the completed appraisal:  how to read and understand what the appraisal says.  Bring your questions and concerns and we will try to answer them.

 

Workshops - Session III

 

3-A. Dealing with Density: Water & Wastewater Issues

- Lorraine Joubert - URI Cooperative Extension

- Clayton Commons - RIDOH (Rhode Island Department of Health)

Compact development design can control sprawl, minimize stormwater runoff, and protect open space. But ensuring a safe water supply can be a challenge with dense development in areas without water or sewer utilities.  Based on lessons learned in recent development proposals,  this session outlines factors local officials and watershed groups should consider when evaluating onsite water and wastewater options, focusing on standards to protect public health and ensure proper management of these systems.

 

3-B. Unusual (and Often Urban) Conservation Projects in Rhode Island

- Craig MacDonnell - RI State Director, TPL (The Trust for Public Land) & Valerie Talmage - TPL

This workshop will present TPL case studies on a unique blend of non-traditional conservation projects in the Ocean State, including: public access and working waterfronts; urban gardens; and brownfields-to-greenways. 

 

3-C. Monitoring Conservation Easements

- Andy Arkway - Stewardship Director, Aquidneck Land Trust

This workshop will discuss best practices for conservation easement monitoring and the use of volunteer monitors. Subjects covered will include, what steps to take prior to, during and after a monitoring visit. We will discuss the portions of conservation easements and baseline documentation reports that impact easement monitoring and the role of monitors in maintaining positive landowner relations. As well as the role of easement monitoring in meeting the challenges facing the land trust community.

 

3-D. Land Trust Accreditation: How it will work and how your land trust can prepare

- Henrietta Jorden - Land Trust Alliance (LTA)

The Land Trust Alliance is developing an accreditation process for land trusts and a curriculum to help land trusts meet the core competencies in 2006. This workshop will discuss the accreditation process and program. Bring your questions on the developing accreditation program and how your land trust can meet core standards.

 

3-E. Agricultural Land Preservation Funding & Case Studies

- Vicky Drew - NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service) & Ken Ayars - Chief, DEM - Agriculture

This workshop will provide an overview of the state and federal funding programs available for protecting farmland in Rhode Island. Case studies will be presented that illustrate how funding from various sources has been combined to conserve farmland.

 

3-F. Treasurer's Roundtable a.k.a. "Self-Help Support Group"

- David Francis - Treasurer, The Westerly Land Trust

Have you ever struggled alone with a problem? Do want to computerize your books but can't get started? No more!  Bring your finance / bookkeeping / accounting issues to this workshop and get help from your peers and the experts. A QuickBooks guru & a CPA will be available to handle the hard core. Success stories also welcomed!

3-G. Rhode Island Housing & Conservation Trust Fund: Related Legislation

- Scott Wolf - Grow Smart Rhode Island

Rhode Island has had a Housing and Conservation Trust Fund, based on Vermont.s model, since the

early 1990.s. However, this trust fund has never been funded. Legislation passed in 2004 created a Study Commission to recommend how this fund could be used toward achieving the State.s

affordable housing and land conservation goals. This workshop will discuss the recommendations of the

Study Commission and proposed legislation to implement these recommendations.

 

3-H. Beyond Bake Sales: Raising Money From Foundations

- Linn Perkins Syz - New England Grassroots Environment Fund

Ready to step into the world of grantwriting to raise some funds for your community organizing needs? Learn the basics of the grantwriting process: Researching foundations for possible funding; initial contact with foundation staff; grant guidelines and why you should pay attention to them; the grant application; supporting documents - what to include and not include; and grant reports.

 

3-I. Development & Implementation of an Innovative Watershed Management Plan and TMDLs in the Salt Ponds

- Rich Claytor - Horsley & Witten and - Bambi Poppick - Salt Ponds Coalition

This session will review the results of the watershed planning process being developed for Green Hill Pond and Eastern Ninigret Pond in South Kingstown and Charlestown, Rhode Island. The session will feature applicable management strategies for coastal, high density communities on individual sewage disposal systems and targeted at nitrogen and bacteria loading reduction.

 

3-J. Conservation: In Search of a New Paradigm -the Future of RIACC and implications for Municipal Commissions - a discussion

- Dan Novak - RI Association of Conservation Commissions