Rhode Island
Rhode Island
Aquatic Environments
Fish Migration
In the past, fish populations in Ten Mile River, located in East Providence, decreased because of increased spawning difficulty caused by dam construction. However, the Ten Mile River Fish Run Restoration constructed fish passages, restoring important local fish populations. Three major dams were a focus of the project: Omega Pond Dam, Hunts Mill Dam, and Turner Reservoir Dam. When they were built, they did not have fish passageways built into them, so during the project, fishways, exit channels, and spillways were incorporated into the dams. They were cut into the sides of the already existing dams.
This project helped with fish migration in the river. Since fish could now easily return to their spawning areas, vital native fish populations increased. It also improved biodiversity and species variety in the river. Improving water quality was another key part of the project. This helped restore the river to how it used to be, creating more natural, less-developed aquatic areas in Rhode Island. These fish migration improvements strengthened Rhode Island’s important fishing industry as populations increased. Additionally, local fisheries were enhanced, and more recreational opportunities at the river were created. One major drawback of this project was that it cost $8.9 million, which makes it hard to recreate in other locations. Another disadvantage is that many organizations collaborated on the project, and this could be difficult to keep organized.
1.) Source 1
Sustainable Agriculture
Watershed Protection
Watershed protection refers to the protection of waterways by managing all of the channels (i.e. creeks, streams, rivers, etc.) that flow into the waterways themselves. Though the size of watersheds vary based on the geographical location, during periods of heavy rain and snowfall, improperly maintained watersheds may overflow leading to runoff onto local roads and businesses.
The most practical way to protect watersheds is to control what flows into them. Reducing pesticide and herbicide use, maintaining a garden buffer, and controlling stormwater pollution are the easiest ways to ensure watersheds are managed. Local governments may also play a central role in providing incentive for watershed protection. The Rhode Island Rivers Council was created to oversee efforts to preserve the state’s waterways. In addition to designating watershed councils that cover approximately 71% of the state, the organization offers annual grants to advance the work of watershed protection. They also offer the opportunity for the public to assist in key decision-making discussions concerning river planning.
Watershed protection requires constant and regular maintenance to achieve benefits to biodiversity, such as reduced bacteria and viruses in drinking water which is a benefit to humans, and reduced sediment that can prevent the suffocation of fish. However, improved nutrition and clear drinking water greatly outweigh these economic costs.
Aquaculture
Aquaculture, in short, is farming in an aquatic environment. It is the “breeding, raising, and harvesting of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants” for commercial sale and/or residential consumption (What Is Aquaculture?, n.d.). Because aquaculture operations generally have a smaller carbon footprint and require less land and water, they are a suitable nature-based solution for breeding and harvesting aquatic organisms in a controlled environment as well as a method of waterway conversation.
For the environment, shellfish, as well as other bivalves, assist in climate change mitigation by cleaning the water as they feed and serve as an ecosystem for smaller organisms. They also work to prevent shoreline erosion by stabilizing sediments. For coastal communities, crops harvested from aqua cultural services can help alleviate food insecurity. Moreover, aquaculture creates employment opportunities for waterfront and coastal residents.
Ocean State Shellfish Cooperative (Narragansett, Rhode Island) is a community of 15 different oyster farms whose mission is to provide the highest quality oysters year-round. Not only do they promote the benefits of sustainable aquaculture, but they also work to educate the public on the importance of oyster farming in Rhode Island. Additionally, their network of farming communities, which is spread across four different Rhode Island waterways, has helped to rejuvenate and revitalize local areas that were once unproductive ecosystems.
1.) Source 1
Sources:
Documentation:
Urban Spaces
Pulaski State Park and Recreational Area
Pulaski State Park and Recreational Area, a 100-acre park in George Washington Management area, was founded in 1939. It offers various outdoor activities, including trout fishing, picnicking, hiking, swimming, and skiing. The park contributes to the ecosystem by increasing biodiversity and improving air quality, reducing emissions and promoting adaptation to climate change. It also promotes EV charging stations, promoting electrical transportation. The park encourages a healthy lifestyle, reduces air pollution, and supports ecotourism, raising revenue for sports markets and the economy.
However, the park is not ideal for rainy days and the large George Washington Management area, which gets snow in winter. Despite these drawbacks, Pulaski State Park is a great nature-based solution for climate change, offering numerous advantages over disadvantages for society and the environment.
Gillig BRT Hybrid Buses and Hybrid Trolleys
Gillig BRT hybrid buses and trolleys are a green transportation solution in Rhode Island, reducing energy consumption and emissions in public transportation. These clean diesel hybrid electrical propulsion systems reduce air and noise pollution, creating a healthier environment. The buses and trolleys operate throughout Rhode Island, allowing for 17% fuel savings and reducing fossil fuel use. The biodegradable cleaners used in the transportation maintain hygiene and do not contain toxins like carcinogens or compounds that deplete the ozone layer. The buses also provide social benefits, such as quieter rides and wheelchair-friendly loading mechanisms, attracting elderly or disabled civilians to use public transport.
This reduces GHG emissions and makes public transport more accessible for a larger number of users. RIPTA, funded by Federal Transit Administration Grants, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Grants, and Rhode Island Bonds, is working to improve transportation systems and reduce fuel consumption. However, RIPTA should increase accessibility by connecting trolleys and buses to more areas, particularly suburban areas, to encourage civilians to use public transportation. This is a significant step towards sustainability and serves as an example for other states to adopt similar strategies in transitioning to a greener state.
1.) Source 1
.jpg)
Sustainable Forestry
Providence Neighborhood Planting Program
The Providence Neighborhood Planting Program (PNPP) is a partnership between the Mary Elizabeth Sharpe Providence Neighborhood Planting Program Fund, the City of Providence, and community members. It works with the Forestry Division of the Providence Parks Department to plant trees throughout the city, aiming to prevent flooding, reduce carbon, and reduce air temperatures. The program also educates the community on urban forests and tree equity. Benefits include bringing together smaller communities, making Providence more aesthetically pleasing and green, and preventing costly flooding damage. However, the program relies heavily on community volunteers and can be costly to run without sponsorship or outside assistance. Despite these challenges, PNPP is a valuable way to bring the Providence community together and implement greenery in an industrial city.
Rhode Island Forest Conservators Organization
The Rhode Island Forest Conservators Organization is an outreach program set in place to improve the implementation of the RI Farm, Forest, and Open Space (FFOS) Program. This program mainly works through outreach efforts. The outreach is geared towards increasing the proper management of woodlands by providing technical assistance to private landowners. The program also promotes Forestry Best Management Practices and participates in the Rhode Island Woodland Partnership. Members of the organization also fight deforestation through monitoring state and local legislation and ordinances that may affect the ownership and management of woodlands.
Moreover, there are pros and cons to this program. Like many of the other forestry programs, this program is helping fight deforestation and protecting Rhode Island forests, which in turn helps clean the air, prevent flooding, and clean freshwater sources. However, this program takes a lot of time to implement and a lot of volunteers and workers to run the program effectively. Because this program is run by a smaller organization, it may be difficult to receive enough funding and donations to keep the organization running.
1.) Source 1
