Forestry and Wildlife

URI conducts research to understand ecosystem dynamics and strengthen forest management and wildlife conservation in Rhode Island. Extension and outreach activities are intended to help inform forest stewards and the interested public by sharing information about forestry and wildlife topics, including research outputs.

Still more than half forested, Rhode Island has extensive and varied woodlands surrounding Narragansett Bay. The greatest threat facing the state’s forests is fragmentation and loss by conversion to other land uses, while newer threats such as climate change bring additional challenges. Wildlife species in Rhode Island require a diversity of habitats, including forests of different ages and stages of growth. Natural resource agencies in Rhode Island are promoting and implementing forestry practices to improve forest health and provide a range of habitat types on both public and private land. A landscape management approach will help conserve and maintain all types of native forest ecosystems and the wildlife species they support.

URI is addressing these challenges through the following activities in Rhode Island:

• Using telemetry studies to assess the effects of forest management and fragmentation on wildlife species requiring on young forest habitat (including American woodcock, certain songbirds, and New England cottontail rabbit) and mature forest habitat (including spotted turtles).

• Assessing the status and spatial extent of young forest habitat in and changes over the past 25 years caused by natural disturbances and active vegetation management
• Improving our understanding of climate change impacts on native forests and to testing experimental approaches that may help them adapt to changing conditions

• Engaging landowners in improving forest climate resiliency and enhancing wildlife habitat, while conducting social science research to inform public program delivery
• Collaborating with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in providing support to private landowners and land trusts in implementing forest management activities to enhance wildlife habitat and improve forest health
• Helping organize and lead outreach events hosted by the Coverts program, the Rhode Island Woodland Partnership, and the Conservation Stewardship Collaborative

These activities are being implemented in collaboration with several state and federal agencies and private conservation organizations, with funding from URI, the Rhode Island Division of Environmental Management, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and the USDA Forest Service.

For more information, please contact:

Partner Programs

Department of Natural Resources Science Home
Rhode Island Woods
Rhode Island Coverts Project
Rhode Island NRCS
Conservation Stewardship Collaborative