Forestry Extension

URI implements and supports range of forestry extension activities to support private forest owners in caring for their forests to protect and improve forest health, wildlife habitat and water quality.

Rhode Island Woods website: URI hosts a website to provide the public with information about Rhode Island forestry and wildlife issues, and to help forest owners plan activities on their properities. The website provides lists of loggers and forestry businesses, as well as information about local plants and animals, state regulations related to forestry and wildlife, and the current price of timber. Rhode Island Woods was developed in collaboration with several other partners.

Outreach Events for Landowners:  URI organizes several trainings for private landowners about forestry and wildlife, including the annual Rhode Island Coverts Program, a training for forest landowners about forest management practices that can make wildlife healthier, more diverse and abundant.  The project has trained landowners from across the state through this workshop, which focuses on forest ecology and stewardship, wildlife management and land conservation.

USDA Northeast Climate Hub: URI is one of 14 land grant universities participating in the Northeast Climate Hub of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which delivers science-based knowledge and practical information to farmers and forest managers about adapting to climate change. URI shares information about climate adaptation approaches with landowners through various outreach events, and collaborates with Hub members in the development of new adaptation approaches. URI has been involved in a variety of projects with the Northeast Hub.

The Rhode Island Woodland Partnership (RIWP):  URI is a founding member of RIWP, a collaboration among foresters, landowners, conservationists, and professionals who represent public agencies, small businesses, and non-profit organizations. Partnership members share a common goal of advancing the stewardship and long-term protection of Rhode Island’s woodlands to benefit the local economy, ecological values, and community enjoyment and health. We welcome additional partners.

Woodscaping Guide: This guide provides educational information and resources that are geared towards the interests and goals of owners  of woodland parcels of 10 acres or less.

For more information about forestry extension at URI, please contact:

Christopher Riely, Research Associate, Forestry (criely@uri.edu)
Scott McWilliams, Professor of Wildlife and Conservation Biology (srmcwilliams@uri.edu)

Dept. Natural Resources Science
105 Coastal Institute in Kingston
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI 02881