WOODLAND OWNERS NEEDED TO HELP MANAGE FOR WILDLIFE HABITAT

The RI Coverts Project is looking for woodland owners and other interested individuals who want to learn more about their forests and the wildlife that live in them in exchange for a commitment to share that knowledge with others in their community. RIRC&D President Harriet Powell announced that the 7th annual RI Coverts Cooperator Class will be held at RIDEM’s Camp E-Hun-Tee in Exeter, May 2-3, 2014.

A “covert” (pronounced kuh-vert) is an old English word that refers to a thicket that provides sheltering cover for wildlife. The RI Coverts project is a training and outreach program in woodland and wildlife management. This year, up to twenty woodland owners will be chosen to participate in the two day workshop that focuses on forest ecology and stewardship, wildlife management and land conservation. The training consists of both indoor and field sessions, as well as informal time to learn from fellow participants. New this year will be a session held at URI on May 8th to assist landowners with the development of a basic forest management plan. After completion of the workshop, participants are asked to return to their communities and share what they’ve learned with others and to become part of a state-wide coverts cooperator network. Powell said that,” We see this as an opportunity to reach out to woodland owners and teach them how good forest stewardship can earn the woodland owner a long-term financial return, and improve the health and productivity of both the forest and the wildlife that live in it. Ultimately, we hope that more woodland owners will participate in the project and serve to promote the sustainability of Rhode Island forests.”

Anyone interested in participating in the program, or who would like more information, should contact Paul Dolan, RI RC&D Area Director at: 401-500-0399 or by email rircd2283@gmail.com or visit www.rircd.org. The RI Coverts Project is sponsored by the Rhode Island Resource Conservation & Development Area (RIRC&D), the University of Rhode Island – Department of Natural Resources Science (URI), the RI Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS), the RI Department of Environmental Management Division’s of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), and Forest Environment (DFE), USDA-NRCS, and the RI Forest Conservators Organization (RIFCO).

Contact: Paul Dolan
(401) 500-0399