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Environment


The Foundation is committed to maximizing the conservation, restoration and stewardship of Rhode Island’s natural resources and supporting local opportunities to address climate change.

Our principal target areas in the environment are:
  • Efforts that advance environmental stewardship and strengthen the sector’s capacity to protect and restore Rhode Island’s natural resources through policy advocacy and programming
  • Efforts to promote energy conservation, renewable energy, local agriculture, and efficient public transit

Both the Salt Ponds Coalition and the Coalition for Transportation Choices are leading organizations in these critical focus areas, demonstrating the power of partnerships in creating positive change.

See a complete list of 2009 Environment grantees.

Salt Ponds Coalition: Monitoring and protecting a regional treasure


They’re home to scallops, oysters, flounder, eels, and blue crabs and provide a habitat for migratory fish such as bluefish and striped bass, as well as waterfowl and shore birds.

“They” are the string of nine salt ponds located along the southern coast of Rhode Island, from Watch Hill on the Connecticut line to Point Judith to the east. Considered vital to Rhode Island’s tourism and fisheries industries, the ponds are monitored by the Salt Ponds Coalition (SPC), the oldest continuously operating volunteer water-quality monitoring program in the country.

Salt Ponds Coalition 
The Salt Ponds Coalition (SPC) monitors the quality of the water in the nine salt ponds along Rhode Island's southern coast through rigorous collection and testing of samples at 25 stations. Photo courtesy of SPC

Established in 1985 and supported by the Foundation since 2002, SPC focuses in three areas. The first is conducting and testing water samples, performing quality analysis, and developing a science-based understanding of threats to the salt ponds, especially from bacterial pollution and excessive nutrients. From May through October, a corps of 16 to 20 volunteers collects water samples and performs tests at 25 stations throughout the ponds. Watershed Watch at the University of Rhode Island conducts the water analysis. Of the ponds’ health, Mark Bullinger, SPC executive director, says, “It’s an ongoing battle – some areas are getting better, some areas are declining.”

“The Coalition’s efforts are aligned with our priority in the environment sector of promoting the protection, restoration, and stewardship of our natural resources.” - Jennifer Pereira, grant programs officer


Public outreach and education is the coalition’s second area of focus. Guided kayak trips are, Bullinger states, “wonderful outings – part recreational and partly a way to get people out on the ponds. You can’t be out there and not come away with a new appreciation for this natural resource.” Schoolchildren participate in “salt pond safaris” at Ninigret Pond, collecting animal samples and learning how they can help keep the ponds healthy. SPC also works with local and state policymakers. “We’re bringing people together and we’re educating them,” says Art Ganz, president of the SPC board of directors.

Salt Ponds Coalition 
SPC's public outreach and education programs are a critical element of its mission to preserve the ponds for generations to come. Here, schoolchildren participate in a "Salt Pond Safari." Photo courtesy SPC.
The coalition’s third focus area is restoration and habitat protection. For the past two years, they have worked with The Nature Conservancy, Save the Bay, and the Department of Environmental Management on a shellfish restoration project. “Having lots of shellfish in the ponds is truly beneficial,” notes Bullinger, explaining that shellfish filter and clean the water.

The group’s habitat protection advocacy has included successful opposition to development on Bill’s Island in Quonochontaug Pond, as well as to filling in Mud Cove on Ninigret Pond for a proposed boat ramp.

“During the past 25 years, we’ve built up a reputation to the point we’re listened to and we’re respected,” concludes Ganz.

 Salt Ponds Coalition
Guided kayak trips along the nine salt ponds bolster statewide appreciation for this amazing natural resource. The Coalition's efforts fit well with the Foundation's priorities in the environmental sector. Photo courtesy SPC
Jennifer Pereira, grant programs officer at the Foundation, explains, “The Salt Ponds Coalition has demonstrated progress in building its membership base, developing strategic partnerships, and promoting awareness to the importance of restoring and protecting these critical Rhode Island resources. The Coalition’s efforts are aligned with our priority in the environment sector of promoting the protection, restoration, and stewardship of our natural resources.”

For more information: www.saltpondscoalition.org


Coalition for Transportation Choices: How BEST to get around Rhode Island


Pediestrian Walking
Exploring a more sustainable funding stream for Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is a priority for the Coalition for Transportation Choices, a Foundation-supported partnership. Photo courtesy of the Coalition
After successfully tackling a major issue, an ad-hoc group often disbands, satisfied that its work is complete. Not so for the Coalition for Water Security (CWS), formed in 2005 with Foundation support. Believing it had established the necessary structures and political momentum to ensure effective management of Rhode Island’s water sources into the future, rather than retire, the group decided to refocus its efforts. Thus was born the Coalition for Transportation Choices, a partnership of more than 30 leading advocacy groups advancing economic, social, and environmental interests.

“We always saw this group identifying a particular issue with the end goal of greater collaboration and a stronger environmental voice. CWS accomplished goals in a way none of our individual organizations would have been able to accomplish alone,” explains Sheila Dormody, RI director, Clean Water Action.

“There clearly is a hunger for choices of how to get someplace in this state without using a car. We’re working to create a more cohesive voice for that.” - Jim Amspacher, director, Sustainable Rhode Island, Apeiron Institute.


RIPTA Bus in front of the Statehouse
Exploring a more sustainable funding stream for Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is a priority for the Coalition for Transportation Choices, a Foundation-supported partnership. Photo courtesy of the Coalition
So, when water security was on solid footing, the group collectively identified the next significant environmental issue, shifted gears and now is focused on improving Rhode Island’s public transit system. This includes making communities more pedestrian and biker-friendly, and advocating for funding to support its transportation goals.

“We need to sustain, maintain, and expand public transportation services. Our goal is to create a culture, a mindset, that the private vehicle isn’t the only transportation option,” says Jim Celenza, director, Rhode Island Committee on Occupational Safety & Health.

Another coalition representative, Jerry Elmer, staff attorney, Conservation Law Foundation, cites the 508,000 private vehicles registered in Rhode Island and the 6,096,000,000 miles traveled each year. “As a coalition, we’re looking for a more stable and sustainable source of income for transportation. We need a funding stream that doesn’t pit RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transit Authority) against DOT (Department of Transportation),” he says, emphasizing the need both for expanded public transportation and for maintaining existing roads and bridges. “One of our tasks is to create the political environment to make this happen,” Elmer says.

Cyclist riding through Providence
Exploring a more sustainable funding stream for Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is a priority for the Coalition for Transportation Choices, a Foundation-supported partnership. Photo courtesy of the Coalition

Indeed, advocacy is a major component of the coalition’s work. Abel Collins, program manager of the RI Chapter of the Sierra Club, says the group is working to build awareness among members of the legislature, business, and the general public. The coalition’s 2010 legislative agenda involves supporting investments in transportation choices and creating the Rhode Island Transportation Trust Fund, researching incentives for reducing vehicle miles traveled, and supporting passage of federal legislation to support state transportation projects.

“There clearly is a hunger for choices of how to get someplace in this state without using a car. We’re working to create a more cohesive voice for that,” state Jim Amspacher, director, Sustainable Rhode Island, Apeiron Institute.

Jennifer Pereira, grant programs officer at the Foundation, notes, “The Foundation’s investment in the Coalition for Water Security has led to significant advancements in water management policy for Rhode Island, as well as stronger partnerships, trust, and enhanced facility for collaboration among the environmental organizations in the state. Supporting this project both furthers priorities in the environment sector and continues efforts to maximize the efficiency of the nonprofit organizations that make up this sector.”

For more information, www.rictc.org