DEM 2025 Grant ($75,000)
Background:
In February 2024, BSFD submitted a DEM Grant application for limited invasive phragmites management and hydraulic conveyance system upgrades at Wesquage Pond. The application mistakenly listed BSFD as a 501(c)(3), a cut-and-paste error from a previous submission. It also included a slightly adjusted house count. Both updates were communicated to DEM, who confirmed that a revised application was not required. Following DEM’s review and discussions, it was agreed to scale the project to an initial phase: reviewing the consultant’s report before submitting a potential second application for the next phase of work. At that point, depending on the scope of the recommendations, the Town of Narragansett would become involved. Due to numerous delays relating to DEM processes and discussions with CRMC regarding permitting, the steps between application and contract took over a year to complete.
Relevant Documents:
2024 Grant Application and Appendix A
Grant Application Award Letter - August 8, 2024
DEM & BSFD Grant Contract Agreement
Condition Reports
2019 Condition Report Wesquage Pond
Prepared July 2019
By Dr. Scott Ruhren
Senior Director of Conservation
Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Three deer swimming across Wesquage pond
Courtesy of Bonnet resident, Rick Gersten.
Watershed Management Plan
