ERICD was established in 1944.

Our Vision

To promote and improve long-lasting and environmentally-friendly practices that protect natural resources such as soil, water, and air.

Our Mission

To meet our vision through outreach, education, help with environmental questions, and financial assistance. We work with a variety of people and groups including farmers, landowners, cities, towns, schools, and others in the community.

The ERICD is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, consisting of five voting directors and several associate directors. These local individuals provide administrative guidance and focus on the actions of the Eastern District, which include the Newport and Bristol Counties.

Essence of the Conservation Districts

Conservation districts across the country have specialized in the reduction of non-point sources of pollution such as soil erosion, animal waste, pesticides and fertilizers, poorly operating septic systems, and household hazardous wastes since the dust bowl of the 1930's.

While the devastation of soil erosion by wind gave birth to the first Conservation Districts, agricultural impacts, increased development and urban sprawl have all challenged the Districts to take the lead in protecting natural resources through educating the public and providing technical assistance.

In Bristol & Newport Counties, the Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District works in partnership with private land owners, farmers, municipalities, state and federal agencies, as well as non-governmental agencies. ERICD is not a regulatory or enforcement agency, but rather provides assistance to those who desire to work as a team to face issues -- watershed by watershed.