Major
Environmental Science and Management
Minor(s)
International Development
Advisor
Still, Brett
Advisor Department
Natural Resources Science
Date
5-2020
Abstract
Marissa Weinstein (Environmental Science and Management)
URI Sponsor: Brett Still (CELS)
Land Management Plan for North Woods, URI
I developed a conservation plan for the North Woods area (200.25 acres) at the University of Rhode Island, located North of Flagg Road. Utilizing many different resources, including GIS, federal and state natural resource databases, peer reviewed journal articles, a survey given to students and faculty, and the URI Campus Master Plan, published in 2010, I developed a set of recommendations for the operation and management of North Woods. Using GIS enabled me to conduct a detailed analysis of the North Woods forest environment as a whole, including soils, forest communities and plant species, wildlife habitats, and historic aerial photographs. The other resources enabled research into conservation efforts that could be made. By surveying students and faculty, the decisions about how to incorporate this land area into a “knowledgeable setting” were created. Suggestions including the establishment of soil pits for educational purposes, more defined trail network with signage, and a brochure with the inclusion of a map of the trails and information on the area, were analyzed and incorporated as management recommendations. The North Woods is currently underutilized by URI yet it could potentially be a selling point for the school as a living laboratory for students. Based on my research, I propose that URI’s North Woods properties be conserved and used as a community forest and living classroom for not only students of all majors, but especially students affiliated with the College of Environmental and Life Sciences (CELS).