2025 State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP)

Latest update: 12/30/24
Examples of wildlife identified as Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the 2015 Rhode Island Wildlife Action Plan
Examples of wildlife identified as Species of Greatest Conservation Need in the 2015 Rhode Island Wildlife Action Plan

A State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) is a long-term strategy designed to protect and conserve wildlife and their habitats. The federal State and Tribal Wildlife Grants (SWG) program, created in 2000 by Congress, funds actions to conserve declining fish and wildlife species before they become threatened or endangered. Each state must develop a SWAP, updated at least every 10 years, to remain eligible for SWG funding. 

Key components of a SWAP include:

  • Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN)
  • Key habitats
  • Threats and conservation actions
  • Monitoring and adaptive management
  • Coordination with agencies, tribes, and partners
  • Public participation

Rhode Island Wildlife Action Plan (RIWAP)

Rhode Island first completed its Wildlife Action Plan in 2005, with an update in 2015. Another update is due by October 2025. Rhode Island’s plan is part of a nationwide effort to keep common species common and to protect at-risk species before they need federal protection. 

DEM is leading the 2025 update, with partners including The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the Rhode Island Natural History Survey (RINHS), and the University of Rhode Island (URI). DEM’s Divisions of Fish & Wildlife and Marine Fisheries are leading the technical aspects of the revision alongside the above partners and other organizations that include the Audubon Society of Rhode Island (ASRI), Roger Williams Park Zoo, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Once the technical aspects of the revision are complete, more partners and the public will be invited to review the updates.

DEM is seeking public input for the 2025 RIWAP update.

Public opportunities to provide input for the 2025 RIWAP update will include:

  • Participating in online surveys focused on the plan content, format, and outreach products
  • Attending a community workshop in spring 2025
  • Reviewing the draft SGCN list plan 
  • Providing comments during the formal public comment period and hearing 

 

Stay Informed / Get Involved!

Join our newsletter to receive the latest updates on the RI Wildlife Action Plan, including news of the opportunities to provide your input on the draft plan, as well as monthly updates and events from DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife's Outreach Education Programs.

 

Subscribe to RIWAP Updates

Send Questions / Connect with us!

DEM has compiled a 2025 RIWAP Core Team led by DEM's Wildlife Action Plan Community Liaison, Amanda Freitas, which includes staff from DEM's Divisions of Fish & Wildlife and Marine Fisheries, outreach specialists, and leadership dedicated to the RIWAP and ensuring the public's input is heard and valued.

Send your questions, comments, and feedback to dem.riwap@dem.ri.gov.

  • The RIWAP takes a proactive approach to wildlife conservation;
  • Secures funding for protecting wildlife and habitats; and
  • Builds partnerships to support conservation priorities

Additionally, SWG funding is critical for species not covered by common fish and wildlife funding sources, such as amphibians, reptiles, and pollinators.

  • Research and Monitoring: DEM tracks species populations, like saltmarsh sparrows and eastern brook trout, to fill knowledge gaps and inform conservation.
  • Outreach: Resources like fact sheets, conservation guides, and wildlife programs help engage the community.
  • Land Conservation: Collaborative efforts, like protecting Tillinghast Pond, preserve vital habitats.
  • Species and Habitat Management: Projects include restoring habitats for pollinators and studying species like the eastern spadefoot toad.