RI Department of Environmental Management

Spotlight on Environmental Protection

DEM Announces That Kickemuit River Will Re-Open to Shellfish Harvesting at Sunrise Thursday, July 24

Based on acceptable results of shellfish samples collected on Monday in the Kickemuit River, DEM announces that shellfish harvesting in the Kickemuit River will re-open at sunrise on Thursday, July 24, barring additional rainfall greater than one-half inch in a 24-hour period. (More info)

DEM Announces That $3.2 Million in Grant Funds Are Available for Nonpoint Source Pollution Control

DEM announces that up to $3.2 million in grants are available for local water quality protection and restoration projects that abate nonpoint sources of pollution and improve storm water management. (More info)

Generous Donation from Local Sportsman Allows DEM to Replace Equipment Used for Hunter Education Training Programs That Was Stolen in June

Thanks to the generosity of a local sportsman, DEM's Division of Fish & Wildlife has been able to replace bow hunting training equipment that is used to introduce and teach archery skills to students who participate in its Hunter Education programs. (More info)

DEM to Test Lifeguards for 2015 Season in August

DEM's Division of Parks and Recreation will administer surf and non-surf lifeguard certification tests, beginning on August 4, to certify lifeguards for the year 2015. (More info)

DEM to Offer Third Annual "Women's Day at the Range" on Saturday, August 2 at Great Swamp Shooting Range

DEM's Division of Fish & Wildlife will offer the third annual "Women's Day at the Range" on Saturday, August 2 at the Great Swamp Shooting Range in West Kingston. (More info)

DEM Announces That Wright's Dairy Farm in North Smithfield Has Been Named State's 2014 Outstanding Dairy Farm of the Year

DEM announces that Wright's Dairy Farm, Inc. of North Smithfield has been named Rhode Island's 2014 Outstanding Dairy Farm of the Year by the Rhode Island Green Pastures Committee. (More info)

July 28 West Nile/EEE Status Update

DEM announces that test results from all 67 mosquito pools, or samples, from 26 traps set statewide during the week of July 14 are negative for both West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. (More info)

DEM to Tag Trees in Popular Parks and Recreation Areas That Are at Risk for Infestation of Invasive Forest Pests

Beginning next week, visitors to several popular parks and recreation areas in Rhode Island will find bright orange and yellow tags with images of invasive forest insects hanging from maple and ash trees. (More info)

DEM Announces Start of Demolition and Site Restoration Work at Rocky Point

DEM announces that demolition and site restoration work begins at Rocky Point this week. This work is the first step in the creation of a new coastal state park at Rocky Point that will benefit Rhode Islanders for centuries. (More info)

DEM Announces That Applications Are Currently Being Accepted for Removal and Disposal of Derelict and Abandoned Vessels and Other Obstructions

DEM announces that applications are now being accepted from harbormasters and other public entities for funding to cover the costs of removing, disposing and/or selling derelict and abandoned vessels and other obstructions in the tidal waters and tidal lands of the state. Funding will be provided through the Derelict and Abandoned Vessel and Obstruction Removal Commission. (More info)

DEM Asks Public to Be Aware of White Spotted Pine Sawyer - an Asian Longhorned Beetle "Look-Alike"

DEM wants residents to be on the look-out for Asian Longhorned Beetles (ALB) in Rhode Island, but also to be aware of the White Spotted Pine Sawyer (WSPS). (More info)

DEM Asks Public to Report Wild Turkey Brood Sightings

DEM is asking Rhode Islanders to assist its Division of Fish and Wildlife's wild turkey project by reporting any sightings of wild turkey hens with (or without) broods of young turkeys (poults). DEM biologists need the information to evaluate this year's reproduction of wild turkeys, the survival of the young, and the population of the state's wild turkey flock. (More info)

Rhode Island Paint Recycling Program Begins in June

Paint recycling just got easier in the Ocean State. PaintCare, a Washington, DC-based product stewardship organization for the paint industry, and DEM are pleased to announce the start of a new paint recycling program in Rhode Island. (More info)

Rhode Island and Multi-State Alliance Releases Plan to Put 3.3 Million Zero Emission Vehicles on the Road

Governor Lincoln D. Chafee today announced that Rhode Island is one of eight states to release a collaborative Action Plan to develop infrastructure, coordinate policies, codes and standards, and encourage a consumer market primed to put 3.3 million zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) on the road by 2025. (More info)