For Release: October 21, 1998

Contact: Paul Dolan 222-1415

PROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island Chapter of the Society of American Foresters (RISAF) has announced its sixth annual "Walk in the Forest" program and invites school classes and other groups to participate.

"Rhode Island is truly a forested state, with almost 60 percent of the land area covered by forests," said Department of Environmental Management forester Paul Dolan, education coordinator of RISAF. The "Walk in the Forest" program is scheduled in the fall, he said, "because it is such a beautiful time to be in the woods."

Whereas in past years, the forestry walks were held at fixed areas and times, Dolan said that this year groups can pick their own location, and the foresters will come to them. "We will provide RISAF foresters to offer suggestions on preparing for the field trip, to help lead the group through the walk, and to explain what they see in their forest. In this way we can work with individual groups to highlight forests of interest to them and timeframes that are convenient for them, and, therefore, eliminate some of the transportation and time-related concerns that come with traveling to events only held on a specific date and time."

The program is offered through mid-November. For reservations or questions, contact Dolan at 222-1415, or Christopher Modisette, Chair of RISAF, at 568-1610.