PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Law Enforcement has scheduled public meetings in Smithfield and Portsmouth concerning the use of jet skis. The meeting in Smithfield will be held Monday, November 8 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Smithfield Town Hall, located at 64 Farnum Pike. The Portsmouth meeting will be held Thursday, November 18 at 7 p.m. at the Portsmouth Fire Department, located at 2300 East Main Road.

The meetings are the last in a series of public meetings DEM is holding throughout the state to solicit public comments about the use of personal watercraft. They are designed to help DEM determine the nature and extent of existing problems and, if appropriate, to help guide the formulation of appropriate responses. Meetings have already taken place in Narragansett, Westerly and Coventry.

Throughout the boating season, DEM receives numerous complaints about jet skis concerning noise levels, reckless operation of the craft, pollution, and the effect jet skis have on wildlife and boaters. Questions have also been raised concerning the use of jet skis in areas where traditional powerboats do not operate.

For further information, contact DEM's Division of Law Enforcement at 222-2284.