PROVIDENCE - In celebration of Rhode Island Rivers Day on June 17, Governor Lincoln Almond and the Department of Environmental Management are joining with river advocates in urging Rhode Islanders to participate in community events throughout the state. A series of special events sponsored by watershed and river advocacy groups will begin on Saturday, June 10 and continue through Sunday, June 25.

"There are many local groups that are actively working, along with DEM, to protect and preserve the state's rivers and streams, ponds and lakes, as well as our 400 miles of coastline," said Almond. "On Rhode Island Rivers Day, and through the month of June, many special educational and recreational events are planned that showcase the special nature of our rivers and their importance to our health and quality of life. I urge all Rhode Islanders to participate in celebrating our 600 miles of rivers and streams."

In recognition of the importance of the state's rivers, Almond is also issuing a proclamation declaring June 17 as the third annual Rhode Island Rivers Day.

"Rivers play a vital role in linking our communities," DEM Director Jan Reitsma said. "They are critically important to wildlife, recreation, community revitalization and natural heritage, and we at DEM are increasingly focusing our attention on watershed management as a major tool in protecting the state's rivers and other water sources. The activities planned throughout the state give every Rhode Islander opportunities to join with their neighbors in acknowledging and celebrating the importance of our rivers."

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