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News Release RI Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade St., Providence, RI 02908 (401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462
DEM TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING NOVEMBER 20 ON REVISIONS TO RECODIFIED RECREATION AND MANAGEMENT AREA REGULATIONS PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management will hold a public hearing Tuesday, November 20 on revisions to draft recodified regulations governing state-owned recreation and management areas.The revised draft regulations reflect changes stemming from comments made at the public hearing that DEM conducted in August. Substantive changes involve the issuance of special event permits. For instance, the number of participants at each special event has been cut from 300 to 150 people; the number of special events yearly at both Arcadia and George Washington management areas has been cut from four to two. Also, sponsors of special events must provide significant liability insurance and must also post bond for the repair of any damage incurred as a result of the event. Additionally, operation of motorcycles on hiking trails will be prohibited. The department made these changes to address environmental degradation that sometimes follows such large special events. Other changes involve rock climbing, target ranges and distribution of printed material. The draft regulations recodify and combine DEM's recreation and management area regulations, grouping together all related rules under applicable topics, which are listed in simple alphabetical order. The regulations also address changing times by formalizing various policies and practices that DEM has been employing for many years. The draft regulations can be found on DEM's website at www.dem.ri.gov by clicking on proposed regulations under publications. They are also available by calling DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife at 789-3094 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The November 20 public hearing will take place at 7 p.m. in the community room of the Warwick Police Station, Route 1 in the Apponaug section of Warwick. The hearing room is accessible to the handicapped and DEM will provide interpreter services for the hearing impaired provided such a request is made at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing by mail, or by calling 222-6800, or TDD 222-4462. DEM encourages submission of written comments prior to the public hearing. They should be sent to DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife at the Oliver Stedman Government Center, 4808 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02897. -30- |
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