Going Green

State Beaches Open Saturday

Locally, Scarborough, Roger Wheeler and East Matunuck all open up on Saturday.

Release courtesy the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. The Department of Environmental Management announces that four state beaches in South County will be open weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning this Saturday, May 11.  Scarborough North, Roger Wheeler, East Matunuck and Misquamicut State beaches will be open Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, from May 11 until Memorial Day to accommodate early beach-goers and advance season pass sales. All state beaches will be open on a daily basis from Memorial Day, the traditional start of the summer outdoor recreation season, through Labor Day.  “We’re excited to welcome Rhode Islanders and visitors back to Rhode Island’s spectacular state beaches this season, …

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You Ask, Patch Answers

DEM: Freshwater Fishing Season Opens April 13

In advance of the freshwater fishing season, about 80,000 trout have been stocked in Rhode Island ponds and streams.

When is opening day? Release courtesy of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. The Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announces that the 2013 trout and general freshwater fishing season will begin at 6 a.m. on Saturday, April 13.  More than 20,000 anglers are expected to turn out at dawn on Opening Day. About 80,000 hatchery-raised brook, brown and rainbow trout with an average individual weight of one and a half pounds are being stocked by Division staff in more than 100 ponds and streams for the start of the fishing season. “For generations of Rhode Islanders, Opening Day is a traditional time to get out at dawn and head to a favorite fishing spot to experience the delight of catching …

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DEM: Workshops on Fishing, Hunting Regulations in April

Hearings on regulations for the 2014-15 fishing season and the 2013-14 hunting and falconry seasons will be held April 2 and 3.

Release courtesy of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife will hold public workshops in Tiverton and Exeter in early April to discuss the proposed 2014-2015 freshwater fishing seasons, 2013-2014 falconry season, and the 2013-2014 hunting season and bag limit regulations. Public workshops will be held on Tuesday, April 2 at the Tiverton Rod and Gun Club located at 1529 Fish Road in Tiverton, and on Wednesday, April 3 at the Education Center located within Arcadia Management Area at the former Camp Ehuntee, located at 1B Camp Ehuntee Place in Exeter.   Both workshops will start at 6:00 p.m.  A public hearing on the proposed regulations will be held …

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Strictly Business

EDA Invests $2.9M in Galilee

Governor Chafee, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressman Jim Langevin and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Matt Erskine applaud the critical infrastructure investment.

Release courtesy of Senator Jack Reed’s office. The Rhode Island Congressional Delegation and state leaders today announced a $2.9 million U.S. Economic Development Administration grant to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to rehabilitate critical infrastructure at the Port of Galilee in Narragansett. U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Matt Erskine joined Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee, U.S. Senator Jack Reed, U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Congressman Jim Langevin today in Narragansett to make the announcement. “The Obama administration is committed to strengthening the critical infrastructure that is vital to the economic health of local communities,” said Deputy …

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Millions Secured for Galilee; Press Conference Friday

According to a release from Jack Reed’s office, several officials will be on hand Friday morning to announce millions in federal funding secured for Galilee.

Release courtesy the office of U.S. Senator Jack Reed. In an effort to help spur business activity, create jobs and boost Rhode Island’s fishing industry, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representative Jim Langevin will join Governor Lincoln Chafee, a key official from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), and local leaders Friday, March 1st at 10 a.m. to announce a major investment to help modernize the Port of Galilee. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is receiving a competitive federal economic development grant from EDA to rehabilitate critical infrastructure at the Port of Galilee. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically …

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WANTED: Possibly Rabid Raccoon

DEM and HEALTH are cautioning Rhode Island residents following a raccoon bite in North Kingstown on Monday.

A North Kingstown resident is being treated for rabies exposure and two dogs have been quarantined following an incident with a possibly rabid raccoon Monday night. According to the State Department of Health and Department of Environmental Management, the attack was unprovoked and happened at about 6:30 p.m. Monday on Heritage Road in North Kingstown. The vaccination status of the dogs is currently being evaluated. The animal eluded authorities' attempts to capture it and remains at large. DEM and the health department are warning that the raccoon is presumed to be infected with rabies as the animal's behavior is not typical for raccoons. Residents are urged to contact DEM or North Kingstown Animal Control (401-295-5579) if any sick or …

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DEM Still Looking for Lifeguards

Need a summer job? Lifeguards are needed for facilities in Westerly, Charlestown and other South County locations.

The Department of Environmental Management is continuing its efforts to fill certified lifeguard positions in southern Rhode Island for residents 16 years of age or older. There are several levels of lifeguard positions available.  Pay ranges from $9.50 to $11 per hour.  Lifeguards work 40 hours a week including weekends and holidays. Information about DEM and all seasonal positions, as well as downloadable application forms are available online at DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on “Jobs” then “Seasonal Positions.” Applicants may also visit or call DEM's Office of Human Resources at 235 Promenade Street, Room 350, Providence, weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., or call 222-2774.

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UPDATE: Shellfishing To Re-Open In Point Judith Pond Saturday

Excessive rainfall Monday led officials to believe that bacteria levels will be exceptionally high. Closure was to remain in effect until sunrise August 24 but was lifted early after favorable test results were received.

The Department of Environmental Management announced Friday in a press release that Point Judith Pond in South County will re-open to shellfish harvesting beginning at sunrise Saturday, August 20, four days earlier than anticipated.  DEM's decision to reopen the shellfishing grounds is based on test results from sampling done by staff yesterday. DEM closed Point Judith Pond in South Kingstown and Narragansett to shellfish harvesting at noon Tuesday, August 16.  The closure was enacted because of excessive rainfall and runoff in South Kingstown and Westerly during the two days prior to the closure. More than five inches of rain fell in Westerly area, and over 3.63 inches were recorded in South Kingstown. Data from similar rain events …

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