DEM Attempting to Catch Bear Sighted in NK

Where's the bear? Watch out in case it migrates south!

State officials are seeking to catch a bear last seen in North Kingstown. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is setting up traps and sensors in the woods of North Kingstown, hoping to capture the bear. Last week, multiple North Kingstown residents spotted the bear in the area off of Newcomb Road. Before that, another bear (no confirmation on whether or not it was the same bear) was reportedly seen in Cranston and was even caught on a surveillance video. Officials are hoping to catch the bear and move it to a more suitable environment away from people, according to WJAR-TV. According to Charlie Brown of DEM, the bear killed several chickens. And hey, remember when there was a possible mountain lion in Matunuck? That was…

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DEM: Viruses Found in Charlestown, NK Mosquitoes

According to DEM officials, West Nile Virus has been found in Charlestown mosquitoes, and the Highlands J virus in North Kingstown mosquitoes.

Release courtesy of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. The Department of Environmental Management announces that test results from one mosquito pool, or sample, from a trap set in the southeast area of Charlestown has been confirmed positive for West Nile Virus. It is the fourth time this year that WNV has been positively identified in Rhode Island.  The positive WNV result was from a species of mosquitoes that feeds on both birds and mammals. In addition, a sample of mosquitoes also collected on Sept. 5 in North Kingstown near Wickford has tested positive for Highlands J virus. The positive result was from a Culiseta species that bites birds. Highlands J virus is a bird disease that doesn't affect humans, but which …

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Govstench

4:40 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012

Looks like Mr. Gettman had better get some fly swatters and bug spray and get out behind the desk and do his job. All this nice stuff about bugs biting after dark, DUH???? We don't know this? Are these people in the Twilight Zone?   more ›

Ribbon Cutting for Black Point Expansion Wednesday

The trail expansion at Black Point is funded by $37,000 in federal and state grants, and private donations.

Release courtesy of RIDEM. The Department of Environmental Management, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation and De La Salle Christian Brothers will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Black Point trail expansion project in Narragansett at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The project was funded by a $37,000 grant from the RIDOT and the USDOT/Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program to De La Salle Christian Brothers, along with private donations.  De La Salle Christian Brothers applied for a recreational trails grant in 2010 to construct the new, 1,430-foot loop trail at the fishing access area located on Ocean Road.  The new trail provides additional public access to the shoreline and clean view corridors to the …

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Stephen Greenwell

10:52 pm on Wednesday, August 15, 2012

The Journal has posted a photo of Black Point from today that's quite nice: news.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/2012/08/photo-opening-t.html   more ›

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Beetles!

RIDEM and the USDA need volunteers for tree surveys for Asian longhorned beetles in three state parks.

Release courtesy of RIDEM. Through a cooperative effort with the USDA and Animal Plant Health Inspection Services, the Department of Environmental Management will conduct tree surveys in state parks and management areas this month for the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB).  ALB is an invasive insect that came to the United States in wooden shipping crates from China and Korea more than 16 years ago. It affects hardwood shade trees such as maple, ash, birch, willow and elm by boring into the core of the tree and eventually killing it. This beetle has the potential of wiping out thousands of the state’s trees if it goes undetected.  The ALB surveys will take place on Tuesday, August 7 at Burlingame State Park in Charlestown; Thursday, August 9 …

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RIDEM: West Nile Found in Westerly Mosquitoes

Mosquito breeding is picking up this time of year, and as a result, West Nile was found in samples from Chapman Swamp in Westerly.

The Department of Environmental Management announces that a sample of mosquitoes collected on July 9 in Chapman Swamp in Westerly has tested positive for West Nile Virus. Samples are tested weekly at the Rhode Island Health Department laboratory. The sample, or pool, of 35 mosquitoes is a species that can bite both birds and humans. West Nile Virus is increasingly being detected in mosquito samples trapped at multiple locations in Boston, Western Connecticut and Long Island.  While Eastern Equine Encephalitis has not yet been isolated in Rhode Island this season, it was recently isolated in mosquitoes trapped in Lakeville, Carver, Rehoboth and Easton, Massachusetts.  Both diseases are more prevalent in late summer and early fall.  …

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DEM: Grant Applications Available for Boat Pump-Out Facilities

According to the DEM, there is $680,000 in federal Clean Vessel Act funds available for boat pump-outs.

The Department of Environmental Management announces that it is now accepting applications from qualified public and private marinas, yacht clubs and municipalities to construct, replace, retrofit and maintain marine pump-out boats and land-based pump-out facilities. Up to $18,750 is available for each land-based facility grant, and up to $56,250 is available for each pump-out boat. Each type requires a 25 percent match. A total of $680,000 in US Fish and Wildlife Service Clean Vessel Act funds provided to DEM is available to be awarded through this grant round. In 1998 Rhode Island became the first state in the country to receive the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “No Discharge” designation, which prohibits the discharge of sewage…

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Fishing Tournament Coming to Galilee

Clear your calendar for early September and grab your fishing poles!

For the first time ever, the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association will be sponsoring a public fishing tournament. The Galilee Fishing Tournament and Seafood Festival, Fishing for a Cause, will be held from Sept. 7 to Sept. 9 at the Port of Galilee. All of the profits will be donated to Hasbro’s Children Hospital, the Jonnycake Center food bank, and the Narragansett Parks and Recreation financial aid program. The tournament will be family friendly, with low entry fees and lots of prizes in 35 categories. Prizes will be fishing products – this is not a money tournament. For more info on the event, click here to visit the tournament’s website. The tournament is being run as a partnership between RIDEM, the Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers…

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DEM: Scarborough, Roger Wheeler Open This Weekend

Scarborough North and Roger Wheeler are open this weekend, followed by the new East Matunuck facility next week.

The Department of Environmental Management announced today that three state beaches in South County will be open weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning this Saturday, May 12.  Scarborough North, Roger Wheeler and Misquamicut state beaches will be open Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, from May 12 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.  The beach at Lincoln Woods State Park will open on a daily basis, weather permitting, beginning Saturday, May 12. Goddard Memorial State Park beach will be open on Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, …

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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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Five Things You Need To Know Today

Today: Zoning Board Meeting, A Call For Volunteers, Watch Out For Deer

Don't leave home without Five Things, a quick breakdown of five stories and announcements pertaining to life in South Kingstown today.

1. The South Kingstown Zoning Board of Review meets tonight for its monthly meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall Council Chambers, 180 High Street. At the top of the agenda is the continued petition by the owner of the Matunuck Oyster Bar to expand its service area for a restaurant serving alcohol. 2. Senator Francis T. Maher Jr., (R-Dist. 34, Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, Richmond, West Greenwich), announced again that General Treasurer Gina Raimondo will hold a forum on the proposed pension legislation at 5 p.m. today at the Chariho Middle School. Senator Maher said Treasurer Raimondo will give an overview of the pension reform legislation and be available to answer questions.  The forum is free and open to the public. “It is …

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