RI Department of Environmental Management

DEM Reports Safe Ice Conditions at Lincoln Woods and Meshanticut State Parks, but Ice at Goddard Memorial State Park Remains Unsafe for Skating

As a result of this week's extended cold spell, the DEM has determined that ice is currently safe for skating at designated areas in two Rhode Island state parks. (More info)

DEM Announces Changes to Commercial Fishing Licensing Regulations

DEM announces several regulatory changes to the commercial fishing licensing program. The changes apply to new and renewed licenses for 2009. The regulatory changes took effect on December 28 following an October public hearing and consideration by the RI Marine Fisheries Council. (More info)

Boat Registration Renewal, Boater Education Information, and Summer Job Applications Available at DEM Booth at Providence Boat Show

DEM staff will be on hand at the Providence Boat Show at the Convention Center to renew current boat registrations, answer questions about registering new boats, and have available boating safety information. Boat registrations can be renewed, by check only, on Friday, January 30 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, January 31 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, February 1 from noon to 5 p.m. (More info)

DEM Partner Receives $20k Grant That Will Be Used to Fund Disaster Animal Response Workshops for the Dairy Industry and Emergency Animal Care Sessions

In partnership with DEM, the Rhode Island Disaster Animal Response Team (RIDART) has received a $20,000 Emergency Preparedness Initiative grant from State Animal Response Team (SART) and PetSmart Charities, Inc. The grant will be used to improve care for pets, farm livestock, and wildlife animals in disasters. The grant will fund a two-day summit at the University of Rhode Island's Bay Campus on January 23-24, and assure national certification and continued development of RIDART. (More info)

DEM Encourages Rhode Islanders to Properly Maintain Their Oil Tanks and Furnaces to Prevent Home Heating Oil Spills

With the winter home heating season upon us, DEM is reminding Rhode Island residents that proper care and maintenance of their fuel oil tank, lines and furnace can reduce the chance of spilling oil and being faced with costly environmental problems. Releases from residential heating oil tanks are extremely problematic and cleanup can be expensive. Oil can soak into the concrete and ruin foundations. Oil may also flow from a yard or basement and spread through groundwater, contaminating drinking water wells, soil, surface water, septic systems, storm water drains, sewers and drainage ditches. (More info)