Latest news with #RhodeIslandDepartmentofEnvironmentalManagement
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Free boat-cleaning station takes aim at invasive plants in South Kingstown pond
SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — Over the past couple of years, an invasive aquatic plant has started to take over a pond in South Kingstown. Now, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is trying to stop the plant from infiltrating other local waterbodies with a new boat-cleaning station set up at Worden Pond. The invasive plant, Hydrilla, was first detected in the pond in 2023. By 2024, a study estimated that the plant had taken over 150 acres, around 14%, of the entire pond. IN-DEPTH: Invasive aquatic plants are an expensive problem in RI The DEM said Hydrilla not only poses a threat to native plants and wildlife, but also boating and recreation. Hydrilla spreads easily, and it can grow from a small fragment. Boaters can use the new solar-powered boat-cleaning station for free. The town said it will hire a part-time greeter to show boaters how to use the self-service station. The DEM is encouraging boaters to clean their boats both before launching and after taking them out of the water. All boats should be cleaned, drained and dried before entering a waterbody. According to the DEM, more than 114 ponds and lakes and 29 rivers in Rhode Island have invasive aquatic plants. You can find a map of affected waterbodies here. The DEM is also looking for volunteers to educate others at Worden Pond or their local boat ramp. Anyone who is interested can register for a training session here. NEXT: Here's why RI scientists want you to report roadkill Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Roger Wheeler State Beach is a go-to for families. Why it won't be as friendly this summer
NARRAGANSETT – Beachgoers will find their favorite sandy spots a little more cramped when they visit Roger W. Wheeler State Beach this summer. The beach is undergoing a makeover as construction crews replace and expand the boardwalk and build a bulkhead. By the time work is done, the new boardwalk will have doubled in size to nearly 1,200 feet in length and be accessible for people with disabilities. New stairs, sidewalks, shade structures, a foot washing station and concrete benches will also be installed, according to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM). The work, however, will bring some disruptions to beachgoers. Amenities at the beach – among them concessions, lifeguards, restrooms and showers – will open on Saturday, June 14, later than in previous seasons. Until then, the beach will be an active construction site with limited access, according to Evan LaCross, a public affairs officer at DEM. The beach area also will be reduced, with some sections being rocky, according to DEM. 'There will be fenced-off areas along the East and West sides of the beach, extending into the parking lot and beachfront itself to establish safe work zones,' says a DEM page on the construction project. The parking area may also be reduced, DEM warned. It is a popular nesting spot for piping plovers, a protected shorebird. DEM said it would monitor and protect the nesting areas. The work began last August and is scheduled to last until May 2026, with a pause in construction this summer. It is being funded by $3.1 million in federal money from the Land and Water Conservation Fund; $7.5 million from the 2021 Beach, Clean Water and Green Economy Bond; and $150,000 from state capital funds. In total, about $10.7 million, LaCross said. Roger W. Wheeler State Beach is the oldest state beaches in Rhode Island, according to DEM. It was originally known as Sand Hill Cove, a name still used by some locals. The state's ownership of the beach goes back to the Revolutionary War, when the state seized the property from a Tory sympathizer of King George III. Over time, beaches became more popular with Rhode Island's working class. But it wasn't until the 1940s – in the middle of World War II – that the state kicked out a community of squatters who had built illegal structures at the beach. The beach was renamed in 1970 after the late Capt. Roger W. Wheeler, who was credited with creating the Rhode Island State Life-Saving System, a series of stations that assisted ships in distress. These days, Roger W. Wheeler State Beach is known for its fine white sand and calm waters protected by Galilee's breakwaters, making it a popular spot for families with children. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Roger Wheeler State Beach getting a makeover, new boardwalk
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Health officials issue urgent warning after testing fish from popular river: 'It is important to take steps to lower our exposure'
A new health warning is causing concern among anglers and residents in Rhode Island and Connecticut. The Rhode Island Department of Health and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management issued an advisory against eating fish caught in the popular Pawcatuck River after discovering they were contaminated with high levels of toxic chemicals. As reported by GoLocalProv, recent samples found elevated levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, in fish caught in certain parts of the Pawcatuck River. PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals commonly found in everything from nonstick cookware to waterproof clothing. They're often called "forever chemicals" because they don't break down in the environment. "Fishing is a valued tradition in Rhode Island, and fish are a good source of protein and nutrients. However, fish in some areas can have high levels of pollutants that can harm our health," said Director of Health Jerome Larkin. "While we are still learning about the sources and effects of PFAS, it is important to take steps to lower our exposure to these chemicals." PFAS contamination is a threat to human health and food security. Eating contaminated fish is one of the main ways these chemicals can build up in our bodies and cause health problems, including higher risks of cancer, liver damage, and other illnesses. Plus, the damage can be passed on during pregnancy. Studies show prenatal exposure can harm fetal immune system development, making exposed kids more likely to get sick throughout childhood. Communities that rely on fishing for food, business, or cultural traditions are especially vulnerable. And with PFAS showing up in water systems nationwide, contamination could have major long-term impacts on public health and local economies. Locally, Rhode Island health officials have posted signs in the area and told the public to avoid eating fish from affected waters. While officials said they didn't have enough data on how stocked trout had been affected, they are changing the stocking schedule to hopefully prevent PFAS buildup in the stocked trout population and working to get better data. Around the world, many governments have set stricter regulations for PFAS in drinking water and are funding efforts to clean up polluted water sources. Scientists have also been working on innovative ways to break down PFAS in drinking water. Individuals can help prevent PFAS pollution by choosing cookware free of PFAS when possible, including nonstick alternatives such as cast iron, and by supporting clean water initiatives that prioritize pollution prevention. How often do you worry about toxic chemicals getting into your home? Always Often Sometimes Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DEM is still looking for a few more good lifeguards
Scarborough North State Beach in Narragansett. (File photo courtesy of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management) About 90 lifeguards have already been hired to work at Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) beaches ahead of the summer 2025 season. But more are still needed. 'DEM is actively recruiting for seasonal positions and continues to accept applications throughout the season,' Chief Public Affairs Officer Kim Keough said in an email confirming the number of guards hired so far. 'We are still hiring for all seasonal roles, especially our lifeguard positions and encourage anyone interested to apply!' Keough said DEM's Division of Parks and Recreation aims to hire over 100 lifeguards for the summer. DEM's seasonal employment webpage still has a posting for seasonal state lifeguards — pay is listed as $18.75 to $19.25 an hour — and seasonal supervising lifeguards — paying $19.50 to $20.00 an hour. To help with recruiting, DEM offers up to $1,000 in incentive bonuses — a $500 sign-on bonus for those hired by June 27 and an additional $500 for those who remain on the job through Sept. 1 All lifeguard candidates must receive state certification and hold valid cards in lifeguard training, first aid, and CPR, including infant, child, and adult. Lifeguards will be on duty and bathrooms and concessions will be open at Scarborough North and Salty Brine state beaches in Narragansett on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, and remain open weekends only until daily operations begin Memorial Day. All other state beaches, except Roger Wheeler, will officially open daily Saturday, May 24 and remain open until Labor Day. Beachgoers can plan ahead and buy their 2025 state beach season parking passes to all eight Rhode Island State beach parking lots. Online pass sales can take up to 24 hours to validate. New this year, returning customers with unchanged registration and contact information can bypass the verification process. They allow parking at all eight state beaches but do not guarantee entry. Parking is first-come, first-served. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
DEM restocks 100 RI water bodies with 60K fish
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The fish might just be biting this spring thanks in part to efforts from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM). The DEM announced that it has restocked more than 100 freshwater ponds, rivers and lakes, including children's-only ponds, with 60,000 brook, brown, golden and golden rainbow trout. Opening day for trout season in Rhode Island is April 12. No trout or salmon can be caught or kept before opening day. Any anglers who catch a golden rainbow trout between April 12 and May 5 will be eligible to receive a golden trout pin by sending a picture of the fish to 'Opening Day is a spring tradition for thousands of Rhode Islanders who head out on the second Saturday of April to a favorite fishing spot to reel in their first trout of the season,' DEM Director Terry Gray said. 'The work and logistics involved in raising and stocking 60,000 trout are intense, and I am proud to recognize all members of DEM's Freshwater Fisheries Team who pull off this feat every year.' Anglers must follow the state's fishing rules and regulations. A full list of trout-stocked water bodies can be found online. ALSO READ: DEM adds 151 acres to Burrillville conservation land Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
