Latest news with #TerryGray
Boston Globe
16-05-2025
- General
- Boston Globe
Two R.I. shellfishing areas to see 10 additional days of harvesting each year, thanks to improved water quality
Related : Still the 'changes will add an average of 10 additional days of harvesting each year,' the department said. 'This change reflects ongoing water quality improvements in Narragansett Bay and our commitment to work collaboratively with the shellfishing industry,' department Director Terry Gray said in a statement. 'By working together through infrastructure investments, science-based environmental laws, and state-local-federal cooperation leading to the cleaner waters, we can continue increasing access to RI's shellfishing grounds.' Get Rhode Island News Alerts Sign up to get breaking news and interesting stories from Rhode Island in your inbox each weekday. Enter Email Sign Up Improvements in water quality allowed the conditionally approved shellfish area in the Providence River to open in 2021 — the first time in 75 years — under the seven-day closure plan, officials said. The Greenwich Bay conditional area had the same plan in place for more than 30 years. Advertisement 'DEM's Office of Water Resources (OWR), following a recent review of data found that water quality in shellfish areas returns to safe levels six days after moderate rainfall of 0.5' to 1.2' in a 24-hour period," officials said. 'These positive results are due to long-term improvements like upgraded stormwater infrastructure, cesspool removal, and expanded sewer service.' Advertisement The changes come as the state observes 'This is a water quality success story for our environment, Rhode Island's quahoggers, and our food economy,' Governor Dan McKee said in a statement. 'Clean water is at the center of our way of life in the Ocean State.' Christopher Gavin can be reached at
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
2 Rhode Island state beaches opening this weekend
NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WPRI) — Scarborough North and Salty Brine state beaches will be opening early this year. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced Tuesday that the two beaches will be open on Saturdays and Sundays starting on May 10. RELATED: Roger Wheeler State Beach to open later than usual Bathrooms will be available, concessions will be open and lifeguards will be on duty at both locations, according to DEM. With the exception of Roger Wheeler, which will remain closed until later in the season, all state beaches will be open daily from May 24 through Labor Day. 'After a long winter, beach season is finally here – so take full advantage of this weekend,' DEM Director Terry Gray said in a press release. 'If you haven't already, don't forget to purchase your beach parking passes in advance to make your visit smooth and stress-free.' RELATED: How much do RI beach passes cost for summer 2025? Season pass holders will be able to use express lanes when getting into the beach. You can buy your state beach parking pass here. The current forecast calls for morning showers on Saturday, with highs in the 60s, followed by a sunnier and warmer day on Sunday. Ocean, Bay & Beach // A look at the conditions at the coast » Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Ocean, Bay & Beach Report Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
Boston Globe
21-04-2025
- General
- Boston Globe
Westerly, R.I., acquires 7-acre coastal site for conservation, public use
Advertisement 'This property represents a major win for coastal habitat preservation, climate resiliency, and public shoreline access,' Terry Gray, the department's director, said in a statement. 'DEM is grateful for the federal funding that helped bring this vision to life, and we deeply appreciate the partnership of [the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council], The Town of Westerly, and Save The Bay in making this project a reality.' Get Rhode Map A weekday briefing from veteran Rhode Island reporters, focused on the things that matter most in the Ocean State. Enter Email Sign Up According to the department, local and state officials are developing a management plan for the site 'for a project to support public recreation on Winnapaug Pond, which is expected to be completed in November.' 'A restoration plan will be developed by the project team and Save The Bay which will include regrading the site, the removal of invasive plants and the planting of native vegetation, and stormwater management,' officials said. 'The restoration plan will also include the creation of accessible and sustainable public access features including permeable paths and a paddlecraft launch. The conservation of this parcel protects important habitat that supports coastal wetland wildlife migration as sea levels rise due to climate change.' Advertisement The conservation efforts also helps buffer nearby communities from rising tides, according to the agency. 'The addition of this conservation easement is a great asset for the local community and visitors alike by preserving the property for public access to Winnapaug Pond, allowing endless recreation activities year-round,' Westerly Town Administrator Shawn Lacey said in a statement. 'This partnership and investment will protect the property for many generations to enjoy.' Water Wizz Christopher Gavin can be reached at
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DEM conserves former Water Wizz property in Westerly
WESTERLY, R.I. (WPRI) — The 7.31 acres of coastal land where Water Wizz of Westerly once stood are now permanently protected from future development. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) bought a conservation easement from the seaside town to safeguard the former waterpark, which is now an undeveloped salt marsh off of Winnapaug Pond. The conservation easement was purchased with the assistance of a $2.64 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The federal funding was made available through the Coastal Zone Management Act. 'This property represents a major win for coastal habitat preservation, climate resiliency, and public shoreline access,' DEM Director Terry Gray said. 'The DEM is grateful for the federal funding that helped bring this vision to life.' SEE ALSO: RI lawmakers, advocates push for 'bottle bill' The goal of the conservation easement is to 'protect valuable habitat, enhance coastal access and buffer nearby communities from climate change and sea level rise,' according to the DEM. 'Rhode Island's more than 400 miles of shoreline are a defining part of what makes the Ocean State so unique,' Gov. Dan McKee said. 'Protecting this land not only improves public access to Winnapaug Pond, but also strengthens our state's conservation resilience efforts.' Save The Bay will assist the DEM with crafting a restoration plan for the property. That plan will include the removal of invasive plants and replacing them with native vegetation, as well as improving stormwater management, creating accessible and permeable footpaths, and installing a paddle craft launch. The DEM's goal is to have the property fully transformed by next summer. Water Wizz of Westerly closed for good back in 2019 after 40 years in business. NEXT: RI cities, towns work to combat financial strain of improper recycling 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
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.
