FIRE BAN IN EFFECT In response to the continued elevated risk of wildfires, DEM has issued a fire ban at all State Parks, campgrounds, and management areas until further notice. The ban is effective as of today (10/28/24) and includes campfires in designated campfire areas, including charcoal fires and cooking fires. This preventative measure applies to all DEM-managed lands and aims to reduce the threat of human-caused wildfires. DEM will continue to monitor and evaluate conditions to determine when the ban can be lifted. Together we can protect our communities and keep first responders safe by reducing the risk of wildfires: 📞 Call 911 if you spot a fire/smoke. Timely information is critical to contain fires before they spread. 🔥 Remember, any outdoor fire is a potential source for a wildfire. Be careful with cigarettes and ashes. When disposing of wood stove ashes, put the ashes in a metal bucket of water. 🚒 Check with your local fire department for any other restrictions and permitting information. 🚨 Stay informed and find resources at dem.ri.gov/wildfirestatus.
Pollinator Working Group Rev. 1/4/18 The Working Group to Make Findings and Recommendations with Regard to Maintaining, Protecting and Enhancing Pollinator Habitat and Health in Rhode Island, or Pollinator Working Group, was enacted by Resolution of The General Assembly in January 2016. It has been charged with making findings and recommendations with regard to: Developments in the scientific and technical understanding of conditions and practices affecting pollinator population; Conditions and practices affecting the maintenance, protection, and enhancement of pollinator habitat and health in Rhode Island; Potential costs and benefits of changing such conditions and practices. On February 15, 2017 the Pollinator Working Group submitted an initial report and recommendations based on its findings. 2017 Executive Summary: Initial Report 2017 Executive Summary: Letter In 2017 the RI General Assembly passed a Resolution continuing the work of the Pollinator Working Group. On February 15, 2018 The Pollinator Working Group submitted a second-year report and recommendations. 2018 Executive Summary: Initial Report 2018 Executive Summary: Letter In 2018 the RI General Assembly again continued the Pollinator Working Group. The PWG reports to the Director of RI DEM and the RI House of Representatives. Next Meeting: Thursday, January 24, 4:00-6:00 PM Meeting Dates January 24, 2019 December 6, 2018 November 15, 2018 September 20, 2018 All meetings are from 4-6 PM at the NRCS conference room at 60 Quaker Lane in Warwick. Meetings may be subject to change but sufficient notification will be made. Each meeting includes discussion of recommendations and opportunity for public comments. PWG Members Ken Ayars, RI Dept. Environmental Management, Div. Agriculture (Chair) Shannon Brawley, RI Nursery & Landscape Association David Brunetti, Environmental Council of RI Sara Churgin, Eastern RI Conservation District David Gregg, RI Natural History Survey Keith Salisbury, RI Beekepers Association Meg Kerr, Audubon Society of RI Robert Mann, Lawn Dawg Rafael Nightengale, Kaiser Tree Preservation Ken Payne, RI Ag Partnership Lyn Spinella, RI Farm Bureau Lisa Tewksbury, URI Plant Sciences, Bio-Control Lab Joel Tirrell, RI Nursery & Landscape Association More Resources Meeting Agendas Agenda - December 6, 2018 Agenda - September 20, 2018 Agenda - January 11, 2018 Agenda - December 7, 2017 Agenda - November 2, 2017 Agenda - October 5, 2017 Agenda - September 7, 2017 Agenda - March 2, 2017 Agenda - February 9, 2017 (Canceled) Agenda - January 26, 2017 Agenda - January 12, 2017 Agenda - January 5, 2017 Agenda - December 8, 2016 Agenda - November 10, 2016 Agenda - November 3, 2016 Agenda - October 27, 2016 Agenda - October 12, 2016 Agenda - September 22, 2016 Meeting Minutes Meeting Minutes - December 6, 2018 (Draft) Meeting Minutes - September 20, 2018 (Draft) Meeting Minutes - December 7, 2017 (Draft) Meeting Minutes - November 2, 2017 Meeting Minutes - October 5, 2017 Meeting Minutes - September 7, 2017 Meeting Minutes - January 26, 2017 Meeting Minutes - January 12, 2017 Meeting Minutes - January 5, 2017 Meeting Minutes - December 8, 2016 Meeting Minutes - November 10, 2016 Meeting Minutes - November 3, 2016 Meeting Minutes - October 27, 2016 Meeting Minutes - October 12, 2016 Meeting Minutes - September 22, 2016 Presentations & Other Resources State Pollinator Protection Plans North Dakota Pollinator Plan (ND Dept. of Agriculture) New York State Pollinator Protection Plan (NY Dept. of Environmental Conservation) The Wisconsin Pollinator Protection Plan Pesticides RI Senate Resolution 2017 S-0982 Creating a Special Legislative Commission to Study Pesticide Control Regulations Regulation of Pesticides in Rhode Island: An Overview (Presentation, H. Cook, RIDEM) Pollinator Protection: Pesticide Stewardship and Best Management Practices (Presentation, F. Wong, Ph.D, Bayer) Risks to Bees from Pesticide Exposure: "If You've Seen One Bee, You've Not Seen Them All" (Presentation, N. Ostiguy, Ph.D., M.P.H., Penn State) Pollinators and Pesticide Stewardship: Protecting Pollinators on Farms and Urban Landscapes What To Expect During a Routine Use and Records Inspection (Presentation, H. Cook, RIDEM) Acelepryn Treatment for Birch Leafminers (Presentation, S. Alm) Best Management Practices for Farmers Using Seeds Treated With Neonicotinoids (K. Stoner, Conn. Ag. Experiment Station) Habitat Xerces Society: Working to protect invertebrates and their habitats A Citizen's Guide to Creating Pollinator Habitat in Connecticut (K. Stoner, Conn. Ag. Experiment Station) Roadside Best Management Practices that Benefit Pollinators (US DOT) Promoting Pollinator Health Through Stewardship & Habitat Enhancement (Presentation, C. Savinelli, Syngenta) Education Honeybees: Identification, Biology & Lifecycle (Presentation, D. Joslin) Beekeeping (Presentation, D. Joslin) University of Rhode Island Master Gardener Program Pollinator Education Rhode Island College Bee Education Center Presentation General Information RI State Laws Pertaining to Apiculture (Compilation, D. Gregg) Rhode Island College Bee Survey update 1/15/2017 (G. Stilwell, RIC) Wild Pollinators of Rhode Island: Inventory, Status, Habitats (Presentation, D. Gregg, Ph.D) RI State Apiculture Laws (Compilation, D. Gregg)