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.
Apiary Registration NOW COLLECTING RESPONSES 2022-2023 Honey Bee Health Survey: A volunteer survey for Rhode Island beekeepers to share data on colony health for the current bee season (May 2022 - May 2023) Honey bees play an important role in our food system by providing essential pollination services for both food and forage crops. To help prevent the spread of some pretty tough diseases, all hives in Rhode Island, whether commercial or private, are required to be registered. This enables the Department to keep a complete list of all beekeepers and allows the Department to contact beekeepers when bee health issues arise. Online Apiary Registration Form Primary Resources Online Apiary Registration Form (View as PDF) Online Apiary Health Inspection Request Apiary Entry Permit Application RI General Law: Animal Husbandry/Apiculture For questions regarding Apiary Registration, please contact Tyler Hertzwig or 401-537-4279. For beekeeping guidance, please visit the Rhode Island Beekeepers Association's website For more information about bees in Rhode Island, please visit Rhode Island College's Bee Education Website. Additional Resources USDA: Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program USDA: Beekeeping Wild Bees of Rhode Island Wild Pollinators of Rhode Island: Inventory, Status, Habitats Honey Bees Identification, Biology, and Lifecycle