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.
Forest Legacy Program Prev Next Slide 1 Slide 2 Congress created the Forest Legacy Program in 1990 to identify and protect important forestland from conversion to other uses. It is a is a partnership between the USDA, Forest Service and RI DEM to maintain traditional forest uses by providing funding for the purchase of land or conservation easements to prevent conversion of the land to other uses. Program Resources Forest Legacy Program Application Form PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Forest Legacy Program Brochure PDF file, about 2mbmegabytes Forest Legacy Program Priority Area Map PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Forest Legacy Program Assessment of Need PDF file, about 5mbmegabytes RI Forest Legacy Program Deed to Conservation Easement PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes RI Forest Legacy Program Factsheet PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Program Guidelines (USDA) FAQ's Eligibility Must be within the designated Forest Legacy Area. (See Map) The forested acreage must be greater then 25 acres Compatible non-forest (pasture, cropland, non-forest wetlands) may be included but at least 75% of the property must be forest. Priority is given to forest land that exhibits exceptional resource values, that has been shown to be threatened with conversion to non-forest use, and that is available at below fair market value. Key Concepts The Forest Legacy Program focuses on protecting the most important forest resources in the state and parcels adjacent to existing open space, those that have key water resources, or are exemplary examples of forest stewardship are most likely to be selected for funding. When conservation easements (the preferred method in RI) are used, the land will remain privately owned. Conservation easements restrict development and require sustainable forestry practices while retaining private ownership of land. Conservation easements remain in perpetuity (even if the land is sold). The tracts remain "working forests" and are actively managed under the guidance of a forest management plan. The forest management plan is prepared by a forester, in consultation with the landowner, and is required to be updated every ten years to reflect changing conditions in the forest. Applications are accepted year-round and are prioritized by the State Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee in the late summer. The project selection process is highly competitive on a national level and only the top one or two projects are forwarded to the Forest Service for funding consideration. All funding is subject to Congressional discretion. If you are interested in more information about this program, please contact:Contact Brendan Buckless, Rhode Island Forest Legacy Program Coordinator at brendan.buckless@dem.ri.gov or 401-537-4486.