The Value of Rhode Island Forests | Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

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.

The Value of Rhode Island Forests

adult walking down forest path with kids — READ THE STUDY

The Value of Rhode Island Forests

(photo courtesy of Audubon Society of Rhode Island)

Rhode Island’s forests and trees may seem like a green backdrop to our state landscape, but they are in fact hard at work generating a wide range of services and values. We depend on forests for the clean air we breathe and the wood we use. Forests are a place where humans and native wildlife can live and thrive by providing habitats for animals and livelihoods for humans. They also offer watershed protection, prevent soil erosion and mitigate climate change. Forest conservation brings economic benefits to Rhode Island cities and towns. The forest and wood products sector generated nearly 2,500 jobs with $408 million in gross sales in 2016, while forest-based outdoor recreation contributes over $720 million annually to Rhode Island’s economy. Funded by a grant from the US Forest Service, this report outlines the benefits Rhode Island’s forests provide and offers a range of potential strategies to encourage forest conservation.