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.
Nursery Licensing, Inspection & Certification Plant material inspection provides the basis for certification and compliance with laws and regulations governing the movement of plants domestically and internationally. Certification of plant material is facilitated through nursery inspection and nursery stock certification of licensed nursery workers, and both state and federal phytosanitary certification for domestic and international shipment of plant materials. Plant shipments that do not meet certification requirements of the destination state or country may be refused entry or require quarantine or treatment at the destination. Specific permits are necessary to import specific plants, plant products, and organisms into the U.S. and across state borders. USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine requires permits for importation into and transit though the United States of plants and plant products, plant pests (plant feeding insects, mites, snails, slugs, and plant pathogens), biological control organisms of plant pests and weeds, and Federally listed noxious weeds, and for the importation, interstate movement, or release of genetically engineered organisms considered to be regulated articles, under regulatory authorities. Movement into or within Rhode Island is prohibited for all Federal noxious weeds designated by USDA APHIS in 7CFR Part 360-Noxious Weed Regulations. RESOURCES Nursery Licensing, Inspection and Certification FAQ Sheet PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes Industrial Hemp Program at the RI Department of Business Regulation Nursery Stock and Plant Material Sources Directory of Certified Nurseries and Licensed Nursery Stock Dealers PDF file, less than 1mbmegabytes RI Nursery & Landscape Association Plant and Pest Information: USDA Plants Database URI Cooperative Extension Education Center URI Plant Protection Clinic Penn State Woody Ornamental Integrated Pest Management UMass Landscape, Nursery & Urban Forestry Soil & Plant Tissue Testing Labs: UMass Soil & Plant Tissue Testing UConn Soil Nutrient Analysis UMaine Analytical Lab & Soil Testing Cornell Nutrient Analysis & Soil Testing UNH Soil Testing UVM Soil Testing