Freshwater Wetlands Program
Shawna Smith, Environmental Scientist IV
235 Promenade Street
Providence, RI 02908-5767
401-537-4478
This program investigates public complaints and referrals from DEM divisions and offices relating to freshwater wetlands.
- Contact OC&I via email to submit complaints
- For complaints in the vicinity of the coast, contact CRMC https://www.crmc.ri.gov/index.html
- For requests to review DEM files or records, visit https://dem.ri.gov/filereview
Primary Resources
- Freshwater Wetlands Guidance
- Rules and Regulations Governing the Administration and Enforcement of the Freshwater Wetlands Act (Effective 7/1/22)
- Freshwater Wetlands Permitting Information
- RI Wetlands
Helpful Documents
Use of Professionals for Application Preparation
PDF file, less than 1megabytes
Summary of New RIDEM Freshwater Wetlands Rules
PDF file, less than 1megabytes
RI Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook
PDF file, about 15megabytes
Wetlands Buffer Plantings
PDF file, less than 1megabytes
Forestry Best Management Practices for Water Quality Protection - Full Guide
Explains state requirements for forestry activities in and around any water body – rivers, streams, ponds, and vernal ponds: essential to understand landowner responsibilities/liabilities and to avoid infractions of the state water quality regulations.
PDF file, about 21megabytes
Search and Map Tools
- Search for Wetland Permits Issued Prior to April 17, 2025
- Current Permit Search
- Public DEM Complaint Search
- DEM Environmental Resource Map (Please read disclaimer carefully)
- Interactive Map of Buffer Zone Designations for Surface Waters (Note that not all surface waters are represented in the map and additional limitations apply; please read the disclaimer carefully)
Report an Environmental Complaint
DEM's Office of Compliance and Inspection (OC&I) investigates complaints and suspected violations of environmental laws and regulations and performs compliance monitoring of regulated activities. Compliance with environmental laws, rules, regulations, permits, and licenses is enforced through both informal and formal enforcement actions.
Note: Complaints are public records, and information you forward to OC&I will be available for public review UNLESS you advise us that you wish to remain anonymous.
Report via Email
After-hours emergency: 401-222-3070