RI Department of Environmental Management

DEM Announces Changes to Commercial Fishing Licensing Regulations

DEM announces several regulatory changes to the commercial fishing licensing program. The changes apply to new and renewed licenses for 2009. The regulatory changes took effect on December 28 following an October public hearing and consideration by the RI Marine Fisheries Council. (More info)

DEM & Recreational Fishermen Will Reconvene on January 12 to Consider Saltwater Angler Registry Program for RI

The next meeting of the RI Marine Recreational Fishing License/Registry Study Group will be held on Monday, January 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Riverside Sportsmen's Club in Riverside (East Providence). The Study Group was launched in October for the purpose of evaluating the new national Saltwater Angler Registry Program and assessing its implications for Rhode Island recreational fishermen. (More info)

DEM Encourages Rhode Islanders to Properly Maintain Their Oil Tanks and Furnaces to Prevent Home Heating Oil Spills

With the winter home heating season upon us, DEM is reminding Rhode Island residents that proper care and maintenance of their fuel oil tank, lines and furnace can reduce the chance of spilling oil and being faced with costly environmental problems. Releases from residential heating oil tanks are extremely problematic and cleanup can be expensive. Oil can soak into the concrete and ruin foundations. Oil may also flow from a yard or basement and spread through groundwater, contaminating drinking water wells, soil, surface water, septic systems, storm water drains, sewers and drainage ditches. (More info)

DEM Announces Plans to Stock Atlantic Salmon Broodstock in Early January in Anticipation of Ice Fishing Season

announces that staff from its Division of Fish and Wildlife will stock about 500 surplus domestic Atlantic salmon broodstock in five ponds statewide at the beginning of January in anticipation of the winter ice-fishing season. Winter trout stocking will take place during the same time period. (More info)

DEM to Hold Discussion Sessions on Arborist Licensing Program on January 9

DEM's Division of Forest Environment invites arborists and other members of the arboriculture industry to participate in one of two upcoming information sessions to discuss and evaluate the current arborist licensing program and ideas for reforming it. (More info)