Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI –The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced today that public participation at the two farmers’ markets it runs increased by nearly 17% in 2022 over 2021. Over the year, total attendance went from a combined 29,634 customers to 34,546 customers at the Fishermen’s Memorial State Park and Campground market in Narragansett and the Goddard Memorial State Park market in Warwick. An average of 1,327 customers and 24 vendors a week participated at the Fishermen’s Memorial market, while 721 customers and 24 vendors participated in the weekly markets at Goddard. In all, there were 26 farming vendors, 12 food vendors (baked goods and prepared meals), and 11 specialty businesses (skin products, dog treats, etc.) at the markets in 2022, according to the DEM Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment. The 2022 attendance number is the highest since DEM began tracking it in 2019.
“You can’t have farmers’ markets without farmers and DEM would like to thank all the Rhode Island farmers, along with food producers, bakers, and artisanal specialty businesses, that participate,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “Connecting rural to urban, farmer to consumer, and fresh ingredients to our diets, farmers’ markets fill an important economic and community niche in our food system. I’m glad to recognize the DEM Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment and particularly Jack Sisson, Ananda Fraser, Chris Rueckel, and Jordynn Cahoon for their effectiveness and enthusiasm in leading our farmers’ market program.”
When food is produced, processed, distributed, and sold all within the same region, more money stays in the local economy. This leads to economic development and job creation. Farmers’ markets provide opportunities for small farmers and businesses to sell their products, and they help meet the growing demand for locally produced food. Being able to quickly and directly market to the consumer gives farmers important income opportunities without the added costs of shipping, storage, and inventory control. Farmers’ markets also strengthen food security by making make fresh, nutritious, affordable food more accessible to more community members.
As is the case in many states across the country, DEM’s farmers’ markets accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits. By accepting SNAP benefits, farmers’ markets are providing access to a wide variety of fresh, healthy products. Through a partnership with Farm Fresh Rhode Island, the DEM farmers’ markets can provide a 100% matching bonus on SNAP purchases. This means for every SNAP dollar spent, shoppers get $1 free in Bonus Bucks to spend on fresh fruit, vegetables, and herbs from local farms. The DEM markets saw a 55% increase in electronic benefit transfer (EBT) sales in 2022 versus 2021.
For a list of farmers’ markets operating throughout the state, visit the RI Grown website. Launched in 2009 with the statewide “Get Fresh, Buy Local” marketing campaign, this program aims to help growers distinguish their locally grown products. Use of the RI Grown logo seeks to heighten recognition and highlight Rhode Island-grown products to both consumers and wholesale buyers. DEM encourages growers to use the logo to distinguish their products. For farms that participate in the program, DEM offers a range of promotional materials and a listing on an interactive farm map.
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) invites Rhode Islanders to kick off 2023 and celebrate the New Year by joining a #FirstDayHike at Fort Wetherill State Park in Jamestown on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023. First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. Last year, nearly 85,000 people rang in the New Year, collectively hiking over 176,366 miles throughout the country on the hikes. This hike, the seventh such event DEM has hosted, is set for 11 AM to 1 PM.
“DEM is excited to ring in the New Year with a First Day Hike at Fort Wetherill State Park,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “The ocean views at Wetherill are awesome and what better way to kick off the New Year than by getting outside and enjoying nature? Whether you are a first-time visitor to Fort Wetherill or a regular, we hope that the hike inspires you to make Rhode Island’s State Parks an important part of your wellness and recreation routine in 2023 and beyond.”
DEM will be offering commemorative pins to participants. Divisions of the DEM Natural Resources Bureau will be on hand offering information about agency programs and services. Leashed dogs are allowed if the leash is no longer than six feet. A local historian will be on site offering education about Fort Wetherill. Children must be always accompanied by an adult. The 1.2-mile walk is wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly. The walk will be held rain or shine, so DEM encourages participants to dress accordingly.
Fort Wetherill State Park, situated upon 100-foot-high granite cliffs across the water from Fort Adams State Park, is a former coastal defense battery and training camp. Known for its spectacular view of Newport Harbor and the East Passage of Narragansett Bay, Fort Wetherill has been a popular sight for viewing the numerous Tall Ship Events and America’s Cup Races. The area also is a major attraction for scuba diving, with diving clubs using the facilities at the boat ramp year-round. Additionally, the park offers family and group picnicking, boating, fishing, hiking, and opportunities to explore the 61.5-acre property. This walk is part of DEM’s Strategic Mission to promote and increase outdoor recreation in Rhode Island.
For more information on the First Day Hike, please visit the RI Parks website. For information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov.
Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) reminds Rhode Islanders that solid, fluorescent orange must be worn in all state management areas and undeveloped state parks during the designated hunting seasons. Throughout shotgun deer season, which opens on Saturday, Dec. 3, users of these recreational areas and hunters must wear 500 square inches of solid, daylight fluorescent orange clothing. An orange vest and hat worn above the waist that’s 20 inches long by 25 inches wide has 500 square inches of surface area. During the shotgun deer season, archers and waterfowl hunters are exempt from wearing orange in areas of the state that are limited to archery hunting only and waterfowl hunters hunting only from a boat or blind, over water or field, and when done in conjunction with decoys.
DEM also is reminding Rhode Island deer hunters that all deer taken during the first two days of shotgun deer season – Saturday, Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 4 – must be physically checked at one of five state-run biological check stations. This includes deer taken with archery equipment. Exempt from this requirement are deer taken on Patience Island, Prudence Island, and Block Island; these must be reported using the online licensing system.
Operating Hours are 8 AM until 6 PM daily. The five check stations are located at:
• Arcadia Management Area: Route 165, Ten Rod Road at Wood River, Exeter, Phone: 539-7117
• Carolina Management Area: Pine Hill Road, Richmond, Phone: 364-3483
• Durfee Hill Management Area: Reynolds Road (Route 94), Glocester, Phone: 568-6753
• Great Swamp Management Area: 277 Great Neck Road, West Kingston, Phone: 789-1636
• Tiverton Rod and Gun Club: 1529 Fish Road, Tiverton, Phone: 624-3959
Deer hunters are required to obtain written permission annually for all deer hunting on private lands. DEM’s Division of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) has developed a courtesy card, available on the DEM website, for hunters and landowners to sign that gives the dates for permissions and contains A Hunter’s Pledge regarding principles of conduct. DEM encourages private landowners to allow hunters to hunt deer on their property, where feasible, during deer hunting seasons as this is a sound management technique that benefits deer habitats and regulates population growth.
Check stations allow biologists and volunteers to collect samples and take data that provide insight into the overall health of Rhode Island’s deer herd. Outside of check stations, hunters are required to report their deer harvest online within 24 hours of harvest. Deer must be tagged in the field, with a valid deer tag for the appropriate season, immediately upon taking. Those who do not have internet service or cellular data access may call DFW at 401-789-0281 8:30 AM-4 PM Monday-Friday to report their harvest.
Hunter education is offered as part of DFW Hunter Education Program. Safety training is required by law in Rhode Island for beginning hunters. To date, more than 40,000 people have completed a hunter safety course, helping to reduce hunting-related accidents in the state and elsewhere. A complete schedule of hunter educational offerings is available here. For more information on seasons, bag limits, zones, and regulations, review the 2022-23 Hunting and Trapping Abstract.
DEM works to protect and enhance wildlife habitat in Rhode Island forests and management areas to ensure healthier, more diverse, and abundant wildlife populations. Hunting has a long tradition in Rhode Island, supporting family customs, connecting people with nature, and attracting tourism to the state. Hunters provide funding for wildlife conservation through their purchase of firearms and ammunition through the Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Program, and through the purchase of their state hunting licenses. Hunters and anglers purchase around 70,000 licenses, permits, stamps, and tags each year and contribute more than $235 million to Rhode Island’s economy.
A hunting license can be purchased online on DEM’S Rhode Island Outdoors (RIO) portal. DEM’s website, www.dem.ri.gov/huntfish also acts as a portal to help plan adventures that make the most of Rhode Island’s great outdoors. It links to information on hunting and fishing opportunities, trails, and natural areas through a variety of maps, as well as certification information for hunter safety and boating safety.
For more information on DEM programs and services, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), Facebook, or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem and @ri.fishandwildlife).

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) along with specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op are encouraging individuals and families to opt for a healthier way to spend Black Friday; one that reconnects them with nature by spending time outdoors. Rhode Island’s natural and public assets, including 8,200 acres of parkland, 400 miles of hiking and biking trails, 25 parks and nature preserves, and eight saltwater beaches offer healthy, stress-free alternatives to crowded Black Friday shopping. From hiking, biking, fishing, and more, there are many ways to enjoy time outdoors.
Since 2015, REI has closed its stores and encouraged its employees to #OptOutside on one of the nation’s busiest shopping days. This year REI announced its commitment to closing their doors on Black Friday for good. DEM invites everyone who “opts outside” on November 25 to take a picture at a state park or management area and hashtag your photo using the hashtag #OptOutside and tag @RIStateParks on Instagram or Facebook. For more information about the #OptOutside movement, ideas for self-guided hikes, and to learn about events hosted by RI Land Trust and other outdoor groups in Rhode Island, visit www.dem.ri.gov/optoutside.
As part of a larger network of recreational opportunities in Rhode Island, state parks play an important role in supporting public health, attracting tourism, providing affordable staycation options for Rhode Island families, and promoting a healthier environment. Rhode Island’s natural and public assets are magnets, attracting more than 9 million Rhode Islanders and tourists a year. They’re also an engine that adds an estimated $315 million to the economy, generating nearly $40 million in state and local taxes and supporting nearly 4,000 jobs a year.
With hunting seasons in full swing, DEM reminds the public that all users of wildlife management areas and undeveloped state parks are required to wear at least 200 square inches of solid, fluorescent orange, such as a hat. Covering or clothing consisting of 500 square inches of blaze orange – a hat and vest – is required during the upcoming shotgun deer season in December. Learn more about this important safety requirement at http://www.dem.ri.gov/orange.
Everyone who enjoys parks, beaches, and public outdoor spaces has a responsibility to keep them clean. Consistent with this ethic, DEM continues to promote a carry-in/carry-out trash policy that has been in effect since 1992. DEM’s carry-in/carry-out policy encourages visitors to take personal responsibility, take their trash with them, and leave no trace behind. Along with the National Park Service and most state park systems across the country, DEM believes this is a best practice that promotes conservation, fosters a sense of stewardship, and leads to better visitor experiences.
For more information about Rhode Island state parks and other DEM divisions and programs, visit http://www.dem.ri.gov/. For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.

As a part of on-going efforts to prevent the proliferation of antibiotic resistant bacteria, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is reminding Rhode Islanders about the importance of using antibiotics properly. People should only use antibiotics when it is necessary, and antibiotics should be used exactly as they are prescribed.
Antibiotics save lives, but any time antibiotics are used, they can cause side effects and can lead to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic resistance is one of the most urgent public health threats in the U.S. today. Antibiotic resistance does not mean the body is becoming resistant to antibiotics; it means bacteria develop the ability to defeat the antibiotics designed to kill them. When bacteria become resistant, antibiotics cannot fight them, and the bacteria multiply. Some resistant bacteria can be hard or impossible to treat and can spread to other people.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the U.S. each year, and more than 35,000 people die as a result.
“When someone takes the time out of their day to go to the doctor, they want to walk out with a prescription that is going to make them feel better. But antibiotics are not always the answer,” said Interim Director of Health Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH. “In fact, they can sometimes make things even worse. By taking antibiotics when not appropriate, people put themselves at risk for serious side effects while also undermining our ability to use antibiotics as a life-saving tool for future generations.”
Public health officials throughout the country and worldwide are taking similar measures to educate the public this week, during Antibiotic Awareness Week November 18-24.
CDC and RIDOH encourage patients and families to:
– Get the facts about antibiotics. Antibiotics do not work on viruses, such as those that cause COVID-19, RSV, colds, flu, bronchitis, or runny noses, even if the mucus is thick, yellow, or green.
– Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about alternatives to antibiotics.
– While your body fights off a virus, pain relievers, fever reducers, saline nasal spray or drops, warm compresses, liquids, and rest can help you feel better.
– If you need antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about your antibiotics.
– Do your best to stay healthy and keep others healthy by washing hands, covering coughs, staying home when sick, and getting recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine.
– Do not share prescription medications.
In addition to these action steps, talk with your healthcare provider if you develop any side effects from an antibiotic. Common side effects of antibiotics can include rash, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, or yeast infections. It particularly important to talk to a healthcare provider if you experience severe diarrhea after taking an antibiotic. Severe diarrhea could be an indication of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile or C. diff) infection, which needs to be treated. November is also C. Diff Awareness Month.
In addition to the impact on patient health, C. diff rates have a financial impact on hospitals under Medicare’s Healthcare-Acquired Condition (HAC) Reduction and Value-Based Purchasing Programs. To help reduce these healthcare-acquired infections, RIDOH’s Antimicrobial Stewardship and Environmental Cleaning Task Force has developed the CDI Playbook for Rhode Island healthcare providers and facilities.
More information and videos can be found at health.ri.gov/antibiotics and cdc.gov/antibiotic-use.

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) along with specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op are encouraging individuals and families to opt for a healthier way to spend Black Friday; one that reconnects them with nature by spending time outdoors. Rhode Island’s natural and public assets, including 8,200 acres of parkland, 400 miles of hiking and biking trails, 25 parks and nature preserves, and eight saltwater beaches offer healthy, stress-free alternatives to crowded Black Friday shopping. From hiking, biking, fishing, and more, there are many ways to enjoy time outdoors.
“DEM is excited to join REI in the #OptOutside movement to help recognize the value and well-being of spending time outdoors,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “Rhode Island has an amazing array of historic parks and recreation areas throughout the state where residents and visitors can connect with nature and get active. We hope Rhode Islanders will make #OptOutside a part of their Black Friday traditions.”
Since 2015, REI has closed its stores and encouraged its employees to #OptOutside on one of the nation’s busiest shopping days. This year REI announced its commitment to closing their doors on Black Friday for good. DEM invites everyone who “opts outside” on November 25 to take a picture at a state park or management area and hashtag your photo using the hashtag #OptOutside and tag @RIStateParks on Instagram or Facebook. For more information about the #OptOutside movement, ideas for self-guided hikes, and to learn about events hosted by RI Land Trust and other outdoor groups in Rhode Island, visit www.dem.ri.gov/optoutside.
As part of a larger network of recreational opportunities in Rhode Island, state parks play an important role in supporting public health, attracting tourism, providing affordable staycation options for Rhode Island families, and promoting a healthier environment. Rhode Island’s natural and public assets are magnets, attracting more than 9 million Rhode Islanders and tourists a year. They’re also an engine that adds an estimated $315 million to the economy, generating nearly $40 million in state and local taxes and supporting nearly 4,000 jobs a year.
Everyone who enjoys parks, beaches, and public outdoor spaces has a responsibility to keep them clean. Consistent with this ethic, DEM continues to promote a carry-in/carry-out trash policy that has been in effect since 1992. DEM’s carry-in/carry-out policy encourages visitors to take personal responsibility, take their trash with them, and leave no trace behind. Along with the National Park Service and most state park systems across the country, DEM believes this is a best practice that promotes conservation, fosters a sense of stewardship, and leads to better visitor experiences.
For more information about Rhode Island state parks and other DEM divisions and programs, visit http://www.dem.ri.gov/. For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is conducting a special trout and salmon stocking in advance of Veterans Day in honor of our veterans. Rainbow trout and Sebago Atlantic salmon will be stocked in eight ponds and lakes starting Wednesday, Nov. 9, and continuing through Thursday, Nov. 10. Cyanobacteria alerts will prevent stocking in some ponds and lakes.
“Stocking fish in popular waterbodies is a gesture by which DEM honors Rhode Island veterans for their service, sacrifice, and duty done,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “We hope many veterans will get outside and drop a line in the water this weekend.”
DEM will stock the following waterbodies:
– Barber Pond, South Kingstown: trout and salmon
– Meadow Brook Pond, Richmond: trout and salmon
– Olney Pond, Lincoln State Park, Lincoln: trout and salmon
– Simmons Mill Pond, Little Compton: trout and salmon
– Silver Spring Lake, North Kingstown: trout and salmon
– Watchaug Pond, Charlestown: trout and salmon
– Willet Pond, East Providence: trout and salmon
– Wyoming Pond, Hope Valley: trout
Daily stocking updates will be available each afternoon. For more information on daily stocking, please visit DEM’s website at dem.ri.gov/fishing or DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Outreach and Education Facebook page. Please note that Carbuncle Pond, Coventry, will not be stocked for this weekend.
A 2022 fishing license is required for anglers 15 and older and a Trout Conservation Stamp is required to keep or possess trout. Trout Stamps are not required for minors under 15, persons over 65, persons with 100% disability, landowners fishing from property on which they are domiciled, possessing trout taken from a lake or pond that shares a border with Rhode Island, or privately owned trout from privately owned ponds. Fishing licenses can be purchased online on DEM’S Rhode Island Outdoors (RIO) portal.
DEM would like to remind anglers of following Freshwater Regulations:
– The daily creel and possession limit for trout and/or salmon is five fish, of which only two can be salmon, from April 9, 2022, through Nov. 30, 2022; and two trout and/or salmon, of which only two can be salmon from Dec. 1, 2022, to Feb. 28, 2023.
– The creel and possession limit for trout taken in the Wood River, between the Route 165 check station and Barberville Dam at Arcadia Road, is two fish from the second Saturday in May through the last day of February. That portion of the Falls River, from the bridge at Austin Farm Road to the bridge at Brook Trail, is a catch-and-release area.
– The portion of the confluence of the Beaver River and the Pawcatuck River, upstream to New London Turnpike, is designated as a catch-and-release area.
– The daily creel limit for landlocked Atlantic salmon is two fish per day, statewide until Feb. 28, 2023, which must be part of the overall five-fish limit for trout and salmon.
– There is an eight-inch minimum size for any trout caught in any state waters.
– The minimum size limit for domestic (landlocked) Atlantic salmon is 11 inches.
The following activities are prohibited:
– The use of external felt-soled or any natural or synthetic porous material capable of absorbing water in any freshwaters in Rhode Island is strictly prohibited. This includes any waters shared with adjacent states in which Rhode Island fishing regulations apply.
– It is prohibited to enter or exit a state boat ramp with any vegetation attached to any type of boats, motors, boat trailers, or any other conveyance or equipment to curtail the spread of invasive aquatic plants.
Information about stocked freshwaters, size and creel limits for all freshwater fish species is available in the 2022-23 Freshwater Fishing Abstract, or by calling DEM’s Great Swamp Field Office at 789-0281. For more information on DEM programs and services, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, DEM’s Outdoor Education on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@RhodeIslandDEM).