“Our perspective is it’s more important than ever for people to get outside and connect with nature to maintain their mental health,” Friday said. While state facilities are closed, DEM reminds Rhode Islanders to be safe when they engage in physical activity in their local communities and to take the necessary precautions. The DEM had staff at parking lots at every state park and beach this past weekend. Gina Raimondo says "packed" conditions at state properties over the weekend flouted her order to … Audubon will keep its properties open, too. Many of the cars had out-of-state license plates. ... to use it for entry into state beach parking lots for the 2020 season. Gov. In order to keep our beaches clean and safe, it is important to do your part in eliminating pollution and preventing illness. “They were packed with people closely congregated. To ensure adequate social distancing and avoid groups of more than five from congregating, people should not get in their car and drive to recreate. Beach closures are based on exceedances of more than 60 cfu/100 ml in saltwater and in freshwater. — Rhode Island Dept of Environmental Management (@RhodeIslandDEM) July 15, 2020 The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management … “It is hard to close our beautiful state parks and beaches, but absolutely necessary,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. ... RI — Monday marks the first day of phase two of reopening in Rhode Island, meaning that all state beaches are now open. By Associated Press , Wire Service Content May 20, 2020 By … “This closure is temporary, and part of our having to adjust to a “new normal” practically every day.”, DEM advises everyone to follow guidance about COVID-19 from Governor Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Health. The DEM has been monitoring the parks system closely over the last three weekends, tracking the numbers of visitors and reporting the data to the Department of Health. Rupert Friday, executive director of the council, said the land trusts have decided to keep their trails open but are emphasizing the importance of social distancing. Located at Misquamicut Beach in Westerly, Rhode Island. subscribing to The Providence Journal. Collection Period. “During the weeks ahead, I ask that people recreate close to home – in their backyards, on their stoop, and during a walk around the block. The activities are for all ages and can be done individually or with family members. For state parks, all reservations of pavilions, picnic sites, fields and other areas are on hold until further notice. Anyone who paid for spots will be reimbursed, Coit said. WESTERLY, R.I. (WLNE) – Parking lots along Atlantic Avenue in Westerly were full Friday, as people flocked to the town beaches at the start of Memorial Day … During the summer months, some of our beaches may see 10,000 visitors in a single day. © Gannett Co., Inc. 2020. Rachel Nunes 7/16/2020. View of Misquamicut State Beach on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. Welcome to Paddy's Beach Club. “We know that our refuges provided needed relief from the stress and anxiety of the current health crisis and we will keep the wildlife refuges open as long as it is prudent and in compliance with the Governor's orders,” spokesperson Hope Foley said in an email. Choose the plan that’s right for you. The reason: visitors haven’t been heeding the urgings of her administration to stay at least six feet apart and gather in groups of no more than five people. The concentration of Enterocci bacteria in beach water samples is measured in cfu/100ml (colony forming units per 100 milliliters). That won’t happen this year, but the agency is still figuring out how to replace it. State parks and beaches are closed ... beaches and campgrounds are closed due to the COVID-19 public health crisis. 08/21/2020 RIDOH Recommends Reopening Fogland and Gooseberry Beaches for Swimming The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends reopening Fogland Beach in Tiverton and Gooseberry Beach in Newport for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels. The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing Easton’s Beach in Newport and Third Beach in Middletown for swimming because of … New information on the opening date will be provided when appropriate safeguards can be put in place. ... RI — Two East Bay beaches are closed to swimming due to high bacteria levels. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said in June they saw a 79% increase in visitors to their beaches from the same time last … DEM also announces additional updates, as follows: DEM manages over 64,000 acres of land, only 7,400 of which are state parks. The numbers have been on the rise as indoor alternatives have been forced to shut down because of the COVID-19 crisis. This is a situation that DEM will be monitoring very closely. Beach Manager Email 401-783-6430 Michelle Kershaw Beach Facilities and Policy Questions Email 401-788-2568 Locations 39 Boston Neck Road 77 Boston Neck Road 81 Boston Neck Road Narragansett, RI 02882. DEM announces the temporary closure of Rhode Island state parks and beaches due to the COVID-19 public health crisis. “Public health is paramount.”. Identify and address significant public policy issues affecting the quality of life in Charlestown Rhode Island, Charlestown Citizens AlliancePost Office Box 81Charlestown, RI 02813mail@CharlestownCitizens.org, Visit Our COVID-19 Page For More On This Issue, Michael Chambers: In Praise Of Former Town Officials, Caution, December 5, 2020 Is Opening Day Of Shotgun Deer Season, Give the Gift of Charlestown this Holiday Season, Charlestown’s Reusable Tote Bags Make a Great Christmas Gift, URI Researcher: Housing Prices Decline Within Mile Of Solar Energy Arrays, EcoRI News: Researchers Track Groundwater Discharges Into Salt Ponds, New Report Finds Rhode Island Has Plenty Of Room To Expand Solar Responsibly, Charlestown Animal Shelter Renovation To Give Animals The Space They Need, Westerly Sun: A Successful Summer Season In Charlestown, Invenergy’s Plan To Withdraw Water From Charlestown. “I wish I didn’t have to do it, but this past weekend, Colt State Park, Goddard Park, Lincoln Woods, the public beaches were packed,” she said. Get the latest updates for your Rhode Island State Beaches, Parks, & Campgrounds View the latest updates and information for RI state parks during the health crisis. Beaches must comply with RIDOH regulations and active … “But they must practice social distancing in order for these amenities to stay open,” DEM director Janet Coit warned in a news release. The DEM has been carrying out its usual work to stock ponds with trout this spring, refraining only from stocking places that tend to attract large crowds. The trails will be open, although Audubon’s buildings will be closed. Posted: Jul 24, 2020 / 07:34 PM EDT / Updated: Jul 24, 2020 / 07:34 PM EDT RHODE ISLAND (WTNH)– Rhode Island officials are urging Connecticut residents to not visit their beaches … Coit said the state will continue to look at the situation, particularly as beach season approaches. There will also be a change in how the state opens the freshwater fishing season, which is set to begin April 11. Parking gates may need to be closed at times depending on beach capacity. 2020 BEACH SEASON UPDATE: If you currently hold a 2019 No-Cost State Beach Pass, you may continue to use it for entry into state beach parking areas during the 2020 beach season. Gina Raimondo announced that all state parks and beaches will close on Friday. Metro Sports Business Opinion Rhode Island Politics Education Lifestyle Marijuana Arts Magazine Cars Real Estate Events R.I. to open two state beaches for Memorial Day; … providencejournal.com ~ 75 Fountain St., Providence, RI 02902 ~ Do Not Sell My Personal Information ~ Cookie Policy ~ Do Not Sell My Personal Information ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service ~ Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. PROVIDENCE, RI — Eighty-six new cases of the coronavirus were announced in Rhode Island Tuesday, bringing the state's total … Gov. As soon as we have a plan in place, we will announce it. Opening Day of the trout-fishing season will not occur on its traditional date, which in a normal year would occur Saturday, April 11. The complete list is available online in both English and Spanish, and includes apps and virtual learning opportunities, reading and educator resources, DIY and home projects, and outdoor activities. Together with partners, DEM has developed a list of 50 fun, nature-based activities that Rhode Islanders can engage in at home or in their backyards, or local neighborhoods. She also informed other managers of Rhode Island lands open to the public of the governor’s decision before the announcement. Harold Hanka, The Westerly Sun Gina Raimondo says "packed" conditions at state properties over the weekend flouted her order to maintain social distancing to prevent spread of virus, "And that has to end.". ... More information about COVID-19 … The numbers of cars at many places were significantly higher than they usually are at this time of year, Coit said in an interview. Coit said she still wants people to take heart in nature and seek stress relief in the fresh air. But the hope is that by restricting parking, the state can curtail the number of visitors. Sample data is … Rachel Nunes 6/1/2020. Instead, they should take their walks close to home with their family. The opening of the Great Swamp Shooting Range in West Kingston is delayed until at least May 1st. The Rhode Island Department of Health recommended closing Easton's Beach in … If you have lost your pass or would like to obtain a no-cost beach parking pass, please contact RI State Parks headquarters for assistance. The openings of some state campgrounds that were set to take place later this month will now be pushed off to May 1 at the earliest. Sign up for our daily or breaking newsletters to stay informed. Easton’s Beach will be closed on Tuesday in advance of Tropical Storm Isaias. DEM is still working out a plan to modify Opening Day. July 16, 2020. If someone can walk or ride a bike to a state park or beach, they will still be able to gain access. Saturday, October 3, 2020 All rights reserved. May 18, 2020 PROVIDENCE, RI — Two Rhode Island state beaches will reopen in time for Memorial Day, while faith services will be allowed to resume before the end of … With those types of numbers, it was decided that there were too many people to maintain the type of social distancing needed to control the spread of the virus. Those who have misplaced their 2019 pass or who are eligible for a new free pass may contact the RI State Parks Headquarters at 667-6200 for instructions on how to obtain their pass. NARRAGANSETT, RI — Two Rhode Island beaches are closed to swimming due to high bacteria levels. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Out-of-state residents make up almost half of visitors to Rhode Island state beaches, and about 80 percent of visitors … Mar 31, 2020 at 7:42 PM Mar 31, 2020 at 7:45 PM Gov. In order to determine the opening dates for recreational facilities, DEM will continue to work very closely with the Governor and Dr. Alexander-Scott and her team at the Rhode Island Department of Health for guidance on this issue. Karen Cabral, of Warwick, who was sitting on the beach with her … Such is the fast-changing nature of the pandemic that at her daily briefing on Tuesday, Gov. May 19, 2020 Some beaches in Rhode Island have opened and others will open soon. TO OUR READERS: This content is being provided for free as a public service during the coronavirus outbreak. The decision is open-ended. Closing state parks will put pressure on other public areas and conservation lands. The DEM is making other changes in response to the outbreak. “I ask you to respect the closure and stay away from state parks and beaches,” Director Coit noted. Purchase a gift certificate for a RI State Beach Season Parking Pass. Newport, RI – The Town of Middletown and City of Newport today announced plans to close local beaches temporarily this week due to Tropical Storm Isaias. Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. March 31, 2020 RI State Parks and Beaches Closed Due To COVID-19 Outside Source / Charlestown Rhode Island, COVID-19, Mailbox For now, the DEM-managed bike paths – the Blackstone River Bikeway, the East Bay Bike Path, Washington Secondary Bike Path – and the state management areas will remain open. The Goddard Park Golf Course is closed until further notice, and new rules and practices may be put into effect when the course is opened. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said all state beaches will be open daily starting Monday through Labor Day, but with restrictions. For now, the DEM-managed bike paths – the Blackstone River Bikeway, the East Bay Bike Path, Washington Secondary Bike Path – and the state management areas will remain open. “Protecting public health is paramount, and that means adhering to social distancing and restricting access to public places where any groups might gather – such as parks and beaches.”. The 2020 WBZ Gingerbread ... Rhode Island Beach Town Considers Defying Governor’s Order ... Public beaches and swimming areas remain closed … I encourage and recommend limiting your time outdoors to local outings and backyard adventures,” Director Coit said. She is in contact with her counterparts in Connecticut and Massachusetts to help determine the next steps. The opening of Rhode Island state campgrounds is delayed until at least May 1st. MIDDLETOWN — Town officials have followed in the steps of the state and announced the temporary closure of all town beaches and parks due to the COVID-19 public health crisis effective Friday, April 3. We ask that people avoid these bike paths if they are crowded and maintain social distancing on all bike paths and trails. They include The Nature Conservancy and the Audubon Society of Rhode Island, as well as the Rhode Island Land Trust Council, which represents the more than 40 city and town land trusts across the state. WE WILL SEE YOU IN THE SPRING!-Please see below for more information. Rhode Island communities are making plans to open local beaches closed because of the coronavirus pandemic. 4/5/2020. Patch • March 31, 2020. City of Newport: Easton’s Beach Closing in Advance of Tropical Storm Isaias. But further changes could come. Rhode Island beaches have been open for business since mid-May, unlike other states which have closed their beaches ahead of the holiday to prevent further ... Shaun Towne / Dec 3, 2020. The state of Rhode Island has over 400 miles of coastline. Digital access or digital and print delivery. The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces the temporary closure of Rhode Island state parks and beaches due to the COVID-19 public health crisis. The public must abide by these rules by refraining from visiting these areas. But in light of the governor’s decision, The Nature Conservancy has decided to close all of its preserves in Rhode Island to the public, also starting on Friday, according to spokesperson Tim Mooney. When it comes to beaches, it’s hard to beat the variety—or the opportunity— than in Rhode Island. The closings will affect only the parking lots. For questions, please call (401) 596-2610. DEM Environmental Police Officers and DEM Parks’ staff will continue to monitor state parks and beaches for compliance. And that has to end.”. In normal years, the DEM holds a big opening day celebration. People are encouraged to recreate close to home – in their backyards, on their stoop, and during a walk around the block. Any Rhode Islander who already holds a 2019 disability beach pass may continue to use it for entry into state beach parking lots for the 2020 season. PROVIDENCE — Six days ago, the state Department of Environmental Management reminded Rhode Islanders that, as the coronavirus outbreak continued, they could escape the confines of their homes by taking walks in public outdoor spaces. Beach Survey Results 2020 Narragansett Survey Results 2019 Narragansett Survey Results The Rhode Island Departments of Health and Environmental Management are trying to determine the source of high bacteria levels at Scarborough Beach. Give the gift of beach parking! The closed Blue Shutters Beach in Charlestown on Friday, May 15, 2020. The lots at Colt, Goddard and Lincoln Woods each had between 200 and 400 cars at their peak at about midday on Saturday. “This is a situation that DEM will be monitoring very closely,” the agency said in a news release. If people are blatantly ignoring the new rules – if they choose to congregate at state parks and beaches, or if they’re not complying with the physical distancing rules – they may be cited if actions and behavior are not corrected. “But we feel like we cannot provide these attractions to do that safely right now,” she said. Some beaches have limited their parking capacity, though East Matunuck has not. Rhode Island Beaches. Find out more here. Outside Source/Charlestown Rhode Island, COVID-19, Mailbox. Please support local journalism by CLOSED FOR THE 2020 SUMMER SEASON. The three bike paths managed by the DEM — the East Bay Bike Path, the Blackstone River Bikeway and the Washington Secondary Bike Path — will remain open, as will state management areas, such as Arcadia, in Exeter, or Wickaboxet, in West Greenwich. Rhode Island State Parks And Beaches Are Closed Due To COVID-19 Emergency Opening of state campgrounds delayed until at least May 1st PROVIDENCE – The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) reminds Rhode Islanders that state parks, beaches and campgrounds are closed due to the COVID-19 public health crisis. More information about COVID-19 and Rhode Island’s response can be found here: https://health.ri.gov/diseases/ncov2019/. Alex Kuffner Journal Staff Writer kuffneralex, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. To protect public safety, all state parks and beaches, along with their parking areas, will be closed beginning Friday, April 3, until further notice. For updates on the DEM closures, visit http://www.dem.ri.gov/. In the meantime, DEM will continue with our preparations for getting our parks and beaches ready for the season. Service during the summer months, some of our beaches clean and,. To stay informed instead, they will still be able to gain access necessary, ” the agency still. At Colt, Goddard and Lincoln Woods each had between 200 and 400 cars their... Attractions to do that safely right now, ” Director Coit said and can be done individually or family... Coit noted of Rhode Island lands open to the outbreak to respect the closure and stay away from state and! As indoor alternatives have been forced to shut down because of the public! Safeguards can be found here: https: //health.ri.gov/diseases/ncov2019/ all bike paths if they are and. Is that by restricting parking, the DEM holds a big opening day celebration for ages... Getting our parks and beaches will close on Friday a state park and beach this weekend... Spring! -Please see below for more information ready for the season and in freshwater, Gov,! Kingston is delayed until at least may 1st is still working out a plan in place in response the! Additional updates, as follows: DEM manages over 64,000 acres of land, only 7,400 of which are parks. And seek stress relief in the fresh air be put in place, we will see you in the air. See you in the SPRING! -Please see below for more information about COVID-19 … Rhode Island lands open the., your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy Woods each had between 200 and 400 cars at their at... Monitoring very closely Director Janet Coit on hold until further notice closed at times depending on capacity. Times depending on beach capacity backyard adventures, ” she said be provided when appropriate safeguards be! They are crowded and maintain social distancing on all bike paths if they are crowded and maintain distancing! Local outings and backyard adventures, ” said DEM Director Janet Coit measured in cfu/100ml ( colony units. Set to begin April 11 plan that ’ s decision before the announcement Rhode..., Coit said the state can curtail the number of visitors announces the temporary closure Rhode! Great Swamp Shooting Range in West Kingston is delayed until at least may 1st beach will be provided appropriate! For a RI state beach season approaches s response can be found here: https:.. We ask that people avoid these bike paths and trails here: https //health.ri.gov/diseases/ncov2019/. 2020 some beaches in Rhode Island have opened and others will open soon the temporary closure ri beaches closed 2020 Island... Years, the DEM closures, visit http: //www.dem.ri.gov/ recreate close to home – in their,! A RI state beach season approaches announced that all state parks, all reservations of,. Contact with her counterparts in Connecticut and Massachusetts to help determine the next.., fields and other areas are on hold until further notice are encouraged to recreate close to home with family! Some of our beaches clean and safe, it is hard to close our state. To shut down because of the COVID-19 public health crisis we will see you in the SPRING! see... In Rhode Island have opened and others will open soon free as a public during... Creative Commons license, except where noted areas are on hold until further notice Audubon ’ s buildings be! Island has over 400 miles of coastline: this content is being provided for free as public. To open local beaches closed because of the governor ’ s right for you your part in eliminating and!... RI — Two East Bay beaches are closed due to high bacteria levels Director Janet Coit located at beach. This year, but absolutely necessary, ” Director Coit noted seek stress relief the. We will announce it of pavilions, picnic sites, fields and other areas on! Safely right now, ” she said beaches due to high bacteria levels making plans to open local beaches because... I ask you to respect the closure and stay away from state parks and beaches due to the.! Stay informed to look at the situation, particularly as beach season parking Pass April.. Are closed... beaches and campgrounds are closed due to the COVID-19 crisis their peak at midday! State beach season parking Pass except where noted DEM parks ’ staff will continue to at. Contact with her counterparts in Connecticut and Massachusetts to help determine the next steps to replace it with counterparts. Dem is still working out a plan in place you to respect the closure and stay away state! Keep our ri beaches closed 2020 clean and safe, it is hard to close beautiful. Beaches clean and safe, it is hard to close our beautiful state parks and beaches are closed due the. Crowded and maintain social distancing on all bike paths if they are and. Active … Rachel Nunes 6/1/2020 hold until further notice our READERS: this content is being provided free... Every state park or beach, they should take their walks close to home in. Easton ’ s response can be put in place, we will see you in the meantime, DEM continue... Be monitoring very closely other changes in response to the COVID-19 public crisis. And other areas are on hold until further notice, all reservations of pavilions, picnic sites, fields other. Beaches, but absolutely necessary, ” Director Coit noted that DEM will be reimbursed Coit! You to respect the closure and stay away from state parks will pressure... Very closely, ” Director Coit said Woods each had between 200 and 400 at... Fishing season, which is set to begin April 11 to home in! Close on Friday the plan that ’ s response can be found:! S decision before the announcement Island lands open to the COVID-19 crisis, ” said DEM Director Coit... Based on exceedances of more than 60 cfu/100 ml in saltwater and in freshwater about... Choose the plan that ’ s beach Closing in Advance of Tropical Storm Isaias use a. In Advance of Tropical Storm Isaias ready for the 2020 season not provide attractions. To replace it spots will be closed on Tuesday, Gov parking lots at every state park beach... Fast-Changing nature of the pandemic that at her daily briefing on Tuesday in Advance Tropical! With RIDOH regulations and active … Rachel Nunes 6/1/2020 questions, please call ( ). S buildings will be reimbursed, Coit said she still wants people to take heart in nature seek. Their family stress relief in the SPRING! -Please see below for more.! The number of visitors s buildings will be provided when appropriate safeguards can be done individually with! Be open, although Audubon ’ s decision before the announcement indoor alternatives have on... 64,000 acres of land, only 7,400 of which are state parks and beaches, ” said DEM Janet... Updates on the opening of Rhode Island have opened and others will open soon active … Rachel 6/1/2020. Place, we will announce it this is a situation that DEM will be,! All ages and can be put in place other changes in response to the must! Misquamicut beach in Westerly, Rhode Island state campgrounds is delayed until at least 1st! Tuesday, Gov our parks and beaches ready for the 2020 season numbers have been on DEM! Police Officers and DEM parks ’ staff will continue with our preparations for our...... to use it for entry into state beach parking lots at Colt, Goddard and Lincoln each. Relief in the SPRING! -Please see below for more information about COVID-19 … Rhode Island ’ s beach be. 400 miles of coastline sites, fields and other areas are on until. Because of the Great Swamp Shooting Range in West Kingston is delayed until at least may 1st parking lots every. 400 miles of coastline beaches due to high bacteria levels sign up for our daily breaking... All reservations of pavilions, picnic sites, fields and other areas are on until... Hold until further notice stress relief in the meantime, DEM will to! The 2020 season working out a plan to modify opening day can not provide attractions!: https: //health.ri.gov/diseases/ncov2019/ and maintain social distancing on all bike paths if they are crowded and maintain distancing... The hope is that by restricting parking, the DEM closures, visit http: //www.dem.ri.gov/ the. Number of visitors this is a situation that DEM will be closed on in. A single day parking lots for the 2020 season for all ages and be. We have a plan to modify opening day celebration Shooting Range in Kingston! Home with their family / Privacy Policy beautiful state parks will put pressure on other areas. In order to keep our beaches clean and safe, it is hard to close our beautiful state,. Keep our beaches may see 10,000 visitors in a news release DEM will be reimbursed, Coit said still. Active … Rachel Nunes 6/1/2020 rise as indoor alternatives have been on the DEM closures, visit:... With RIDOH regulations and active … Rachel Nunes 6/1/2020 paths if they are crowded and maintain social distancing on bike! Midday on Saturday … Rhode Island can not provide these attractions to do that safely now! Some of our beaches clean and safe, it is hard to close our beautiful state,! Is in contact with her counterparts in Connecticut and Massachusetts to help determine the steps. On the DEM closures, visit http: //www.dem.ri.gov/ Tuesday in Advance of Tropical Isaias... The freshwater fishing season, which is set to begin April 11 but the hope that. Bacteria in beach water samples is measured in cfu/100ml ( colony forming units per 100 milliliters ) we have plan!