DEM
Announces Freshwater Fishing Workshops
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| Join DEM in a return to the 1950s. |
The
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced it is
hosting a series of free fly-tying workshops for novice and experienced
fly-tiers and a fly-fishing clinic.
WHAT:
Free Fly-Tying Workshops
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 1, 15 | 6-8 PM Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library, 100 Tinkham
Lane, Harrisville
Friday,
May 3 | 5:30-7:30 PM Saturday, May 4 | 1-3 PM Tyler Free Library, 81 Moosup
Valley Road #A, Foster
Monday,
May 6, 13 | 6-8 PM Diamond Hill Park Community Center, 4097 Diamond Hill Road,
Cumberland
Tuesday,
June 4, 18 | 6-8 PM Greene Public Library, 179 Hopkins Hollow Road, Greene
Monday,
June 10, 17 | 6-8 PM Middletown Public Library, 700 West Main Road, Middletown
Wednesday,
June 12, 19 | 6-8 PM Brownell Public Library, 44 Commons, Little Compton
Instruction
on freshwater angling will be included, and all equipment and materials will be
provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own materials, if they
prefer. Children ages 10 and older are invited to participate. Space is limited
and registration is required. To register, contact Scott Travers at
Scott.travers@dem.ri.gov.
WHAT:
Ladies Fly-Fishing Day
WHEN:
Saturday, May 18 | 9AM-3PM Carolina Trout Hatchery, Carolina
All equipment and materials
are provided and lunch will be provided. Program sponsors include Trout
Unlimited, the Wood River Fly-Fishing Association, United Fly-Tyers of Rhode
Island, and DEM.
Space is limited, and registration is required. For more
information or to register for the workshop, contact Jessica Pena at
Jessica.Pena@dem.ri.gov or at 539-0019.
These
workshops are part of DEM's Aquatic Resource Education (ARE) Program. ARE is a
federally funded program designed to enhance the public's understanding of
their aquatic resources by providing safe and responsible fishing training
opportunities.
As part of a larger network of recreational opportunities in the
state, fishing plays an important role in connecting people with nature,
promoting health, attracting tourism, and supporting a treasured tradition for
Rhode Island families.
According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, there
are approximately 175,000 recreational anglers (age 16+) in Rhode Island. And
recreational fishing contributes more than $130 million to the economy each
year.
Anglers
urged to take safety precautions as many rivers are experiencing high water
levels.
Due
to recent heavy rainfalls, rivers across the state are experiencing dangerously
high waters.
Anglers are encouraged to fish at one of the nearly 60 stocked
ponds around the state. The fast-moving cold water combined with limited or
poor footing is extremely hazardous along some stretches of rivers and streams.
Of particular concern are waterbodies in the Wood-Pawcatuck watershed and the
Pawtuxet River.
DEM encourages anglers to use caution and practice the
following safety measures:
•
Stand back from the shoreline and be aware of surroundings.
• If fishing by
boat, canoe or other vessel, wear a life jacket.
• Keep a close watch on
children or those with limited mobility.
• Don't drink alcohol while operating
a boat.
• Always stay in the boat; water temperatures are low and risk of
drowning due to the effects of cold water is high.
Follow
DEM on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM)
for more information on recreational opportunities in Rhode Island as well as
other timely updates.
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