DEM wants your opinion on our woodlands

DEM Seeking Public Feedback on Rhode Island's Forests

Survey is your chance to discuss whether to allow commercial green
energy projects to be built on forested or farm land, like this project
currently being proposed for West Kingston (ecoRI photo)

The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is conducting an online survey this month to gather public input on issues related to state forests. Feedback will be used to inform the Rhode Island 2020 State Forest Action Plan (SFAP) and develop strategies to conserve working forest landscapes, protect forests from harm, and enhance public benefits from trees and forests.

"We encourage residents across our state to participate in the 2020 Forest Action Plan Survey and share their insights about Rhode Island's forests," said DEM Director Janet Coit. 

"Whether you own forestland, simply appreciate forest landscape, or engage in recreational activities on forested land, we want to hear from you. Feedback from this survey will help guide forest management priorities over the next decade. Conserving and protecting forest resources is part of DEM's core mission and supports quality of life in the Ocean State."

Healthy forests are essential to public health and well-being and an important part of the state infrastructure. Trees perform many essential tasks. They are solar-powered organisms that improve air quality, sequester carbon, mitigate stormwater runoff, filter water, moderate temperatures, and provide habitat and places for Rhode Islanders to enjoy wildlife and nature.

DEM invites all Rhode Islanders to participate in the survey, answer questions, and share their thoughts about Rhode Island's forested land: Do you value Rhode Island's forests? Do you own land, hunt, fish, hike, or participate in other outdoor activities in our state's forestland? 

The Rhode Island 2020 Forest Action Plan Survey takes only a few minutes to complete. The survey will be open through Saturday, August 31.

The 2020 revision of the SFAP will include an assessment of the condition of trees and forests within state boundaries, regardless of ownership, along with strategies that address national forest conservation and protection goals. 

Rhode Island's SFAP, first completed in 2010, must be updated every 10 years as required by the 2008 Farm Bill. The plan is available online at www.stateforesters.org/districts/rhode-island/.

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit http://www.dem.ri.gov/. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.

Related links

Survey

Forest Action Plan