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<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="color:#1F497D"><img width="83" height="119" style="width:.8645in;height:1.2395in" id="x_Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image001.png@01D714F4.DD3283D0" alt="DEM-logo-small"></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Impact",sans-serif;color:#00457A">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#00457A">235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401.222.4700 |</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">
</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#00457A">| @RhodeIslandDEM</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="xmsonormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT:
</span></b><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Gail Mastrati, 401-255-6144</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Tuesday, March 9, 2021
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="mailto:gail.mastrati@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">gail.mastrati@dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">DEM HOSTING VIRTUAL WORKSHOP THIS MONTH ON DRAFT REGULATIONS LIMITING THE SALE OF INVASIVE AQUATIC PLANTS</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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</v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" alt="Water Chestnut in Chapman Pond: This is a rapidly growing invasive plant that can cover acres of water in just a matter of years, and is easily spread by traveling water fowl. Never plant invasive species in a lake, pond, or wetland.A picture containing grass, person, outdoor Description automatically generated" style='position:absolute;margin-left:0;margin-top:0;width:327.75pt;height:246pt;z-index:251658240;mso-wrap-distance-left:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-top:0;mso-wrap-distance-right:9pt;mso-wrap-distance-bottom:0;mso-position-horizontal:left;mso-position-horizontal-relative:text;mso-position-vertical-relative:line' o:allowoverlap="f">
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Description automatically generated" v:shapes="_x0000_s1026"><![endif]><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">PROVIDENCE
- The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will hold a virtual informational workshop next week on draft regulations to limit the sale of freshwater invasive plants.</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Aquatic invasive plants are a widespread problem in Rhode Island’s freshwater lakes. More than 100 lakes, and an additional 27 river segments, are plagued
with at least one species of invasive plant. Aquatic invasive species pose threats to healthy ecosystems, decrease recreational opportunities and tourism, and cause economic impacts.
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><i><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Water chestnut in Chapman Pond: Water chestnut is a rapidly growing invasive plant that can cover acres of water in just a matter of years and is easily spread by waterfowl. Never
plant invasive species in a lake, pond, or wetland.</span></i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><i><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> </span></i><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Aggressive invasive plants disrupt the balance of native plants and animals, cause significant habitat loss, and reduce water quality.
<span style="background:white">To prevent the further introduction of such invasive species to new areas through plant trade in Rhode Island, DEM has developed draft regulations to address this ongoing problem and restrict the movement and sale of invasive
plants and seeds. </span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black;background:white"> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">The upcoming informational session is targeted to
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">industry professionals, consumers, environmental advocates and other interested parties. During the workshop DEM will present the proposed list of prohibited plants along with details
on the draft regulations. <span style="color:black">Staff from DEM’s Office of Water Resources and Division of Fish and Wildlife will be participating in the workshop and available for questions and discussion.</span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal" style="margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">What:
</span><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Workshop to Discuss Draft Regulations to Limit Sale of Freshwater Invasive Aquatic Plants in Rhode Island</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">When:
<b>Monday, March 15, 2021 | 10:00 AM Eastern Time</b></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">How: Join Zoom Meeting:
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://tnc.zoom.us/j/92336656741__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!b9vp2243Vv5mLwwg9K-XVfMWSV7HhtCZLv-knhlbnOZcTPrBU2jzGQrKT9wvvi7eEN5JDl1C$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">https://tnc.zoom.us/j/92336656741</span> [tnc.zoom.us]</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Meeting ID: 923 3665 6741</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Extensive weed beds can make boating, swimming and fishing unpleasant and can affect local tourism and businesses when recreational opportunities are reduced. The high
costs for annual plant management efforts, reduced values of private and public waterfront properties, and loss of tax revenues are significant consequences of the introduction and spread of non-native plant species.
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#222527;letter-spacing:.1pt;background:#EAEAEA"> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Preventing the introduction of invasive plants into the environment is often the most cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally advantageous strategy to manage
invasive plant populations. Research indicates that the sale of non-native plants is a major pathway for harmful invasive species to spread into the environment when plants unintentionally escape cultivation.
<span style="color:#2A2A2A;background:white">The federal government already restricts movement and cultivation of aquatic, parasitic and terrestrial plant taxa through the US Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service by placing
certain species on the Federal Noxious Weed List. </span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">The proposed regulations would supplement 2020 amended fishing regulations that prevent the transport of invasive plants on any type of boat, motor, trailer, fishing
supplies or gear, and are aligned with existing federal and state <span style="color:black">
regulations in </span>New England to increase regional regulatory consistency for people or businesses that import, transport, disperse, sell or distribute aquatic plants. The draft regulations propose a list of plants prohibited from importation, transportation,
dispersion, distribution, purchase, sale and possession, with exemptions for research and educational activities; this list was compiled from the Federal Noxious Weed List and adjoining New England state lists and builds on previous work of the RI Invasive
Species Council and the RI Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">The list was compiled collaboratively to support a more regionalized approach to regulating invasive plants in order to strengthen local water resource protection and
simplify directives to the ornamental plant industry. Some familiar plants are included on the Rhode Island list in order to prevent their further spread or introduction to the state’s freshwaters. The expanded list includes plants utilized in the pet and
aquarium trade, the landscape and horticulture trades, and at least one plant utilized in aquaculture.
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Interested parties can view the draft regulations online at
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/water/quality/surface-water/aquatic-invasive-species.php"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/water/quality/surface-water/aquatic-invasive-species.php</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span class="xmsobooktitle"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.25pt">For more information about the workshop or draft regulations, contact Christine Dudley, Deputy Chief of DEM’s Division
of Fish & Wildlife via email at </span></span><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><a href="mailto:christine.dudley@dem.ri.gov" target="_blank">christine.dudley@dem.ri.gov</a></span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#323130">.</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Follow DEM’s outdoor education page on Facebook:
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.facebook.com/rioutdooreducation__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!b9vp2243Vv5mLwwg9K-XVfMWSV7HhtCZLv-knhlbnOZcTPrBU2jzGQrKT9wvvi7eEOeh_-B5$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">www.facebook.com/rioutdooreducation</span> [facebook.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">,
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Follow DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!b9vp2243Vv5mLwwg9K-XVfMWSV7HhtCZLv-knhlbnOZcTPrBU2jzGQrKT9wvvi7eEFhIu4ny$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM</span> [facebook.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">
for timely updates. For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit </span>
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">http://www.dem.ri.gov/</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">.
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"> </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xmsonormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black">Thanks for your attention<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black">Sincerely, Lauren<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p style="background:white"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Footlight MT Light",serif;color:#385623">Lauren Miller-Donnelly (she/her/hers)</span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background:white;text-align:start"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Footlight MT Light",serif;color:#385623">Public Access Coordinator</span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background:white;text-align:start"><b><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Footlight MT Light",serif;color:#385623">The Nature Conservancy</span></b><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background:white;text-align:start"><b><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Footlight MT Light",serif;color:#385623">RID<span style="font-variant:small-caps">EM Division of Planning and Development</span></span></b><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background:white;text-align:start"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Footlight MT Light",serif;color:#385623">235 Promenade Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02908</span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background:white;text-align:start"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Footlight MT Light",serif;font-variant:small-caps;color:#385623">Office: 401-222-2776 X 77277 </span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background:white;text-align:start"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Footlight MT Light",serif;font-variant:small-caps;color:#385623">Cell: 401-924-1880</span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background:white;text-align:start"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Footlight MT Light",serif;font-variant:small-caps;color:#385623">E-mail:</span><span style="font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Footlight MT Light",serif;color:#385623"><a href="mailto:lauren.millerdonnelly.ctr@dem.ri.gov">lauren.millerdonnelly.ctr@dem.ri.gov</a></span><span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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