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Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401. 222. 4700 | www. dem. ri. gov | @RhodeIslandDEM ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍ ‍
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<p style="margin:0in"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Impact",sans-serif;color:#00457A">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><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><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a><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:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p style="margin:0in"><span style="font-size:12.5pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">CONTACT:</span></b><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"> Mike Healey, 401-258-0787
<b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:</b> <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:Michael.Healey@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Michael.Healey@dem.ri.gov</span></a><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">
Thursday, May 4, 2023<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">ANGLING FOR A DEAL? HOW ABOUT FREE FISHING WEEKEND MAY 6-7</span></b><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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Description automatically generated with low confidence" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_2"><![endif]><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">PROVIDENCE,
RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces it will hold its annual Free Fishing Weekend Saturday, May 6, and Sunday, May 7. DEM invites Rhode Islanders and visitors alike to fish in the state’s freshwaters on both days for
all species of freshwater fish without a fishing license, which costs $21 for residents and $38 for nonresidents, or a trout conservation stamp, which costs $5.50.
</span><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/fish-wildlife/freshwater-fishing/trout-stocked-waters"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Visit the DEM website</span></a><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">
</span><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">for<span style="color:black"> a complete list of stocked waters. The Division of Fish and Wildlife will continue to provide daily stocking information through the second and third stocking rounds this
spring.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoCaption"><b><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:windowtext">Established in 1995 as an opportunity to encourage Rhode Islanders to experience freshwater fishing as a new outdoor experience, Free Fishing Weekend has become a
popular spring pastime.</span></b><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:windowtext"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Established in 1995, the program provides an opportunity to encourage people to experience freshwater fishing as a new outdoor experience and highlight
some of state’s premier freshwater fishing areas. Free Fishing Weekend does not apply to saltwater fishing or saltwater licenses.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Freshwater fishing regulations on size/creel (possession) limits apply on May 6 and May 7. The daily creel and possession limit for trout is five
from April 8 through Nov. 30 and two from Dec. 1, 2023, through Feb. 29, 2024. The creel/possession limit for trout taken in the Wood River between Route 165 and Barberville Dam at Arcadia Road is two fish from the second Saturday in May through the last day
of February 2024. The minimum size of all trout or charr species taken from the waters of the state is eight inches, measured from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail. The creel and possession limit for domestic or landlocked Atlantic salmon in the
freshwaters of the state is two fish per day and shall be included in the daily limit for trout, salmon, or charr. The minimum size for domestic salmon is 11 inches. No person shall take Atlantic salmon from the Pawcatuck River downstream of the Potter Hill
dam. The taking of any fish in the freshwaters of the state by net, seine, trawl, cast net or gill net, or similar device — except for a dip net for the landing of a fish caught by hook and line — and the taking of baitfish are prohibited. For more regulation
information, please refer to </span><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.eregulations.com/rhodeisland/fishing/freshwater__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!M9IKeBsN-W4M8MYRS6DBUUVtyv7CtUj1TIa2Gxn899xLqmOXN2cwvXufly4SLBHZNabqIcBQ47WKas7blHgSzuWIGe7Urm7RAGRg$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">the 2023-24 Freshwater Fishing Abstract</span> [eregulations.com]</a><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">
and </span><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/fish-wildlife/freshwater-fishing/freshwater-fishing-faqs"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">the DEM website</span></a><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">Information about stocked freshwaters and size and creel limits for all freshwater fish species also is available in
</span><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.eregulations.com/rhodeisland/fishing/freshwater__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!M9IKeBsN-W4M8MYRS6DBUUVtyv7CtUj1TIa2Gxn899xLqmOXN2cwvXufly4SLBHZNabqIcBQ47WKas7blHgSzuWIGe7Urm7RAGRg$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">the abstract</span> [eregulations.com]</a><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> and on
</span><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/fish-wildlife/freshwater-fishing/freshwater-fishing-faqs"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">the DEM website</span></a><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:windowtext;text-decoration:none">Anglers who catch a golden rainbow trout through May 8 will be eligible to receive a golden trout pin. Simply take a picture
and email it to </span></span><a href="mailto:dem.fishri@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">dem.fishri@dem.ri.gov</span></a><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"> for verification. Submissions must
be received no later than Monday, May 8, 2023, to be eligible. One pin per person limit. The DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife’s
</span><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/natural-resources-bureau/fish-wildlife/freshwater-fishing/trout-stocked-waters"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF;background:white">Freshwater and Diadromous Fisheries team</span></a><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">
has stocked the following freshwaters with golden rainbow trout:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top:0in" type="circle">
<li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Barber Pond, South Kingstown<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Carbuncle Pond, Coventry<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span class="xnormaltextrun"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#201F1E;border:none windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in">Carolina Trout Pond, Richmond</span><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Eight Rod Farm Pond, Tiverton</span><o:p></o:p></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Meadow Brook Pond, Richmond<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Melville Ponds, Portsmouth<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Olney Pond, Lincoln Wood State Park, Lincoln<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Peck Pond, Burrillville<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Shippee Sawmill Pond, Foster<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Silver Spring Lake, North Kingstown<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Simmons Mill Pond, Little Compton<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Tucker Pond, South Kingstown<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Watchaug Pond, Charlestown<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:0in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3">
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Willett Pond, East Providence<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">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 boat, motor, boat trailer, or any other conveyance
or equipment to curtail the spread of invasive aquatic plants.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">DEM also reminds anglers that wearing a life jacket while paddling in Rhode Island will no longer be optional; it will be required,
</span><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/press-releases/dem-announces-changes-boating-safety-regulations-time-2023-boating-season"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">according to new boating safety regulations the agency announced
on March 23</span></a><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">. The new personal flotation device (PFD) regulation states that all operators and passengers of canoes, kayaks, sailboards, kiteboards, paddleboards, and any other paddle craft must
always wear a United States Coast Guard (USCG)-approved PFD while underway regardless of age.<span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">For more information or to purchase a fishing or hunting license, visit DEM’s online licensing portal at
</span><u><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Rhode Island Outdoors (RIO)</span></u><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">For freshwater fishing updates, follow DEM’s outdoor education page
</span><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/rioutdooreducation__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!M9IKeBsN-W4M8MYRS6DBUUVtyv7CtUj1TIa2Gxn899xLqmOXN2cwvXufly4SLBHZNabqIcBQ47WKas7blHgSzuWIGe7UrqWEfysi$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">on Facebook here</span> [facebook.com]</a><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"> or call 401-789-0281. For more information on DEM
programs and initiatives, visit </span><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">. Follow
</span><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!M9IKeBsN-W4M8MYRS6DBUUVtyv7CtUj1TIa2Gxn899xLqmOXN2cwvXufly4SLBHZNabqIcBQ47WKas7blHgSzuWIGe7UrmimO4Iv$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">DEM on Facebook</span> [facebook.com]</a><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem)
for timely updates.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">###</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-autospace:none"><span lang="EN" style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="xxxxydpe3ecabc6yiv8679005185ydp7f4f0b45yiv2173515244xxxmsonormal" style="margin:0in">
<b><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Michael J. Healey | Chief Public Affairs Officer</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xxxxydpe3ecabc6yiv8679005185ydp7f4f0b45yiv2173515244xxxmsonormal" style="margin:0in">
<b><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management</span></b><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xxxxydpe3ecabc6yiv8679005185ydp7f4f0b45yiv2173515244xxxmsonormal" style="margin:0in">
<span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">235 Promenade Street, Providence RI 02908</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xxxxydpe3ecabc6yiv8679005185ydp7f4f0b45yiv2173515244xxxmsonormal" style="margin:0in">
<span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">401-222-4700, X277-7273</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xxxxydpe3ecabc6yiv8679005185ydp7f4f0b45yiv2173515244xxxmsonormal" style="margin:0in">
<span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">Email: </span><a href="mailto:michael.healey@dem.ri.gov" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">michael.healey@dem.ri.gov</span></a><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="xxxxydpe3ecabc6yiv8679005185ydp7f4f0b45yiv2173515244xmsonormal" style="margin:0in">
<span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#212121">Web: </span><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.dem.gov__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!JTan8GFpr31dz0axLZC-y-wGNcw1msmDMbDiMRiDsdSguslA8VuLG4ZstXozPoLcLmecg9NNx54sgvHaiJ8xNg$" target="_blank"><span style="font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.gov
[dem.gov]</span></a><span style="font-size:11.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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