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Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401. 222. 4700 | www. dem. ri. gov | @RhodeIslandDEM CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Evan LaCross, 401-799-0100 Monday, Dec. 22, 2025 DEM. communications@ dem. ri. gov</div>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D;mso-ligatures:none"><img width="83" height="119" style="width:.8645in;height:1.2395in" id="Picture_x0020_782" src="cid:image001.png@01DC7330.04E2F740" alt="DEM-logo-small"></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;color:#1F497D;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Impact",sans-serif;color:#00457A;mso-ligatures:none">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;mso-ligatures:none">235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401.222.4700 |</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;mso-ligatures:none">
</span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-ligatures:none"><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><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0;mso-ligatures:none">
</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#00457A;mso-ligatures:none">| @RhodeIslandDEM</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#1F497D;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">CONTACT:</span></b><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">
<b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">Evan LaCross, 401-799-0100 Monday, Dec. 22, 2025<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="mailto:DEM.communications@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">DEM.communications@dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><u><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">Turn Your Christmas Tree into Fish Habitat<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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RI –<span style="color:black"> <i>Spruce</i> up wildlife habitat this holiday season! For the eighth year,
</span>the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the </span>
<span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://rhodeisland.tu.org/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!Kgn-hUr2yVki4FAiDLwLxi86Ip9h37ce3jqOnS-JUiuP12A-PQTdzVc4JsDrgUZFLWnpRcjpBtxdTLS3kRWLgvzItrYNpOQZtK34$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Rhode Island Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU)</span> [rhodeisland.tu.org]</a></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">
team up for “Trees for Trout,” recycling donated conifer trees to restore habitat for wild brook trout and other aquatic life. Drop off your trees Saturday, Jan. 10, between 10 AM – 3 PM at the
</span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.google.com/maps/place/Arcadia*Check*Station*(RIDEM)/@41.5730173,-71.7219485,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xa1ff9152f6351182!8m2!3d41.5730173!4d-71.7219485__;Kysr!!KKphUJtCzQ!Kgn-hUr2yVki4FAiDLwLxi86Ip9h37ce3jqOnS-JUiuP12A-PQTdzVc4JsDrgUZFLWnpRcjpBtxdTLS3kRWLgvzItrYNpFmQyEqu$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">Arcadia
Check Station</span> [google.com]</a></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">, Wood River Arcadia Management Area, 2224 Ten Rod Rd, Exeter.
<span style="color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">Tree guidelines;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">Real trees only, no artificial or fire-retardant trees
<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">Remove all decorations, tinsel, lights, and stands
<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">Only whole conifers (no trimmings)<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">Trees over 5’ preferred<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:115%;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">Bulk drop-offs (5+ trees) must be arranged in advance with RI TU:
</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="mailto:rhodeislandtu@gmail.com"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:blue">rhodeislandtu@gmail.com</span></a></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left:.5in;mso-add-space:auto;line-height:115%">
<span style="font-size:11.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">Launched by RI Trout Unlimited in 2018, the program uses donated Christmas trees to restore fish habitat. DEM and Trout Unlimited volunteers turn trees into “conifer
revetments” that stabilize riverbanks, reduce erosion, trap sediment, and create shelter for aquatic life. The trees also help streams remain deep, healthier, and more fish-friendly year-round.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:105%"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">Never dump Christmas trees in waterways or on beaches – it’s illegal without permits. Learn proper disposal options at the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation’s
webpage </span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://atoz.rirrc.org/items/real-christmas-trees__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!Kgn-hUr2yVki4FAiDLwLxi86Ip9h37ce3jqOnS-JUiuP12A-PQTdzVc4JsDrgUZFLWnpRcjpBtxdTLS3kRWLgvzItrYNpFxYrL3H$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">here</span> [atoz.rirrc.org]</a></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit
</span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">.
Follow </span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!Kgn-hUr2yVki4FAiDLwLxi86Ip9h37ce3jqOnS-JUiuP12A-PQTdzVc4JsDrgUZFLWnpRcjpBtxdTLS3kRWLgvzItrYNpCAym7Co$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">DEM on Facebook</span> [facebook.com]</a></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">,
Twitter/X (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.<span style="color:black"> Follow
</span></span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RIFishwildlife/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!Kgn-hUr2yVki4FAiDLwLxi86Ip9h37ce3jqOnS-JUiuP12A-PQTdzVc4JsDrgUZFLWnpRcjpBtxdTLS3kRWLgvzItrYNpIX0TCLQ$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">DFW on Facebook</span> [facebook.com]</a></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">
and Instagram (@ri.fishandwildlife) to stay up to date on news, events and volunteer opportunities. You can also subscribe to DFW’s monthly newsletter
</span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/KbXMYuX.__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!Kgn-hUr2yVki4FAiDLwLxi86Ip9h37ce3jqOnS-JUiuP12A-PQTdzVc4JsDrgUZFLWnpRcjpBtxdTLS3kRWLgvzItrYNpJFH3xqH$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">here</span> [lp.constantcontactpages.com]</a></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black;mso-ligatures:none">.</span><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF;mso-ligatures:none">
</span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/JKHsVOn/medialist__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!Kgn-hUr2yVki4FAiDLwLxi86Ip9h37ce3jqOnS-JUiuP12A-PQTdzVc4JsDrgUZFLWnpRcjpBtxdTLS3kRWLgvzItrYNpJe3orKi$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Sign up here</span> [lp.constantcontactpages.com]</a></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">
to receive the latest press releases, news, and events from DEM's Public Affairs Office to your inbox.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">###<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none">Evan LaCross, MPA</span><span style="font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:none">Programming Services Officer, Public Affairs<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#004678;mso-ligatures:none">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:none">235 Promenade Street, Providence RI 02908</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:none">401-799-0100 (c)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="mailto:evan.lacross@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#0563C1">evan.lacross@dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:gray;mso-ligatures:none">
</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:none">(E);
</span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:none">
(W)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/JKHsVOn/medialist__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!Kgn-hUr2yVki4FAiDLwLxi86Ip9h37ce3jqOnS-JUiuP12A-PQTdzVc4JsDrgUZFLWnpRcjpBtxdTLS3kRWLgvzItrYNpJe3orKi$"><span style="color:#0563C1">Sign up here</span> [lp.constantcontactpages.com]</a></span></b><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:none">
to receive the latest press releases, news, and events from DEM's Public Affairs Office to your inbox.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#0096D2;mso-ligatures:none">Follow DEM on
</span></i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM/?fref=ts__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!Kgn-hUr2yVki4FAiDLwLxi86Ip9h37ce3jqOnS-JUiuP12A-PQTdzVc4JsDrgUZFLWnpRcjpBtxdTLS3kRWLgvzItrYNpEDiTLO1$"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#004678">Facebook</span></i> [facebook.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">,<i><span style="color:#0096D2">
</span><span style="color:#00B0F0">on</span> </i></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.instagram.com/rhodeisland.dem/__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!Kgn-hUr2yVki4FAiDLwLxi86Ip9h37ce3jqOnS-JUiuP12A-PQTdzVc4JsDrgUZFLWnpRcjpBtxdTLS3kRWLgvzItrYNpMjAN0TY$"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002060">Instagram</span></i> [instagram.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#002060;mso-ligatures:none">,</span><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none">
<span style="color:#00B0F0">and</span> <i><span style="color:#0096D2">on </span></i></span><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://twitter.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!Kgn-hUr2yVki4FAiDLwLxi86Ip9h37ce3jqOnS-JUiuP12A-PQTdzVc4JsDrgUZFLWnpRcjpBtxdTLS3kRWLgvzItrYNpI6vIp6O$"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#004678">Twitter</span></i> [twitter.com]</a></span><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#0096D2;mso-ligatures:none">.</span></i><span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;mso-ligatures:none"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
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