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Outdoors in RI: Sacred Lotus (not), National Parks’ Access, Beach Skin Checks, Farmers’ Markets, Farm Grants
Aquatic Weed Treatment Scheduled for Meshanticut Lake TODAY
Invasive sacred lotus in Meshanticut Lake, Cranston.
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces that Meshanticut Lake in Meshanticut State Park, Cranston will receive treatment to control infestations of invasive aquatic plants on Friday, July 11. Anglers and boaters should avoid using the lake during the treatment. Signs will be posted with information about temporary water use restrictions. Neighbors and other users of the lake should keep pets from drinking the water for at least three days. This treatment will target invasive plants including sacred lotus, variable water milfoil, and fanwort. It will not harm fish or other aquatic life.
Meshanticut Lake is popular with anglers and boaters and is stocked with trout annually. Sacred lotus is a highly aggressive invasive species that threatens the healthy balance of native plants and impedes fishing and boating. In 2014, the plant was illegally transplanted into the lake and has spread rapidly. In 2022, DEM and URI students removed 96 bags of sacred lotus at the lake as part of a collaborative research project. Despite these efforts and treating the lake with permitted herbicides in 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024, the stubborn plant persists.
To prevent their spread, felt-soled waders and other porous gear that absorb water is prohibited in all RI freshwater, including any waters shared with adjacent states where RI fishing regulations apply. Transporting plants on boats, vehicles, trailers, and gear is also prohibited. Boaters must clean all equipment and vehicles before and after use. For more on stopping the spread of aquatic invasives, click here.
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Making American Beautiful – Again – Improving our National Parks
On July 3rd, President Trump signed an Executive Order to increase access to our national parks by prioritizing US citizens over foreign tourists in price and availability. Here is the EO:
Section 1. Policy. From the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon to the tranquility of the Great Smoky Mountains, America’s national parks have provided generations of American families with unforgettable memories. It is the policy of my Administration to preserve these opportunities for American families in future generations by increasing entry fees for foreign tourists, improving affordability for United States residents, and expanding opportunities to enjoy America’s splendid national treasures.
Sec. 2. Making America Beautiful Again by Improving Our National Parks. (a) The Secretary of the Interior shall develop a strategy to increase revenue and improve the recreational experience at national parks by appropriately increasing entrance fees and recreation pass fees for nonresidents in areas of the National Park System that charge entrance fees or recreation pass fees as defined in 16 U.S.C. 6801. Additionally, to the extent consistent with applicable law, the Secretary of the Interior, working with the Secretary of Agriculture as appropriate, shall take steps to increase the prices at which the America the Beautiful Pass — the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass — and any site-specific agency or regional multi-entity passes are sold to nonresidents.
(b) The Secretary of the Interior shall use any increased fee revenue generated pursuant to subsection (a) of this section to improve the infrastructure of, or otherwise enhance enjoyment of or access to, America’s Federal recreational areas, consistent with 16 U.S.C. 6807.
(c) The Secretary of the Interior, working with the Secretary of Agriculture as appropriate, shall take steps to improve services and affordability for United States residents visiting national parks, as consistent with applicable law.
(d) The Secretary of the Interior, working with the Secretary of State, shall work to encourage international tourism to America’s national parks and outdoor recreation areas, and especially wider utilization of America’s many such areas that may be underutilized.
(e) The Secretary of the Interior shall review the maintenance backlog within the National Park Service and take all appropriate action to fully implement the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund established in the Great American Outdoors Act (Public Law 116-152), invest in the infrastructure of national parks, and increase visitor capacity to allow more Americans to visit national parks.
(f) The Secretary of the Interior shall review all of the Department of the Interior‘s rules and policies related to public use of national parks and take actions consistent with applicable law to ensure that the National Park Service manages national parks consistent with the policy of this order. The Secretary of the Interior shall review all of the Department’s recreational access rules and take steps to rescind any that unnecessarily restrict recreation in national parks. In conducting this review, the Secretary of the Interior shall especially scrutinize all recreational access rules or other restrictions promulgated or enacted during the prior administration. The Secretary of the Interior shall take appropriate actions to grant American residents preferential treatment with respect to any remaining recreational access rules, including permitting or lottery rules, consistent with applicable law.
Sec. 3. Revocation. The Presidential Memorandum of January 12, 2017 (Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Our National Parks, National Forests, and Other Public Lands and Waters), is hereby revoked.
Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of the Interior.
DONALD J. TRUMP – THE WHITE HOUSE – July 3, 2025
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FREE Skin Checks at Rhode Island Beaches – make a family plan to do it
RINewsToday ran a story earlier this week on the RI Health Department’s annual initiative to offer free skin cancer screenings to Rhode Islanders.
Initial dates and locations are:
Free Cancer Screenings Dates and Locations (list available online):
- Saturday, July 12, 11am-1pm: Scarborough Beach North (Narragansett)
- Friday, July 18, 1:30pm-3:30pm: Easton’s Beach (Newport)
- Saturday, August 2, 11am-1pm: Scarborough Beach North (Narragansett)
- Friday, August 15, 1:30pm-3:30pm: Lincoln Woods State Park (Lincoln)
See the full article for more details:
https://2×8.ea2.myftpupload.com/get-your-free-skin-check-at-rhode-island-beaches-this-summer/
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Swimmer’s Ear? It happens, and it’s painful – how to avoid it:
Experts are warning that too much time in the water or not drying your ears properly afterward can lead to a condition known as swimmer’s ear. Left untreated, it can cause serious issues such as hearing loss, recurring infections, or even damage to the bone and cartilage.
See the full story – here – for more details:
https://2×8.ea2.myftpupload.com/what-is-swimmers-ear-and-how-to-avoid-it-this-summer/
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Tick Season Exploding in all the rain and humidity
The CDC reports this summer is record-breaking for tick-related ER visits, with July seeing the highest number since 2017.
With peak tick season well underway, board-certified entomologists at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) are available to discuss the immediate threats and prevention strategies homeowners can take now, including:
- Wear long, light-colored pants tucked into socks or boots, and long-sleeved shirts. This keeps ticks from reaching the skin and makes them easier to see
- Create a “tick moat” by using gravel or wood chips along property edges to discourage tick migration from wooded areas
- Remove leaf litter, which serves as prime tick hiding spots
- Store firewood on elevated surfaces to prevent rodents (common tick carriers) from seeking shelter
Ticks transmit serious diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Heartland virus, and Bourbon virus. They’re also responsible for alpha-gal syndrome, a potentially life-threatening food allergy to red meat.
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Agricultural Energy Grants for 23 Rhode Island Farms
RI has awarded more than $400,000 in funding to support 23 agricultural businesses across the state. These grants, distributed over the last two rounds of the Agricultural Energy Grant Program, will help farms invest in clean energy, lower utility costs, and advance the state’s climate goals.
“The agricultural sector is a cornerstone of Rhode Island’s economy and sustainability efforts,” said Governor Dan McKee. “This program empowers farmers to adopt energy-efficient technologies, reduce operating costs, and contribute to a cleaner future for our communities.”
“The Agricultural Energy Program supports farms in pursuing both energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades,” said Acting Energy Commissioner Chris Kearns. “These grants help advance our Act on Climate goals while lowering energy bills for Rhode Island’s farmers.”
“The most recent USDA Census of Agriculture ranked Rhode Island as having the highest percentage of beginning farmers in the nation, and our goal is to continue that growth by ensuring the long-term viability of our state’s agriculture,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “These grants will enable 10 of those farms to adopt energy-saving practices while continuing to grow a vibrant network of new farmers.”
Grant Recipients
Barrington: Bayside Apiary — $20,000
A family-run beekeeping operation with more than 80 hives adjacent to the Barrington Community Garden. This 8.72 kW solar expansion builds on an existing system and will fully power their climate-controlled honey processing facility.
Charlestown: Bee Happy Homestead — $20,000
Owned by master gardeners, this farm grows produce, raises bees, and crafts bath products. A 6.02 kW solar system will offset 81% of its electricity use.
Coventry: Pineda Farm — $20,000
A livestock and blueberry farm is installing a 13.92 kW solar system to offset 93% of energy use while preparing to diversify operations.
Coventry: Rhodemont Farm — $20,000
Raising grass-fed beef and managing forest land, the farm is installing a 10.32 kW solar array to meet 85% of its energy needs.
Coventry: Weaver Hill Farm — $17,845
A forestry and livestock farm installing a high-efficiency HVAC heat pump system, expected to reduce CO2 output by 44%.
Cranston: Hurricane Hill Farm — $20,000
A fiber farm producing rare-breed wool and textiles. A 17.16 kW rooftop solar array will fully power operations and workshops.
Cranston: Urban Edge Farm — $20,000
Run by the Southside Community Land Trust, the farm hosts 21 small-scale growers. A 9.46 kW rooftop solar system will offset 32% of total usage.
Cumberland: Novena Farm — $20,000
The Fyfe family is transforming this former alpaca farm into a horse boarding facility. A 5.52 kW solar system will help lower monthly utility costs.
Exeter: Hog House Hill Farm — $20,000
This diversified farm grows vegetables, mushrooms, and raises livestock. An 11.8 kW roof-mounted solar array will offset 100% of its agricultural energy use and support the switch to electric heating for farm staff.
Foster: Gibb Farm — $20,000
This multi-product family farm is installing a 34.86 kW rooftop solar system to power farm operations and improve long-term sustainability.
Foster: Hoofprint Farm — $20,000
This 9.5-acre flower farm is adding a 6.23 kW solar system atop its barn to fully power new refrigeration units that support expanded production and sales at its farm stand and farmers markets.
Johnston: Bami Farm (AARI) — $20,000
A community farm run by the African Alliance of Rhode Island. A 6.02 kW roof-mounted solar array will offset energy use from lighting, irrigation, and ventilation.
Johnston: Salisbury Farm — $20,000
A five-generation family farm is installing an 11.44 kW rooftop solar array to offset 94% of its energy use for produce and value-added goods.
Portsmouth: Eastern RI Conservation District Ag Innovation Farm — $20,000
A student-led teaching farm producing vegetables, potatoes, and herbs. A 4.92 kW solar installation will fully power the classroom, irrigation, lighting, and fans. This will also serve as the state’s first agrivoltaics demonstration.
Saunderstown: Sumire Farm — $20,000
A family-run vegetable and pastured pork farm is adding an 8.36 kW solar system to cover 100% of energy use.
Scituate: Good Earth Farm (SCLT) — $20,000
Part of the Southside Community Land Trust, this farm will install an 8.8 kW carport solar array to meet its power needs and provide shaded outdoor workspace.
Scituate: Martinelli’s Farm & Charcuterie — $20,000
This farm produces pork, beef, poultry, and vegetables. A 41.71 kW rooftop solar project across two buildings will fully power the farm’s commercial refrigeration systems.
Smithfield: Jaswell’s Farm — $20,000
Home to Rhode Island’s largest cider mill, the farm will replace an outdated cooling system with a new, energy-efficient walk-in cooler.
South Kingstown: Carpenter’s Farm Stand — $20,000
A vegetable and livestock operation near Matunuck Beach. The new 81.09 kW net-metered solar system will offset 100% of its electricity usage.
South Kingstown: Lavender Waves Farm — $18,000
Home to 4,000 lavender plants and a variety of animals, the farm will insulate its barn to improve temperature control for drying lavender and housing newborn poultry.
South Kingstown: Lavender Waves Farm — $20,000
In addition to over 4,000 lavender plants, the farm is home to llamas and camels. A 6.16 kW rooftop solar system will offset 70% of its electricity usage.
Westerly: Ayers Foundation — $20,000
This nonprofit at Hillandale Farm is installing a solar thermal system with two 120-gallon tanks and a circulation pump. It will reduce annual energy use by 15,330 kBtu and cut nearly 4,000 pounds of carbon emissions.
Rhode Island is home to more than 1,000 farms, supporting over 2,500 jobs and contributing $235 million annually to the state’s economy.
The Agricultural Energy Grant Program is funded through Rhode Island’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the nation’s first market-based cap-and-trade program focused on reducing carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector.
For more information on the Agricultural Energy Grant Program, visit: https://energy.ri.gov/energy-efficiency/farm-energy-programs
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RI Farmers’ Markets
Check out your local Farmers’ Markets each week – here are two:
Fisherman’s Memorial State Park, 1011 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, RI 02882 – Sundays,
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