Outdoors in RI: 2A local action, summertime jobs, hunting and fishing licenses, hiking plans

Photo: RIDEM – Seasonal workers can choose from summer jobs at a sandy beach, off the beaten path in a forest, aboard a research vessel in the Bay, and alongside environmental leaders working to protect, restore, and promote Rhode Island’s natural resources. 

RIDEM seeking Lifeguards Park Rangers, other Seasonal Positions

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is recruiting to fill critical summertime positions like lifeguards, park rangers, and other key staff to work at state beaches, parks, and campgrounds. If you like being outdoors, want to make a positive impact on visitor experiences and the environment, DEM has hundreds of seasonal employment opportunities across its divisions. Potential applicants are encouraged to visit DEM’s seasonal employment webpage to apply for the position that interests them.  

“DEM relies on hiring a robust seasonal workforce each year to manage parks, beaches, and other facilities,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “Working outside at some of the state’s premier travel destinations, gaining professional development experience for future degree programs and employment, and having the opportunity to meet and work with people from around the world are just a few of the many perks of joining DEM’s team.”  

Full-time lifeguard positions are available at all state swimming areas, including surf beaches such as Roger Wheeler and Misquamicut, non-surf beaches such as Goddard Memorial State Park, and freshwater beaches such as Burlingame Campground and Lincoln Woods State Park.

Lifeguard pay ranges from $18.75 to $20.00 an hour based on location, experience, and position level. Lifeguards hired by June 27, 2025, can receive a one-time, $500 sign-on bonus as well as a $500 retention bonus if specific requirements are met.   All lifeguard candidates must receive state certification and hold valid cards in lifeguard training, first aid, and CPR, including infant, child, and adult.  

Seasonal positions with DEM provide hands-on experience, help develop resumes and opportunities to earn credit towards degree programs and are a great way to jump-start future career plans. From administrative and clerical roles to emergency response to technical work in environmental sciences, engineering, program and policy analysis, and research opportunities, DEM offers a wide range of interest areas to help seasonal workers build new skills and make an impact. Seasonal positions can also lead to full-time employment with #TeamDEM.    

View the complete list of seasonal employment opportunities and apply online at apply.ri.gov. Most positions are full-time and include weekend and holiday hours. Opportunities for part-time positions or internship/college credits may be available to eligible staff.   

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2nd Amendment update – Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban active again

Governor McKee has decided to take the initiative to establish a statewide Assault Weapons Ban by tucking it in the budget and the budget review process.

Senator Jessica de la Cruz responded to Governor McKee’s proposal of a government firearm registration as part of his proposed assault weapons ban: “That’s not constitutional, it’s not legal,” said Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz (R). “I’m not sure why he would put it in his budget.”

In New York, years ago, an assault weapons ban made 10 million felons out of the populace, with an estimated less than 15% complying.

Governor Dan McKee, Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, Secretary of State Gregg Amore, General Treasurer James Diossa, legislators, and gun safety advocates call for the passage of an assault weapons ban this year’s legislative session. The ban would be part of the FY26 budget proposal, and legislation is sponsored by Rep. Jason Knight (D-Dist. 67, Barrington, Warren) and Sen. Louis P. DiPalma (D-Dist. 12, Middletown, Little Compton, Newport, Tiverton)

The ban would prohibit the manufacture, purchase, sale, transfer, and possession of certain assault weapons including certain semi-automatic shotguns, rifles, and pistols. It also levies criminal penalties for anyone convicted of violating the ban; and provides exemptions to the ban for law enforcement agencies, federally licensed firearm dealers, and individuals who lawfully possess an assault weapon on the effective date of the ban.

The federal assault weapons ban expired in 2004 and has yet to be reauthorized by Congress. Currently, ten states have statutes that ban certain assault weapons.

Over the past several years 2A legislation was signed into law in RI – including bills to: ban large-capacity gun magazines, require the safe storage of firearms, raise the legal age to purchase firearms or ammunition from 18 to 21, and prohibit the open carry of any loaded rifle or shotgun in public. 

“There is no need for civilians to own and operate military-style weapons,” said Attorney General Peter F. Neronha. “Over the years, my Office has helped pass, strengthen, and enforce common sense gun laws that keep Rhode Islanders safer. Mass casualty events are far too common in the United States, and so often they involve assault weapons. Rhode Islanders deserve to go to the movies, or to a concert, and not fear for their lives. Let’s get this done.”

“High-powered weapons like AR-style rifles are the preferred weapons of mass shooters. Scores of Americans have died at the hands of killers wielding these weapons. There is no reason they should be allowed to circulate in the community,” said Representative Jason Knight. “Of course making them illegal doesn’t mean that they will all disappear overnight, but allowing their legal sale needlessly endangers the public. We are not powerless against gun violence, and Rhode Islanders deserve more than thoughts and prayers as an antidote. This bill gives us a common-sense way to mitigate the damage from the modern-day scourge of mass shootings.”

“Banning assault weapons is a long overdue, common-sense step to address the serious public health issue of gun violence in Rhode Island. Research clearly shows a ban will save lives and make our communities safer. It is supported by a large majority of legislators, by each of the state’s general officers, and by most Rhode Islanders,” said Senator Louis DiPalma. “Our neighbors in Connecticut and Massachusetts have implemented an assault weapons ban, as have one-fifth of all states. Our federal government has done so previously. Strong state-level leadership is more critically needed than ever before, and I am proud to be sponsoring this legislation.”

“In the absence of federal legislation regulating assault weapons, in Rhode Island we must take it upon ourselves to protect our residents from mass shootings by banning these uniquely dangerous weapons,” said Melissa Carden, Executive Director of RICAGV. 

The RI Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025 is introduced by Reps. Knight, Caldwell Boylan, Speakman, McEntee, Ajello, Kazarian, Craven, Dawson and Felix.

Read the 9-page bill – here:
https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/BillText/BillText25/HouseText25/H5436.pdf

Brenda Jacob, lobbyist for the RI Revolver & Rifle Association said, “Today’s display of political maneuvering by Governor Dan McGee should be a wake-up call for all Rhode Islanders.  It is imperative that that citizens of this state understand that the “Assault Weapons Ban” is actually an umbrella term that bans all privately owned firearms. It includes but is not limited to all semi-automatic rifles, pistols and shotguns, antiques, family heirlooms and even revolvers under the definitions in this bill. This is not about safety; it is about using your rights as a bargaining chip for campaigns and campaign funding.  Rhode Island stands to lose $358 Million dollars in revenue and approx. 774 jobs. This will have far reaching detrimental impacts on our environment and economy for thew sake of political power.

If you already own a semi-automatic weapon you can keep it but must register it by the end of the year if this bill passes.

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Blackstone Heritage Corridor’s Trail Ambassadors to Guide Spring Hiking Series through region

Snow got you down?  Think spring!  A dynamic spring hiking series starts on March 8.  The hikes will be led by volunteer Trail Ambassadors from the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, a nonprofit collaborating with community partners to provide strong leadership to preserve, promote and celebrate the Blackstone Valley’s resources for current and future generations.

The series is designed for all levels of hikers to experience the history and natural beauty of the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution.  The seasoned Trail Ambassadors will guide participants through many of the 100 trails in the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, which covers 25 communities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Participants will take scenic routes comprised of glacial gorges, granite quarries, dams, streams and ponds, among other natural features along the Blackstone River.  The hikes are designed to explore historic sites, namely native lands, and farms and homesteads dating back to the 18th century.

From early March to mid-June, Trail Ambassador Phil Johanson will guide hikes in the Massachusetts portion of the Corridor, and Trail Ambassador Ernie Germani will lead treks through the Rhode Island section.

The spring series is as follows:

Find hike details and RSVP here.  To learn more about the Blackstone Heritage Corridor, visit BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org.

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Hunting & Freshwater Fishing Licenses, Permits, Stamps, & Tags go on sale Feb. 19th

To simplify and streamline the sale of hunting and freshwater fishing licenses, permits, stamps, and tags, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s (DEM) Division of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) will release all of these items for sale on the same day – Wednesday, Feb. 19. This is a change from previous years when certain products were available at different times.

With this change, hunters and anglers will be able to purchase all licenses, permits, stamps, and tags at the beginning of the license year or throughout the year as needed. The timing for the sale of trapping and saltwater fishing licenses will remain unchanged. The current 2024 freshwater fishing license and Trout Stamp will both still expire on Friday, Feb. 28. Additionally, starting July 1, 2025, hunters, trappers, and freshwater anglers can expect gradual increases in the prices of licenses, permits, stamps, and tags.

The fiscal year 2022 budget enacted by the General Assembly included a provision for gradual price increases over eight years. Prior to this change, most prices for licenses, permits, stamps, and tags had not been raised since 2003. These increases are expected to generate over $185,000 in additional annual revenue through 2027, and over $300,000 per year after the third increase in 2028.

Fees for disabled, senior (65+), and saltwater fishing licenses will not increase. The second step in a gradual adjustment, the increase will be up to $5 per product for residents and up to $15 per product for non-residents.

Hunters and freshwater anglers can still purchase licenses, permits, stamps, and tags at the current price from February 19 until June 30 by using DEM’s Rhode Island Outdoors (RIO) online licensing system at www.RIO.ri.gov and at local sales agents. 

Each year, hunters, trappers, and anglers collectively purchase nearly 70,000 licenses, permits, stamps, and tags. The revenue from these sales plays a vital role in supporting Rhode Island’s fish and wildlife conservation programs. It is matched 3:1 by federal funds from the US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Office of Conservation Investment, which helps support outdoor recreational opportunities for fishing, hunting, and boating throughout RI. RI DEM says this “user pay, public benefit” model funds efforts to conserve and manage fish and wildlife and carry out projects that benefit RI’s outdoor community.