environment

Bay Swim Loses Navy Support

Natalie Jablonski — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:53:35 +0000

A fundraiser swim across Narragansett Bay is in jeopardy because of federal sequestration. The environmental group Save the Bay says the Navy can no longer help host the summer event that’s been going on for more than 30 years in Newport.

Cliff Walk Repairs Draw Surfer Ire

Bradley Campbell — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 12:27:45 +0000

The Newport City Council will be reviewing a plan at Wednesday's meeting to rebuild the famed Cliff Walk damaged last year by Superstorm Sandy. Many in the town are concerned about how a proposed plan could alter the ocean waves that give the historic Breakers mansion its name.

Fishermen Look Ahead to Changing Climate

Bradley Campbell — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:36:03 +0000

Recreational fishing is a multi-million dollar industry in southern New England. But fishermen are keeping an eye on how climate change will alter their industry.

Did Copar Quarries Expand Beyond its Means?

Bradley Campbell — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:59:03 +0000

In Westerly, the Zoning Board is holding a special meeting this evening about a controversial quarry. The board is hearing an appeal about an expansion at the quarry.

Protecting the Eastern Bluebird in RI

John Bender — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 21:16:34 +0000

As spring arrives in the Ocean State it’s important to monitor your bird houses.

The Eastern bluebird, a native to southern New England, has been on the steady decline since the late 1800’s. This is in part due to the introduction of the House Sparrow from Europe.

Rhode Islanders can help the Bluebird population by staying vigilant, says Linton Harrington, of the non-profit environmental group the Trustees of Reservations.

Junk Finds Home Through Reuse Marketplace

Jehane Samaha — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:46:03 +0000

The Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation has launched Rhode Island’s participation in a regional program—the “Reuse Marketplace.” This online marketplace allows businesses to find homes for extra items in their offices or warehouses that would otherwise be sent to the landfill.

CCRI Becoming More Energy Efficient

Bradley Campbell — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 21:33:10 +0000

The Community College of Rhode Island is upgrading its flagship campus in Warwick. The upgrades are geared to save energy costs.

Conservation Group Ranks RI Delegation "Green"

Flo Jonic — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:19:38 +0000

Rhode Island’s entire congressional delegation gets top scores in the League of Conservation Voters’ 2012 National Environmental Scorecard. The ranking is based on 35 votes taken by the House and 14 by the Senate.
Both Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse scored 100 percent. Congressmen David Cicilline and Jim Langevin scored 94 percent. The average Senate score is 56 percent. The average House score is 42 percent.

Injured bald eagle found at Johnston landfill recuperating

Jehane Samaha — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 20:29:50 +0000

The young injured bald eagle found Monday at Johnston’s Central Landfill is “standing bright and alert” today, according to Veterinarian Chi Chan at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Association of Rhode Island. The eagle was in poor condition yesterday. X-rays revealed that the snow-storm battered eagle had 3 buckshot pellets lodged in her leg, tail, and chest, and the clinic is still waiting for the results of lead-poisoning blood work. This is the first bald eagle brought to the clinic in 20 years.

Newport Tree Society giving away free trees

John Bender — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 20:51:40 +0000

The Newport Tree Society has announced a program that will provide homeowners in Newport with trees.

Unlike previous programs, the “Specimen Tree Restoration Program” will provide trees free of cost.

Homeowners who receive trees will be asked to sign a contract promising to take care of the tree.

The Society hopes the program will serve as a model of urban forest management for other cities.