PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish & Wildlife will hold a public workshop and public hearing in Providence on March 30 to discuss proposed amendments to Section 1.16 of the 2015-2016 Freshwater Fishing Regulations - Permit Requirements for Organizational Group Activities.
The modifications are related to permit requirements for fishing tournaments and large organizational group activities at freshwater boat ramps and access areas. Permits are not required for non-organizational, informal, or casual gatherings.
DEM developed the proposed regulations with input from anglers, kayakers, canoeists and other boaters. The free permits are needed because of the huge popularity of water recreation in our state, and the limited access and parking areas. Organizations conducting large events or fishing tournaments need extra space for vehicles, boat trailers and buses.
The public workshop and hearing will be held in Room 300 at DEM Headquarters located at 235 Promenade Street in Providence. The workshop will start at 6:00 p.m., followed by the public hearing at 7:00 p.m. The Department is appreciative of the assistance and input from freshwater tournament and paddling organizations and looks forward to their attendance.
The annual regulatory workshops and hearings for the hunting (2015- 2016) and freshwater fishing (2017-2018) seasons will be held later this spring on dates yet to be announced.