The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management submitted the following announcement to The Block Island Times:
Given the evolving COVID‐19 situation, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is pausing walk‐in service at the offices with the most frequent lines and crowds. DEM encourages its customers to use online, telephonic, or mail‐in services whenever possible. Across the Department, DEM remains fully operational and committed to serving customer needs.
The pause in walk‐in service adjusts the following interactions with DEM: submitting permit applications, taking a blue card test, obtaining whelk pot and tautog tags, and purchasing fishing and hunting licenses and registering boats.
DEM’s outdoor spaces remain open to the public, and DEM encourages people to enjoy them while adhering to the Governor’s guidance on not gathering in groups and practicing social distancing. All indoor parks and management area spaces are closed. For more information on parks and management areas, call: DEM Parks Headquarters at (401) 667‐6200, Fish and Wildlife Headquarters at (401) 789‐0281, and Forestry Headquarters at (401) 539‐2356.
“These are challenging times, and Rhode Islanders appreciate the opportunity for fresh air and a walk in the park,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “DEM parks and open spaces are
