Community Corner

Free Saltwater Fishing, Parking at State Beaches on Bay Day Sunday

It's Bay Day on Sunday and that means the state swings the doors to its beach, local salt waters and recreational facilities wide open with free access and parking at various locations across the state.

In addition, all Rhode Islanders and visitors can fish in Rhode Island salt waters without a saltwater fishing license on Sunday, July 27.

Free saltwater fishing for anglers is just one of the many activities available to the public on Bay Day.  Free parking will be available on July 27 at Rhode Island state beaches.  However, free parking will not be available this Sunday at Fort Adams State Park in Newport as the park will be hosting the Newport Folk Festival.

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Recreational saltwater fishing is ingrained in our culture here in the Ocean State and is an important economic driver for our economy. The total value of the marine recreational fishing industry in RI is $219 million, and more than 1,900 jobs are tied directly to the industry (Fisheries Economics of the United States by NOAA Fisheries 2011). 

While the free fishing day provides an opportunity for everyone to fish without a license, it also serves as reminder that saltwater licenses are required on every day except on Bay Day, and that the license program provides vital support for RI’s recreational fishing interests. 

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All revenue generated from the sales and issuance of RI recreational saltwater fishing licenses is deposited into a restricted-receipt account. The account, which is managed by DEM, is used solely for enhancing recreational fishing opportunities in the state and supporting the state’s recreational fishing management programs.  Last year, 41,325 licenses were issued, resulting in $181,512 being deposited into the restricted-receipt account.  

Funds from the license account supported the recently completed reconstruction of the Galilee Boat Ramp in Narragansett, one of the most popular public boat ramps in RI.  Funds also support the publication of the annual Rhode Island Saltwater Recreational Fishing Guide, as well as innovative recreational fishery management initiatives, such as the new program that allows smaller (9”) scup to be retained at select shore-fishing sites in RI.

 DEM will host the 3rd event of the 2014 Rhode Island Great Outdoors Pursuit from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in conjunction with Bay Day at Scarborough State Beach, Roger Wheeler State Beach and Misquamicut State Beach.  

The Pursuit event is open to the public and will feature a host of free activities at these three state beach locations. There is no cost to register and all activities are either free or low-cost. The general public who do not wish to register are also invited to participate in all activities. More information is available at http://www.riparks.com/RIOutdoorsPursuit/Home.html.

The Rhode Island Great Outdoors Pursuit, co-sponsored by DEM and the Rhode Island Department of Health, seeks to connect families with outdoor public spaces and inspire active outdoor lifestyles while educating them about environmental and health issues. Teams participating in the Bay Day event and the Pursuit finale on August 9 will be entered into a special Bay Day raffle. 

The full activity schedule for the July 27th Rhode Island Great Outdoors Pursuit follows.  

Pursuit #3 - Oceans of Fun!

Sunday, July 27, 2014

11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Please choose one location and check in by 1:00 p.m.

Enjoy a laid back day and free parking at one of Rhode Island’s beautiful state beaches on Bay Day! 

All events 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Team check-in will take place on or near the beach pavilion at each location. There will be no raffles at this event, but if you check in at this event and attend the finale on Aug. 9 you will be entered into a special Bay Day raffle.

Scarborough State Beach (Teams must check in by 1:00 p.m.)

  • Naturalist Program – DEM Parks & Recreation, Arts and Crafts Activities
  • Books for sale on nature, animals, health and fitness by Usborne Books & More
  • Learn about Scouting opportunities in your community with the Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America
  • Healthy/Local Recipes and Food Samples (while supplies last) – sponsored by the DEM Division of Agriculture
  • Learn to protect our groundwater using an interactive display with DEM’s Division of Waste Management – Underground Storage Tank (UST) Program
  • Music & Games and Prizes  – 1 pm to 2:30 pm - Coast 93.3
  • Explore with the Research Vessel and Sea Creature Touch Tank—US Environmental Protection Agency
  • ABC6 Sun Smarts - Free Skin Cancer Screenings  with the Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island

 Roger Wheeler State Beach (Teams must check in by 1:00 p.m.)

  • Naturalist Program – DEM Parks & Recreation, Arts and Crafts Activities
  • Stop by the Verizon booth to learn what the power of FiOS can do for you.  FiOS a Network Ahead
  • Learn about Scouting opportunities in your community with the Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America
  • Learn about recycling and composting with MaxMan, the RI Resource Recovery Corp. superhero from 11:00am – 1:00pm
  • Music & Games and Prizes  – 10 am to 11:30 am - Coast 93.3
  • Healthy/Local Recipes and Food Samples (while supplies last) – sponsored by the DEM Division of Agriculture

Misquamicut State Beach (Teams must check in by 1:00 p.m.)

  • Naturalist Program – DEM Parks & Recreation, Arts and Crafts Activities
  • Recycle your old computers, TVs, cell phones and other electronics at our FREE Electronics Recycling Drop Off - Indie CycleLearn about Scouting opportunities in your community with the Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America
  • Meet the Puffin Mascot and join The Children’s Workshop Backpack Raffle with summer essentials. 


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