RIDEM announces forest health project to reduce wildfire risk

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said it will conduct a brush clearing project to reduce the risk of wildfires within the Big River Management Area in Coventry and East Greenwich.

The forest health project will thin dense tree cover and remove brush along two miles of forestland near fire roads to “reduce the risk and wildfire spread, making it easier for first responders to suppress it,” RIDEM said.

Additionally, the amount of brush, shrubs, and dead branches will be reduced to help “reduce a fire’s speed and severity,” RIDEM said.

In 2024, there were 75 wildfires in Rhode Island, with 41 occurring between Oct. 18 and Nov. 19, RIDEM said.

“We have two main goals by taking steps to thin and manage these areas now,” RIDEM Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment Deputy Chief Tee Jay Boudreau said. “First is protecting people and property by reducing the risk of a wildfire spreading on state lands. Just as important, we want to make it safer and easier for fire departments to fight wildfires if they do happen.”

The $3 million project was funded by the 2022 Green Bond, which is designated for forest health projects.

The project is scheduled to begin next week.