RIDEM, Trout Unlimited partner for ‘Trees for Trout’ habitat restoration program

EXETER, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the Rhode Island Chapter of Trout Unlimited said they are partnering for the “Trees for Trout” habitat restoration program.

The organizations said the program “collects donated conifer Christmas trees for future projects that improve habitat for wild brook trout and other aquatic organisms.”

Tree drop-offs will be accepted on Jan. 6 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Arcadia Check Station in Exeter.

DEM said only whole real trees will be accepted, and all decorations and lights must be removed.

The trees will be used to build “conifer revetments,” where trees are strategically placed along riverbanks to provide stability and control erosion.

More information on the program can be found here.