Rhode Island is dominated by Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. But it should not be forgotten that the Ocean State also has extraordinary freshwater ponds and rivers that support a variety of wildlife.
Five years ago, my wife, Margaret, and I purchased a house on the Queen River in West Kingston, north of historic Usquepaugh and its Kenyon’s Grist Mill. In that time, I have been able to spot from the windows of our house some fascinating wildlife in a freshwater environment.
Many refer to the river as Queen’s River or Queens River, but the correct name is Queen River. A portion of the Queen River near our house is formally known as Glen Rock Reservoir.
WESTERLY â Saying they needed more information before they could ask voters to support borrowing for sewer-system upgrades, school repairs, and road work, the Town Council has quashed plans to include the projects on the ballot for the upcoming March 2 statewide election.
On Monday, the Town Council considered adding questions on borrowing up to $26 million for the local projects to the ballot, which will ask state voters to approve seven bond issues totaling $400 million for projects ranging from higher education, state beaches, recreational facilities, transportation, early childhood care and industrial infrastructure. Gov. Gina Raimondo certified seven bond issues when she signed the 2021 fiscal year budget on Dec. 18.
12/28/2020
Rhode Islanders invited to #WalkOff2020 at state parks
PROVIDENCE – The Department of Environmental Management announced in a press release that it is inviting residents to #WalkOff2020 and celebrate the New Year by getting outdoors with their immediate household members during the holiday weekend. Starting New Year’s Day, people are encouraged to visit any of Rhode Island s state parks with their household members – physically distanced from other groups and masked up – during regular park hours to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors. Last year nearly 85,000 people rang in the New Year, collectively hiking more than 176,366 miles throughout the country on the hikes.
WESTERLY â The Town Council will receive an overview of proposals to upgrade and repair the municipal sewer plant, district schools and roads during a meeting scheduled for Monday afternoon. If endorsed by the council, voters would be asked to approve borrowing up to $26 million to pay for the work at a referendum envisioned for early March.
The council will also discuss proposed amendments to the Town Charter, which would also require voter approval at the referendum. One of the charter changes would reduce the size of the Town Council from seven to five members who would serve four-year, staggered terms. Councilors currently serve two-year terms that all expire every two years.