PORTSMOUTH — Here are a few odds and ends around town:

DEM to host meeting on Gulf Cove fishing

The R.I. Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has scheduled a public information session regarding future plans for the Gull Cove Fishing Access Area on Tuesday, May 20.

The meeting will run from 6-7 p.m. at the CFP Arts, Wellness and Community Center, 933 Anthony Road.

Learn about DEM’s future plans for the fishing area, which involves improvement designs to increase the longevity of the fishing access area and to provide safer public access. Accessible via the northbound side of Route 24, DEM’s Gull Cove Fishing Area is a highly visited destination for recreational fishing, small craft boating, and shellfishing. 

DEM has hired a firm to provide engineered designs that support continued recreational access and to increase the site’s resiliency. Plans will address erosion, sea level rise, invasive species management, and design concepts for improved overflow parking. This session will be an opportunity to engage with the project team and provide your input on designs for the access area.

Feedback from this information session will be used to help inform the development of final plans that most appropriately support the future users of the site. 

If you have questions or ideas, send an e-mail to DEM.Projects@dem.ri.gov.

Town earns Tree City recognition again

The Arbor Day Foundation has named Portsmouth a 2024 Tree City USA in recognition of the town’s ongoing commitment to preserving and enhancing its urban tree canopy through effective forest management and civic engagement.

For more than 50 years, the Tree City USA program has recognized cities and towns that use urban forestry to improve livability and sustainability.

In cities and towns across the country, trees help reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, lower energy costs, and boost mental and physical well-being. When strategically planted and properly maintained, they can also reduce traffic noise and increase property values.

“Portsmouth’s designation as a Tree City USA is a testament to the dedication of our Tree Commission, chaired by Scott Wheeler, and our tree warden, John Fitzgerald,” said Town Administrator Richard A. Rainer. “Their efforts, supported by our Department of Public Works under the former leadership of Brian Woodhead and now Director Paul Rodrigues, have made urban forestry a vital part of our town’s identity and environmental sustainability.”

To earn Tree City USA recognition, a community must meet four core standards: maintain a tree board or department, have a tree care ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and celebrate Arbor Day with a community event. To learn more about the program or how to apply, visit arborday.org.

Delay in ferry terminal project

In an e-mail to passengers this week, Prudence & Bay Islands Transport said it’s experienced an “unfortunate delay” with the remaining aspects of the ferry terminal construction project. 

“We are currently working with a new contractor to complete the terminal project, which includes the railings and gate replacements in Bristol, and maintenance on the ramp and gallows at the Prudence Island terminal,” the ferry operator stated.

“Construction of the waiting area at the Bristol terminal was completed this winter, and it’s great to once again have a shaded and dry space for customers.”

State lawmakers host meetup on May 17

Local state legislators invite their constituents to a meetup from 12:30-2 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, in the conference room at the Portsmouth Free Public Library, 2658 East Main Road.

Drop by to discuss your concerns and suggestions, for engage in casual conversation, or just to say, “hi.”

Participating legislators will be Rep. Terri Cortvriend, Dist. 72 (Portsmouth, Middletown), Rep. Michelle McGaw, Dist. 71 (Portsmouth, Tiverton and Little Compton), and Sen. Linda Ujifusa, Dist. 11 (Bristol, Portsmouth).

Council members host office hours

Town Council members will continue hosting office hours at Town Hall on the second Wednesday and Thursday of each month.

A councilor will be available to meet with citizens to discuss their concerns, answer questions, explain positions on relevant town issues, and listen to their hopes for Portsmouth. 

Office hours will be from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesdays and from 5-6:30 p.m. on Thursdays. These times are posted on the town’s website each month.

In the future, the office hours may be held in other town buildings, such as the library or the police station.