Published on Thursday, September 17, 2026
PROVIDENCE, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has received a $1.2M grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) 2026 National Outreach and Communication Program (NOCP) to increase recreational fishing and boating participation statewide through outreach, education, and partnerships. DEM was one of 16 awardees selected from 127 applications nationwide. The NOCP aims to reverse declining participation in fishing and boating, which supports Rhode Island’s economy and funds aquatic resource conservation.
DEM will focus its efforts on Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3), a national initiative to reverse declining participation numbers in outdoor recreation and license sales. With over 400 miles of coastline and hundreds of freshwater lakes and ponds covering over 20,000 acres, RI has abundant fishing and boating opportunities. Despite this, participation has plateaued and the initiative will seek to reduce barriers to access, promote safe and responsible angling and boating practices, and support the stewardship of RI’s aquatic resources.
“Securing this funding is a major win for Rhode Island, and I’m proud that DEM’s application was successful after a very competitive selection process,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “Receiving the fourth highest award among 16 recipients nationwide is a powerful recognition of the opportunities and potential that exist here in the Ocean state, and we’re grateful to the USFWS for this investment. Rhode Island is home to some of the best angling and boating in the country, and this funding will help us build on that legacy, opening the door for even more people to experience, enjoy and connect with the extraordinary outdoors that makes our state so special.”
The initiative will include the development of a statewide R3 strategic plan, launching a centralized fishing and boating website, targeted multimedia campaigns, and the creation of mentorship and municipal grant opportunities to build long-term engagement. A newly formed RI Sport Fishing and Boating R3 Council will guide stakeholder-driven efforts.
For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter/X (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates. Sign up here to receive the latest press releases, news, and events from DEM's Public Affairs Office to your inbox.
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