Environment

Cyclists wanting a clear ride on state bike paths during the winter will have to wait until the snow melts.

The Chief of Rhode Island State Parks, Robert Paquette, says the state does not clear bike paths during the winter. “You know, people use them more for cross country skiing in the winter so we don’t plow them, liability reasons. We don’t use salt because a lot of them go to water areas. And so there are many different reasons why we don’t plow our bike paths.”

Paquette adds the parks department will make sure the paths are clear in time for spring riding.

The Rhode Island Department of Health is reminding residents with private wells to take precautions. The melting snow could make the well water dangerous to drink.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse got a crowd of thousands chanting and cheering Sunday at a rally on the National Mall in Washington focused on climate change.

Whitehouse says there are only two ways to move climate change legislation: show Congress how out of step it is with the American public, and encourage the president to get serious on the issue.

The young injured bald eagle found Monday at Johnston’s Central Landfill is “standing bright and alert” today, according to Veterinarian Chi Chan at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Association of Rhode Island. The eagle was in poor condition yesterday. X-rays revealed that the snow-storm battered eagle had 3 buckshot pellets lodged in her leg, tail, and chest, and the clinic is still waiting for the results of lead-poisoning blood work. This is the first bald eagle brought to the clinic in 20 years.

The Newport Tree Society has announced a program that will provide homeowners in Newport with trees. 

Unlike previous programs, the “Specimen Tree Restoration Program” will provide trees free of cost.

Homeowners who receive trees will be asked to sign a contract promising to take care of the tree.

The Society hopes the program will serve as a model of urban forest management for other cities.