Outdoor Recreation

State Guide Plan 152, Ocean State Outdoors was approved by the State Planning Council on August 29,2019. The Plan addresses the existing status, current needs, and future vision for outdoor recreation and open space protection in Rhode Isnad. It sets goals and strategies for improvements and additions to our infrastructure, and programming, for outdoor recreation resources. An Advisory Committee provided technical advice from a broad representation of stakeholders such as state and municipal officials, environmental organizations, and private sector stakeholders.

2019 Advisory Committee

• Frank Floor, Chief, DEM Division of Parks and Recreation
• Mia Patriarca, RI Department of Health, Ctr. For Health Promotion RIDOH
• Joshua Giraldo, Chief of Staff, Central Falls
• Veronica Berounsky (or Designee), Chair, Rivers Council
• Chuck Horbert, Rivers Council/RI Canoe & Kayak Association
• John Torgan (or Designee), State Director, The Nature Conservancy
• Meg Kerr, Senior Director of Policy, RI Audubon
• Sarah Mitchell (or Designee), RI Bicycle Coalition
• Theresa Murphy, Parks & Recreaction Director, South Kingstown
• Raena Blumenthal, Recreation Director, Coventry
• Anna Lockmer, REI, Outdoor Rec. Retailer
• Steven O'Donnell, CEO, YMCA Greater Providence
• Phil Hervey, Municipal Planner, Barrington
• Tiffany Rhodes, Johnson and Wales University

As a Rhode Island state policy document, Ocean State Outdoors serves several key purposes:

State Guide Plan

This plan is an element of the Rhode Island State Guide Plan, and, as such, requires the consistency of all publicly supported activities, both planning and project implementation. State agencies, municipalities and all public and private entities receiving public support are expected to carry out any recreation, activity in a way that is consistent with this Plan.

State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)

Ocean State Outdoors also serves to meet the National Park Service’s planning eligibility requirements for the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund program. This program is a valuable source of support for protecting resources and providing facilities for public recreational use.

State Recreational Trails Plan

In concert with A greener Path: Greenspace and Greenways for Rhode Island’s Future, State Guide Plan Element 155, this plan addresses the requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation ‐‐ Federal Highway Administration's National Recreational Trails Program which provides funds to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail‐related facilities.

Wetlands Priority Plan

This plan provides an update to the wetland priority plan required under the federal Emergency Wetlands Conservation Act.