Waiver of State Beach User Fees and Recreational Saltwater Fishing License Requirement on Governor’s Bay Day

WHEREAS, Rhode Island is committed to promoting and expanding outdoor recreation in the State; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island’s magnificent public beaches are one of our State’s most treasured natural resources enjoyed by residents and visitors alike; and

WHEREAS, our State’s ample saltwater fishing areas provide a great way for families and friends to experience the thrill of recreational fishing; and

WHEREAS, the State wishes to encourage Rhode Islanders to get outdoors, be active, and explore our network of recreational areas; and

WHEREAS, Narragansett Bay is a vital natural resource that supports our water-based economy and its critical business sectors; and          

WHEREAS, the State’s waters provide abundant and diverse local seafood, nourishing our families and strengthening our economy; and

WHEREAS, protecting and promoting Narragansett Bay and its surrounding watersheds are a top priority of the State; and

WHEREAS, in 2011, there were 175,000 anglers in Rhode Island, totaling $130 million in all fishing-related expenditures; and

WHEREAS, in 2016, Rhode Island state beaches, bikeways and parks attracted more than 9 million visitors, generating approximately $312 million in consumer spending and contributing to the State’s tourism industry; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island General Laws § 42-17.1-9.1 permits the Director of the Department of Environmental Management to establish appropriate user fees for state beaches; and

WHEREAS, the Director of Environmental Management, consistent with Rhode Island General Laws § 42-17.1-9.1, may from time to time waive user fees for all state beaches; and

WHEREAS, Rhode Island General Laws § 20-2.2-5 permits the Director of the Department of Environmental Management to establish a free-fishing day where a license is not required for recreational saltwater fishing; and

WHEREAS, the Director of the Department of Environmental Management wishes to waive state beach user fees on Bay Day and designate Bay Day a free-fishing day for recreational saltwater fishing.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DANIEL J. MCKEE, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Rhode Island, do hereby order as follows: 

1. All Rhode Island state beaches will be open to the public free of user fees on July 31, 2022
2. Recreational saltwater fishing shall be permitted in the marine waters of Rhode Island without possession of a recreational saltwater fishing license from July 29, 2022 through July 31, 2022.

This Order shall take effect immediately.

So Ordered:

Daniel J. McKee

Governor