Dams

The majority of large lakes and ponds in Rhode Island are, in fact, reservoirs or waterbodies created by building a dam. Often, those dams were built some time ago, and residents may not even be aware that the dam exists. Unfortunately, dams require care and maintenance, which is often overlooked due to a lack of awareness or even knowledge of who is responsible for the dam. The resulting inattention occasionally led to significant problems such as dam breaches. This page includes links to information about dams in general, as well as to Rhode Island-specific regulations and articles, and documentation of the recent history of dam management in Rhode Island.

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SOURCE

TYPE

Rhode Island’s Dangerous Dams – Editorial

Providence Journal

Dams – An Overview

Miami Museum of Science – Unity Program

The Trouble with Dams

The Atlantic Monthly

Dam Safety Regulations and Resources

Association of State Dam Safety Officials

Invasive Species

Invasive aquatic plants can fundamentally alter freshwater ecosystems, often leading to a collapse in local biodiversity. Unlike native species, these invaders typically lack natural predators, allowing them to form dense, monoculture mats that block sunlight from reaching deeper waters and deplete dissolved oxygen levels. Beyond the ecological damage, these thick infestations can obstruct boat engines, interfere with swimming and fishing, and decrease property values by turning clear lakefronts into impenetrable marshes. Effective control is therefore vital to maintaining the ecological balance, recreational utility, and economic health of lakeside communities.

A tranquil water lily surrounded by lush green leaves on a calm pond surface.

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SOURCE

TYPE

Additional Resources for Information on Aquatic Invasive Plants

URI Watershed Watch

Archive of RIINVASIVES – Invasive species in RI: Science, news & events

URI List Server

Aquatic Invasive Species

RI Dept of Environmental Management

Center for Aquatic and Invasive and Invasive Plants

University of Florida Extension

Citizen’s Manual for Developing Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan

Washington State Department of Ecology

Education and Outreach Materials

RI Coastal Resources Management Council

Identification and Management of Aquatic Invasive Species

RI DEM,  Katie DeGoosh & Christine Dudley

Herbicide Information

Eagle Lake Property Owner’s Association

Learning about Aquatic Invasive Species

URI Watershed Watch

Maine Center for Aquatic Invasive Plants

Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program
Two Canadian geese stand by a calm lake in a natural wildlife setting.

Managing Canada Geese

One of the joys of living by or visiting lakes is viewing wildlife, such as beavers, muskrats, ospreys, ducks, geese, swans, and more! However, many of these beloved creatures, such as many Canada geese, are not native to Rhode Island and can create significant problems for our lakes, lawns, parks, and other lake residents. Below are links to information to help you manage geese on your own property or to help you develop a community program for nuisance goose management. In Rhode Island, the Eastern RI Conservation District (ERICD) has adopted the GeesePeace model to manage geese in waterways throughout the state.

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RESOURCE

TYPE

5 Reasons Why Feeding Waterfowl is Harmful

RI DEM

Geese Peace

GeesePeace Program

Goose Fact Sheet

Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District (ERICD)

Fact Sheet – Managing Canada Goose Damage

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Wildlife Services (WS)

Home owners guide to Canada Goose Management

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Living with Wildlife Canada Geese

USDA APHIS

Management of Canada Goose Nesting

USDA WS

Wildlife Damage Management

State of New England Jersey Wildlife Damage Management

Member Associations

Save the Lakes is proud to work with the following organizations and associations as members: