Rhode Island’s Ocean SAMP, the first plan of its kind, explained
Before any turbine went up off Block Island, Rhode Island mapped its offshore waters in detail. The Ocean SAMP became…
Section
Towns
Town-by-town coverage of South County, Rhode Island.
Point Judith Light: visiting the grounds and the history of the point
The octagonal tower at the tip of Point Judith has marked the entrance to Narragansett Bay's western approaches for generations.…
Dock rents and leases at Galilee: how the state-owned port is managed
Businesses at Galilee lease their land from the state, and fishing boats pay to tie up. Rent and fee changes…
Matunuck’s eroding shore: bulkheads, sand and the road at the water’s edge
Along Matunuck Beach Road, the ocean has moved steadily closer to homes, businesses and the town road. The response has…
What the summer season is worth to South County’s economy
From Watch Hill to the Block Island ferry, visitors power much of South County's economy. Here is how the season…
How Rhode Island’s coastal council decides what owners can build against erosion
When the ocean threatens a house or road, owners often want a seawall. Rhode Island's Coastal Resources Management Council decides…
Starting a business in Washington County: the free help and the permits you need
Opening a shop in Westerly, a food business in Wakefield or a charter in Galilee? Here is the step-by-step, plus…
Why sea stars along the Rhode Island shore keep disappearing
Beachcombers along Narragansett's rocky shore have noticed fewer sea stars in some years. Researchers link mass die-offs to a wasting…
How a South County town budget is built, from council workshops to voter approval
Every spring, councils and school committees work through budgets that set property tax rates. The process differs by town, and…
Beach parking in South County: how passes and daily fees work, town by town
South County's beaches are run by towns, the state and private associations, and each sets its own parking rules. Here…