DEM Solicits Public Help With State Turkey Population
GoLocalProv News Team
DEM Solicits Public Help With State Turkey Population
When individuals see wild turkeys and hens with or without broods (a family of young animals), they are asked to fill out this report and then email it to [email protected]. Brian Tefft, principal wildlife biologist at DEM and head of the Wild Turkey Project, can also receive reports through the mail at 277 Great Neck Road, West Kingston, RI 02892.
Wild Turkeys in RI
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe public reported 142 turkey brood sightings last year, all of which helped the DEM track the state’s approximately 3,000 wild turkeys.
“These reports helped document a below average year of productivity for the wild turkey in Rhode Island, with fewer than half of the previous year’s number of brood sightings being made,” said Tefft.
With reports coming in from the public, DEM will also be able to document seasonal conditions that affect turkey brood survival. According to Tefft, the wild turkey population has been on the decline over the last five years as a result of both natural and man-related factors.
The 15 Costliest Government Programs in RI
#15 Non-Highway Transport
Category: Transportation
Cost Per $1,000 of Income: $4.87
National Rank: 4
#14 Community Development
Category: Environment and Housing
Cost Per $1,000 of Income: $4.97
National Rank: 12
#13 Sewage & Solid Waste
Category: Environment and Housing
Cost Per $1,000 of Income: $5.09
National Rank: 36
#12 Health & Hospitals
Category: Social Services
Cost Per $1,000 of Income: $5.40
National Rank: 49
#11 Other Ed. & Libraries
Category: Education
Cost Per $1,000 of Income: $6.00
National Rank: 12
#10 Fire
Category: Public Safety
Cost Per $1,000 of Income: $6.50
National Rank: 2
#9 Highways
Category: Transportation
Cost Per $1,000 of Income: $7.66
National Rank: 48
#8 Police
Category: Public Safety
Cost Per $1,000 of Income: $7.87
National Rank: 13
#7 Utilities
Category: Utilities and Liquor Stores
Cost Per $1,000 of Income: $9.25
National Rank: 40
Note: Utilities are not considered to be "direct general expenditures." Instead utilities are categorized as "other direct expenditures." The category is a U.S. Census Bureau term. Unlike some states, Rhode Island does not have state-run liquor stores.
#6 Gov't. Administration
Category: Administration and Debt Interest
Cost Per $1,000 of Income: $11.05
National Rank: 16
#5 Interest on Debt
Category: Administration and Debt Interest
Cost Per $1,000 of Income: $12.13
National Rank: 3
#4 Higher Education
Category: Education
Cost Per $1,000 of Income: $13.59
National Rank: 45
#3 Pensions and Other
Category: Insurance Trust
Cost Per $1,000 of Income: $39.62
National Rank: 4
Note: Other than pensions this area of spending includes unemployment security, disability insurance, and workers compensation. Together, these expenses are categorized U.S. Census Bureau as "insurance trust."
#2 Public Welfare
Category: Social Services
Cost Per $1,000 of Income: $46.90
National Rank: 7
#1 Elementary and Sec. Ed
Category: Education
Cost Per $1,000 of Income: $48.59
National Rank: 15
