The 2009 Summer Community Lecture Series is sponsored by Rhode Island Sea Grant, the URI Cooperative Extension/Nutrition and Food Sciences Department, the R.I. Ocean Special Area Management Plan, and the participating libraries. For more information, visit seagrant.gso.uri.edu.
These lectures are free, but seating is limited. Please contact Rhode Island Sea Grant at (401) 874-6800 to reserve your seat.
June 18th
Understanding Climate Change: What it Means for Rhode Islanders
Global climate change and sea level rise effects are already being seen in Rhode Island in rising temperatures, erosion, and increased flooding. URI GSO Associate Dean and Ocean Engineering Professor Kate Moran and URI Coastal Resources Center/Rhode Island Sea Grant Coastal Management Extension Specialist Pam Rubinoff have studied climate change and coastal issues around the world and will speak about what changes Rhode Islanders can expect in the coming years as well as an innovative project the state is working on to develop offshore renewable energy resources.
Newport Public Library Program Room 300 Spring St., Newport
7–8 p.m
July 16, 2009
Vessel Traffic, Safety, and Offshore Wind Farms: Navigating the Coast Guard’s Review Process
Edward G. LeBlanc is chief of the WaterwaysManagement Division for Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England, an area that includes Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island Sound, Buzzards Bay, Nantucket Sound, and all ocean waters adjacent to Rhode Island, Southeastern Massachusetts, and Cape Cod. His division ensures navigation safety through a variety of preventative measures including aids-to-navigation, vessel traffic management, boating safety education, and compliance with federal regulations. The Waterways Management Division also reviews any proposed facility or activity that may impact navigation on a federal waterway, such as offshore renewable energy installations (e.g., wind farms), dredging and bridge maintenance operations, and marine regattas.
North Kingstown Free Library 100 Boone St., Wickford
7–8 p.m.
August 6th
Rhode Island Ocean Zoning: Where NOT to Put a Wind Farm in Rhode Island Waters
Work is underway to gather data to assist in siting offshore renewable energy facilities (wind farms) in R.I. coastal waters. Environmental conditions, existing uses, ecological impacts, and technological constraints are all factors to determine viable sites for offshore energy development. Malcolm Spaulding, URI professor of ocean engineering, will describe the marine spatial planning approach that is being used. This work is being done as part of the R.I. Ocean Special Area Management Plan to zone Rhode Island’s waters.
South Kingstown Peace Dale Library 1057 Kingstown Rd., Peace Dale
7–8 p.m.