Boats on display.

• Position: SPORTS

Byline: Joe Michniewicz COLUMN: OUTDOORS The Providence Boat Show, which has launched the boating season in New England for 12 years, will run January 6-9 at the Rhode Island Convention Center and the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence. In addition to being the first show of the year in southeastern New England, it is also the largest boat show of the season. There will be over 450 boats representing more than 175 brands on display. More than 375 exhibitors will present almost every type and style of pleasure boats, accessories and boating services available today. Show hours are as follows: 4-10 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6; noon-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7; 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 8; and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 9. Admission to both facilities is $10 for adults and free for children under the age of 12. Trout Unlimited releases report The national conservation organization Trout Unlimited (TU) has released a report examining the combined effect of acid rain, sprawl, forest loss and mismanagement, dwindling clean water supplies and invasive species on New England's wild brook trout. Jeff Reardon, TU New England conservation director said, "We set out to do a report on a fish, and wound up doing a report on a lot of what ails New England in general. This means that if we keep brook trout in our waters, we'll have done a good job of fixing the major threats to the New England landscape." In addition, the report - "The New England Brook Trout: Protecting a Fish, Restoring a Region" - also explores the ways that citizens can involve themselves in the brook trout restoration effort in each of the New England states. "Brook trout are the ultimate indicators of the health of our lands and waters," said Chris Wood, TU vice president for conservation. "Mercury and other airborne emissions are reflected in the growing number of fish consumption advisories on waters...