As a chapter we are very proud of the effort, support and results. The project has received accolades and notice locally, at the state level, and from Trout Unlimited's national organization.
In October of 2000, the chapter put out a press release detailing the project completion:
"October 12, 2000
The Squan-A-Tissit Chapter of Trout Unlimited, based in Pepperell, MA. has constructed a Universal Access Fishing Site on the Squannacook River in Townsend, MA., at the end of Old Meetinghouse Road. The site consists of two casting areas connected by a 100' long path through a scenic hemlock grove, and can be used by spin cast, bait or flyfishermen. The Universal Access Site will provide safe and easy access to prime trout water on the Squannacook River for all fishermen, including men, women and children with disabilities, in wheelchairs or utilizing canes or walkers; for elderly anglers; and for parents with young children." (Read the entire press release...)
(A photo of the second casting platform, and an upstream view of the Squannacook River.)
"This is an absolutely beautiful facility that provides shore fishing access for all anglers, and I would like to present this Conservation Award to the Squan-A-Tissit Chapter of Trout Unlimited for all their hard work that made this project possible."
"Partnerships such as this make good things happen, and I hope that we can use this project as a model for future river access projects."