Squannacook River Universal Access Project DFWELE Press Release

November 10, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bob Greco (DFWELE) 617-626-1556
Michael Rosser (TU) at 978-433-6418 or Russ Schott (TU) at 978-474-2739


Universal Access Fishing Site Dedicated on Squannacook River in Townsend
Massachusetts Public Access Board Also Announces Publication of New Access Guide


State and local officials met with members of the local Trout Unlimited chapter today to celebrate the completion of a fully accessible fishing site on the Squannacook River in Townsend. At the ceremony, officials presented a Conservation Award to the Squan-A-Tissit Chapter of Trout Unlimited of Pepperell for the organization's work in completing the project. Officials also unveiled new copies of a publication entitled "Public Access to the Waters of Massachusetts," a 150-page, full color guide listing more than 200 state boat and fishing access areas in Massachusetts.

"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," said David Peters, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries, Wildlife & Environmental Law Enforcement (DFWELE). "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."

The Universal Access Fishing Site on the Squannacook River is located on part of the Department of Environmental Management's Willard Brook State Forest at the end of Meetinghouse Road in Townsend. T he Squan-A-Tissit Chapter of Trout Unlimited constructed the facility, which offers quality, year round fishing. 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 provides 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.

"This section of river has always been a great place to enjoy some quiet time fishing," said Michael Rosser, TU Chapter President. "While working on the project this August, we were always entertained by the many rising trout during the late afternoons. Hopefully these paths will enable others to enjoy the river and some great fishing."

Trout Unlimited worked closely with the landowner, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management (DEM), and with the state Public Access Board, which provided a significant amount of the construction materials for the project. TU also worked closely with the Townsend Conservation Commission, Board of Selectmen, and Highway Department, in order to complete construction. Most of the work at the site was completed during the four weekends in the month of August, and involved approximately 20 volunteers and more than 250 hours of work.

"We were thrilled to work with the Squan-A-Tissit Chapter of Trout Unlimited and with the Department of Environmental Management on this worthwhile project," said Jack Sheppard, Director of the Public Access Board. "It is very unusual for a private organization to take the initiative to lead a project of this type through the local approval process and then to actually complete the construction. Based on this experience, we look forward to working with TU on other projects around the Commonwealth."

According to Don Stoddard, Regional Director of the Department of Environmental Management, the Squannacook River project fits nicely with recent efforts to make state camping facilities at nearby Willard Brook and Pearl Hill State Parks more accessible to people with disabilities. "Someone using the special facilities at Willard Brook or at Pearl Hill, can get into their vehicle and drive ten or fifteen minutes to the Universal Access Fishing Site and have a more complete outdoor experience. If the guys from Trout Unlimited hadn't approached us, we probably wouldn't have thought about or had the resources available to construct such a facility on our land at the Squannacook River."

The following businesses, organizations and individuals contributed funds and/or materials, and the project would not have been possible without their help.

• Public Access Board, Dept. of Fisheries, Wildlife, & Environmental Law Enforcement
• P.J. Keating Company, Shirley, MA.
• Powell Stone and Gravel, Lunenburg, MA.
• Croteau and Sons, Inc./ Colonial Stoneyard, Groton, MA
• MA/RI Council of Trout Unlimited
• Winslow Duke Family, Pepperell, MA
• Lee Stephen, Townsend, MA
• Stephen Gray, Mason, NH