Four-Acre Parcel will Enable Creation of Fishing, Boating Access
Site on River
PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management has
acquired four acres of land in Westerly that will enable the creation of an
excellent fishing and boating access site on the Pawcatuck River.
"The Pawcatuck is very popular for fishing, canoeing,
kayaking, and other forms of outdoor recreation. But currently, no safe public
access exists between Bradford and Westerly on the Pawcatuck – a beautiful
stretch of river that supports Rhode Island-raised stocked trout and warm water
fish species," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "Thanks to this
acquisition, DEM will be able to make this spectacular site and several miles
of the river readily accessible to the public."
"Acquisition of this property by DEM is a boon for the
Pawcatuck River and for those who use the river for recreational
purposes," according to Chris Fox, Executive Director for the
Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association. "We know the State will be good
stewards to the river. We look forward to seeing new public access at the site
that uses best management practices to stabilize the river bank and minimize
human impact to the habitat."
A popular recreation spot, the Pawcatuck River is located in
the southwest corner of the state and flows through a relatively rural area of
forest, farmland, and small towns. There is a lot of protected land in both the
upper reaches of the watershed and along the main stem of the river.
The Pawcatuck's water quality is excellent and supports a
diverse population of freshwater fish. Cold water streams in the headwaters
support both wild and stocked trout, along with warm water species and stocked
trout in the lower reaches of the river.
Fish ladders have been installed at
the remaining dams along the river to encourage sustainable populations of
diadromous fish such as shad and river herring. The property was purchased for
$205,000 from Richard Wucik, Jr. with funds provided through state open space
bonds.
