Smithfield grove offers accessible fishing to all

SMITHFIELD - It took four years and a community effort, but the result is good news for residents who like to fish, especially those who are handicapped.

Gaining access to a scenic grove along the shore of Stump Pond is now a lot easier, with completion of a wheelchair-accessible fishing area at the town's Leo Bouchard Conservation Center off Waterview Drive, behind the police station.

The town's Conservation Commission, which spearheaded the project with the community's Land Trust, has notified the Department of Environmental Management that the work is officially completed.

The DEM gave permission for some 200 feet of shoreline improvements four years ago, and the result is an enhanced fishing area that features a 16-by-16-foot fishing deck, specifically designed to be safe for wheelchairs, overhanging the water.

The work, done gradually as help became available, included the development of parking spaces and a long deck-access path made of stone dust, finely crushed material that provides a smooth surface for wheelchairs.

The fishing area, shaded by tall firs, is also a pleasant place for a walk or to enjoy the water view, said Robert and Wendy Fournier of Stillwater Road, who were strolling there Sunday with friend Bill Poore of Brayton Road. They said they use the area often even though they don't fish there.

Those who do wet a line can catch bass, pickerel, pike, and sunfish, according to Donald Burns, chairman of the Conservation Commission.

The area is expected to be used year-round, Burns said, because Stump Pond is also popular with ice fishermen.

Barbara Rich, president of the Land Trust, said the area is especially valuable because it abuts her agency's 254-acre Wolf Hill preserve, with its miles of hiking trails, and the two sites together offer enhanced opportunities for birding.

Burns said the project received design help from Smithfield's Ken Weber, the late Providence Journal nature columnist who was often consulted on environmental issues.

Financing for the work came from a variety of sources, including the Land Trust and the Gregson Foundation, according to Burns, who said the total cost was about $10,000.

Several community agencies and organizations contributed to the success of the project, he said, including the Public Works and Engineering departments, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, volunteers from the Land Trust and Conservation Commission, and the Lions Club, whose members built the decking.

Topsoil for landscaping was donated by developer Frank Simonelli, Burns said, and concrete for deck footing was donated by Greenville Concrete.

Also helping was the Smithfield Youth Conservation Corps, a group of young people who work summers.

The fishing area is adjacent to the Conservation Commission's rustic headquarters, opened in 1980, which also includes the Land Trust office. The Bouchard Center is named for the late, long-time Conservation Commission member.