DEM To Hold Public WorkShop On Stafford Pond Fishing Regulations

The state Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife will hold public workshops in Tiverton and Exeter in early April to discuss the proposed 2014-2015 freshwater fishing seasons, 2013-2014 falconry season, and the 2013-2014 hunting season and bag limit regulations.

The workshops follow concerns by Tiverton residents and leaders on the recreational uses allowed on Stafford Pond. The pond is a primary drinking water resource for some Tiverton residents in the Stone Bridge water district. Officials worry loose regulations could allow for contamination from fuel, invasive species and other threats. 

Public workshops will be held on Tuesday, April 2 at the Tiverton Rod and Gun Club located at 1529 Fish Road in Tiverton, and on Wednesday, April 3 at the Education Center located within Arcadia Management Area at the former Camp Ehuntee, located at 1B Camp Ehuntee Place in Exeter.  Both workshops will start at 6:00 p.m. 

A public hearing on the proposed regulations will be held on Tuesday, June 4 at 7 p.m. in the Warwick Police Department's Community Room at 99 Veteran's Memorial Drive in Warwick. 

Copies of the draft regulations will be available at the public workshops and will be posted on DEM’s website, www.dem.ri.gov, by March 29.