The RI BASS Federation Nation spearheaded the clean up of Spectacle Pond off rt.10 in Cranston, RI.  Spectacle pond is a small millpond that is part of the Pawtuxet River system. Spectacle pond has a lot of old history relating back to the manufacturing of beer for the Narragansett Brewery Company.

The Group of volunteers met at 8:30 am for coffee and donuts donated by the RI Bass Federation Nation.  While 3 boats took a quick survey of the pond the group of thirty volunteers broke into teams and headed out to problem areas that had scattered litter and debris.  The boats played a critical part in moving people and equipment and many trips of trash to designated drop-off areas around the pond.  The group ended up focusing all efforts on the north end of the pond where a large shopping plaza appears to be a major problem area of scattered litter of plastic bags and shopping carts.  Other item also collected were several tires, TV’s, air conditioner and other household items that were dumped in behind the shopping center and next to the pond.

By noon, the group had filled a 30 yd. Dumpster and left a huge pile of trash that was collected behind a large shopping plaza on the north end of the pond.  The pile of trash was picked up on the following Monday by a private trash contractor.

The volunteers were treated to a great lunch complements of Billy De Angelis III of the Twin Oaks Restaurant on Pleasant St. in Cranston RI.   The Twin Oaks restaurant is located on Spectacle Pond.  Billy and his family are great stewards for their pond and were very easy to work with.  He allowed us to use his private access to the pond.  That was very helpful because there’s no public ramp on this pond.  

The RI BASS Federation Nation is planning another clean-up project for next year.  Roger Williams Park will be the location.  Which is also part of the Pawtuxet River system.