Stafford Pond Reservoir To Host 16 Fishing Tourneys In 2013

Town officials are looking to work with the state Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to impose regulations on the boats that will be allowed on the Stafford Pond reservoir during the 16 scheduled bass fishing tournaments this year.

Between April 21 and Oct. 12, The Sakonnet Times reports 16 tournaments will bring large boats, with large motors onto Stafford Pond - which supplies drinking water to Tiverton residents who are part of the Stone Bridge water district.

The announcement comes at a time when the Town Council and Tiverton Conservation Commission are planning a meeting with DEM officials to create stricter regulations on the recreational use of the reservoir.

A tentative meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Feb. 28 at the DEM office located at 235 Promenade Street, Providence. The meeting will include representatives from DEM, the Stone Bridge Fire District, the Town Council and the Conservation Commission.

"In these tournaments you can now use very large boats, we are trying to figure out who picks that and how we can try to change that," said Thomas Ramotowski chairperson to the Conservation Commission during Monday's Town Council meeting.

Among other concerns of pollution from the tournament is the introduction of invasive species, oil contamination from boat engines, human waste, and trash.

DEM enforcement should be called (222-2284) if people are seen breaking any of these laws.