Surfrider Foundation, RIRRC, CRMC to hold beach cleanup

April 6, 2007, NARRAGANSETT – The Surfrider Foundation Rhode Island Chapter, Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council, and Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation will host the Surfrider Foundation’s biannual beach cleanup in South County and Newport on Saturday, April 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In honor of Earth Day, the Surfrider Foundation, with the help of RIRRC and CRMC, will be hosting the cleanups and the barbecue that will follow at the Narragansett Town Beach. The South County cleanup will begin at the Narragansett Town Beach, and the Newport cleanup (from 9 a.m.-11 a.m.) will start from Easton’s (First) Beach; both events will take place, rain or shine. Volunteers have been asked to gather at the Narragansett Town Beach’s South Pavilion parking lot prior to the start of the cleanup. Trash bags and gloves will be provided; volunteers are asked, however, to bring their own gloves if they have them.

“This year we are looking for even more support from the public in light of the recent trash issues on the South Shore,” said David Prescott, Chairman of the Surfrider Foundation Rhode Island Chapter. “Come and show your support for our shoreline. Together, we can work for clean oceans and beaches for today and into the future.”

The CRMC has donated the use of a 30-yard Dumpster, trash bags and volunteers from CRMC staff for the cleanup. RIRRC will be at the town beach’s North Pavilion from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for those interested to drop off their household hazardous waste and to recycle old computers, monitors, cell phones batteries and more for free. For more information about the cleanup, contact Carissa Lord, Secretary of the Surfrider Foundation Rhode Island Chapter at ctlord@yahoo.com. For more information about the drop-off, contact Dennis aRusso of RIRRC at (401) 942-1430 ext. 202.

“The CRMC is excited to assist the Rhode Island Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation and RIRRC in their biannual beach cleanup,” said CRMC Chairman Michael M. Tikoian. “In light of the debris that washed ashore as a result of the Point Judith dredging project, the CRMC wanted to lend time, resources and staff to help with this important Earth Day cleanup.”