Massive Shellfish Transplant May 3 and May 17 – Volunteers Needed to Improve Health and Marine Life of Coastal Ponds

MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 27th, 2010
CONTACT: Chris Littlefield (401) 578-2989, Jules Opton-Himmel (347) 256-0753

The Nature Conservancy of Rhode Island seeks volunteers to implement a $40,000 grant from the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council to transplant hard clams into Ninigret Pond this spring. The Nature Conservancy and partners, including the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), The Salt Ponds Coalition, and Save the Bay will enhance the hard clam population of Ninigret Pond by transplanting 200,000 adult clams into a designated spawner sanctuary within the pond. This effort will build upon the Conservancy’s work over the last 2 years in Ninigret Pond (and Quonochontaug Pond) to restock over 400,000 clams. The transplant is expected to provide immediate and long-term improvements in water clarity, an increase in juvenile clams, and create important habitat for a variety of marine species.

Volunteers are needed for two transplants. The first will take place on Monday, May 3, from 10:30-12:00 at Mill Cove in Wickford, then from 1:00-3:00 P.M. at the Lavin’s Landing Marina on Ninigret Pond in Charlestown. A second transplant will take place on Monday, May 17, from 10:30-12:00 at Rhode Island Clam Company in East Greenwich, then from 1:00-3:00 P.M. at the Lavin’s Landing Marina.

The transplant, administered and supervised by the DEM, is supported by the Rhode Island Shellfishermen’s Association and volunteers from around the state. Shellfishermen will be harvesting clams from Mill Cove in Wickford and from Greenwich Cove in East Greenwich, then transported by truck to Ninigret Pond where they will be re-planted by hand in the pond. They will live in a protected area within the pond, which serves as a breeding ground for the shellfish, increasing the number of clams in the pond and filtering the pond to benefit of people and wildlife.

Volunteers should have strong backs, be able to do heavy lifting and bending, and be able to be on your feet the whole time of the volunteer project. Wear movable and flexible clothing that you can get dirty, including closed-toed shoes or waders. Bring sun and bug protection and drinking water and rain gear if necessary. Volunteers under the age of 16 must volunteer with a parent or guardian. To sign up, contact Stephany Hessler at Save the Bay at shessler@savebay.org or 401-272-3540, x130.

THIS IS AN EXCELLENT PHOTO OPPORTUNITY! Volunteers will gather at Mill Cove (directions below) prior to 10:30 to load 50-lb. bags of clams on a flat bed truck, bound for South County. Volunteers will also gather at the Lavin’s Marina at Ninigret Pond (directions below) prior to 1:00 when the shellfish will arrive from Wickford, and clams will be unloaded and put on boats for planting. Photographers/cameras will have access to shots from shore or to be ferried out briefly to actual transplant sites for filming. Principals from TNC, DEM, STB, and SPC, as well as volunteers, will be available to the media.

DIRECTIONS TO MILL COVE: Wickford Public Boat Ramp. From Providence, I-95 South to Exit 9 onto Route 4, then Exit 5A for Route 102 East to Wickford. Follow to Post Road/US 1, and take a left. Take a left onto Intrepid Drive (which is about one mile north of Rte 102/Rte 1 intersection). Boat launch is at the end of Intrepid Drive.

DIRECTIONS TO THE RI CLAM COMPANY: 7 Water Street, East Greenwich. From Providence, I-95 South to Exit 9 onto Route 4, then Exit 8 (1/4 mile past I-95) for Division Street/Rte. 401. Take a right onto Division Street, veer right after one mile when it becomes First Avenue. Take a left Route 1. Take a right at King Street (about seven blocks up), which will become Water Street. Park on Water Street and look for RI Clam Company building.

DIRECTIONS TO LAVIN’S LANDING MARINA: From the north, take Route 1 South to Charlestown and look for East Beach Road exit on right hand side. Take the exit and do a U-turn through lights and across road to Route 1 North. Take Meadow Lane exit on right—approx. 1/3 mile after you get on Route 1 North—and proceed down to the dock at end. Lavin’s Landing Marina phone # is 322-7277.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS:

MAY 3

MAY 17

TO SIGN UP: Contact Stephany at shessler@savebay.org or 401-272-3540, x130 When you sign up please include your cell phone number so we can reach you in case of cancellation or early completion.

REQUIREMENTS: Participants should have strong backs, and be able to do heavy lifting and bending. Able to be on your feet the whole time of the volunteer project. Must work the entire length of the volunteer project.Wear movable and flexible clothing that you can get dirty, including closed-toed shoes or waders. Bring sun and bug protection and drinking water and rain gear if necessary. Volunteers under the age of 16 must volunteer with a parent or guardian. All volunteers will be required to sign waivers so we can track your hours of service for the grant funding.