Letters

Once again, the residents of Noyac demonstrated their community-minded spirit by volunteering their time to clean up the invasive plants that have taken over once-pristine Trout Pond. Invasive species displace native species and interfere with recreational activities, such as swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing.

This year, members of Boy Scout Troop 455 participated: Ulysses Cole, Keanu King, Cole Jaeger, Quincy Renaud, Ise Umetoni and Alex Venesina. These young men kept pace with the adult volunteers. We are so appreciative of their efforts and impressed with their youthful vigor.

Lara Sweeney, Valerie Remkus, Bridgette Renaud, Marguerite Basti, Diane Hewett, Jim Kinnier, Blair Seagram, Matt Burns, Nick Maurantonio and Councilman Tommy John Schiavoni dragged rakes to extract cambomba and milfoil weeds that choke the life of the pond. Once the weeds are raked onto the shore, volunteers shoveled the weeds onto wheelbarrows. The weeds were then deposited into a dumpster supplied by the Town Parks and Recreation Department.

Tommy John and Diane used their kayaks to drag the large rakes to deeper areas of the pond. No one left the pond dry. In spite of that, our spirits were high. We have done this cleanup twice before and are making inroads. Thanks to the efforts of Derryl Baumer, Mat Mordente and Peter Reilly of the Town Parks and Recreation Department the volunteers are guided in how to rake the invasive plants.

This strenuous activity produced impressive results. Thanks to all who participated on October 14. Perhaps many others will join the Noyac volunteers next year in cleaning up our precious Trout Pond.

Elena Loreto

President

Noyac Civic Council