October 26, 2009
Canal Enthusiasts:
We are all so busy this time of year, so we do appreciate your interest in
the canal. We had a very good meeting and the maps were very helpful and
required very little alteration. The recommendations were well received
with a few additional ones that were added.
Here is a brief list of the recommendations from the Consultant:
Canal Basin to Randall Street, Providence
This section comprises a 0.6 mile length of watered canal trench beginning
at Park Row and extending north along Canal & Charles Streets to Randall
Street. Physical restoration is recommended to include stabilization and
repair of the canal walls along with the removal of concrete caps that are
not original. Expanded interpretation in this area is also recommended.
Lorraine Mill Area, Pawtucket
This area comprises a 0.4 mile stretch of watered canal trench, beginning
on the north side of the Lorraine Mill complex and extending north to the
Pawtucket - Lincoln municipals line. This venture would involve working
with the City of Pawtucket to preserve open space near the Lorraine Mill
complex and some specific canal interpretation.
Ashton Dam Area, Lincoln
This is a 1.8 mile section of watered canal within the Blackstone Canal
State Park with an emphasis on the area right next to the Ashton Dam.
Controlling river flow through the canal is a critical concern and needs
immediate attention. Additional concerns in the area voiced at the meeting
were the siltration of areas impacted by run-off from the road. An actual
delta is forming in some places. Another concern was the invasive plants
that were beginning to choke the canal in various section in this stretch
of canal.
Mammoth Mill Area, North Smithfield
This is a 0.4 mile section of watered canal, beginning in the south at the
Singleton Street bridge and extending north to the state line (MA / RI &
Blackstone / North Smithfield) and running parallel to the railroad to the
west and the Blackstone River on the East. What is needed here is a long
term site plan that includes archaeology, mill ruin stabilization and
interpretive signage.
Interpretation Throughout the Canal Corridor
The disjointed nature of the Canal in RI, where visible and watered
sections of identifiable canal trench are by design interspersed with long
stretches of slackwater passages in natural water bodies makes it difficult
for the public to recognize that the Canal historically was a contiguous
feature in the landscape. Interpretive Canal signage would broaden the
story currently told.
These are the basic recommendations for preserving the canal. If you have
any ideas to add to this, please don't hesitate. While there has been some
discussion of the Lonesdale Bleachery area & Saylesville where good canal
pieces remain, there are other mitigating issues that make this very much a
long range concern.
Please drop me an email of you have some additional thoughts.
Thanks for your interest,
Chuck
Ranger Chuck Arning
National Park Service
The John H. Chafee
Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor
One Depot Square
Woonsocket, RI 02895
(401) 762-0440
"Experience Your America"
Chuck_Arning@nps.gov
