Debris Dumped at Conservation Site

A dump truck-size pile of dirt, bricks, cobblestones, concrete slabs and large rocks blocks an entrance to the trail at the Sowams Woods conservation area off of South Lake Drive.

And the Barrington Land Conservation Trust would like some help to remove it if you have access to a backhoe or other construction equipment to haul it away, said Helen Tjader, an officer with the land trust.

The pile of construction debris showed up sometime last week before the Presidents’ Day holiday weekend, Tjader said.

“The enormous pile most likely was dumped by a large truck filled using a backhoe to lift the largest boulders and concrete pieces,” she said. “It was dumped right in front of the Sowams Woods sign.”

Is the pile at that spot meant to send a message to the land trust?

“It’s just ignorance,” said Tjader. “I don’t think we were singled out. This ignorant action is an insult to everyone in our community who worked so hard to protect this property.”

“Because Sowams Woods is an archaeological site,” she said, “the management plan does not allow the trust to simply spread out the dirt on site.”

A cable strung between several trees keeps motorized vehicles off the trail. The dumper may have intended to drive up the trail. When it couldn't be done, the driver dumped the debris anyway.

Tjader said she has been sifting through the debris for any evidence of the pile’s origin that might prove useful in prosecuting the person who dumped it. She filed a report with the Barrington police a couple of days ago.

“But there’s not a lot they can do unless it can be traced to a particular site,” she said. “Or if anyone noticed a large truck in the area.”

If you did see a truck or know of a building site from where the debris could have originated, she said: “Please contact the Barrington Police Department’s confidential tip line, 437-3933.”

If you can volunteer time or equipment to assist in sifting and removing this material, please contact Tjader at 401-480-8329 or helen@acornnpsolutions.com.

“The trust will work to remove this eyesore as quickly as possible,” Tjader said.

See the photos above. A photo of the pile also has been posted to the land trust's Facebook page as well.