Sachuest Point Remains Closed Until Further Notice
Law enforcement officials will patrol the refuge and anyone found on the refuge may be ticketed.
Federal officials are asking the public to adhere to the closure of Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Middletown Rhode Island. The refuge is closed due to unsafe and hazardous conditions resulting from damage caused by Hurricane Sandy.
“The high surf created unstable banks, severe drop offs right next to the trail, washed out trails, and over-steepened shoreline access points”, said Refuge Manager Vandemoer. “These hazardous conditions coupled with the lack of emergency vehicle access to the refuge from the damage to Sachuest Point Road, create unsafe conditions for the public.”
Law enforcement officials will patrol the refuge and anyone found on the refuge may be ticketed. Staff will continue to assess the damages, and work with federal, state and local agencies to restore the road and refuge lands.
For more information please call 401-364-9124, or visit their website at www.fws.gov/sachuestpoint or find us on Facebook: Keyword – Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
Dave F.
9:38 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Sachuest Point is a beautiful, but odd, place. They claim to respect every creature, yet they go and destroy entire fields. What exactly are they practicing - wildlife preservation or wildlife destruction.
And puhleeeze, just fix the access road and be done with it. Call JAM and they'll have it repaired, with a binder coat down, in a day or two.
Sean roberts
10:00 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
This is sad! My son and I would drive out almost every morning to see the deer.
Sean roberts
10:01 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Dave? They destroy an entire field?
Anonymous
10:49 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
I wish that instead of paying law enforcement to "patrol" and ticket those whom prefer to enjoy nature at no cost, we could focus all efforts and costs towards fixing the issue; perhaps even organize a volunteer relief/cleanup day...
James Wermuth
3:09 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Please post an update - is anything concrete being done to restore this extraordinary natural gift for Islanders and guests to enjoy? In other words, is there progress, if so, what. If not, what is the hold up?
Genevive
7:21 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Wondering why it is taking so long? "Continuing to assess" after all this time? Is it a funding issue? I agree with the commentator above, I'm glad to see some news about what's going on a Sachuest at least, but would really be interested to know more! I'm worried about how extensive the damage was for wildlife.
As for "destroying" the fields as another commentator feared, they were in the process of removing invasive species plants, which requires mowing down areas that are heavily infested. They were replanting these areas with shrubs and grasses that are native and provide suitable habitat and food sources for the wildlife.