Officials Say Wildlife Refuge To Open Next Month

During a tour of the damaged area, officials announced work to open the road should begin shortly.

After Hurricane Sandy shut down Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge over a month ago, there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel.  During a tour of the damaged park on Friday afternoon, officials announced the refuge will be open to the public by the end of January.   Robert Smith, Deputy Chief Engineer for the Department of Transportation said the road, which is currently impassable, will be not only cleared and repaved, but that they plan to build a “stone armor” to shield against future storms.  Smith said they expect to put out a contract for the work within five days.  “This isn’t a quick fix,”  added the Refuge Manager Charlie Vandemoer. The concrete slabs that were washed up on Sachuest Point Road will be reused to …

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Officials to Tour Wildlife Refuge Today, Reed Seeks Federal Assistance

Senator Jack Reed is seeking federal assistance to repair the access road.

This afternoon, Dan Ashe, the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) will travel to Rhode Island to meet with U.S. Senator Jack Reed and tour storm damage at Sachuest Point.   Superstorm Sandy battered Sachuest Point Road, creating unsafe and hazardous conditions and cutting off vehicle access to the popular Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge.  Reed, the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior & Environment, which oversees the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s annual $1.5 billion budget, is seeking federal assistance to repair the access road.  This week, the Appropriations Committee unveiled a $60.4 billion emergency Disaster Supplemental bill to help pay for damage resulting from Sandy.  The …

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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 …

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Sunset at Sachuest Point

My second attempt at a seascape at Sachuest Point.