Officials Examine Hurricane Damage at Sachuest NWR

Dec 21, 2012

Officials Examine Hurricane Damage at Sachuest Point NWR

WPRI.com in Rhode Island reports that Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island was joined by the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in touring Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, which has been closed since it was damaged during Hurricane Sandy.

Refuge Manager Vandemoer reports on the refuge website, “The high surf created unstable banks, severe drop offs right next to the trail, washed out trails, and over-steepened shoreline access points. 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.”

Senator Reed noted the refuge is popular with visitors and needs to reopen soon. He is working with politicians on a bill worth $78 million to meet recovery costs for all national wildlife refuges on the Eastern seaboard.

Visit the WPRI.com website for a video report.