National Grid, which donated the land to the state in 2001, will be cutting brush and removing dead trees to be able to access power lines safely
PROVIDENCE – The Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is announcing that the John H. Chafee Nature Preserve will be closed to the public on Thursday, Nov. 15, and Friday, Nov. 16. National Grid will be cutting brush and removing dead trees to access power lines at the 230-acre, waterfront property, located on Boston Neck Road in North Kingstown. National Grid donated the land to the state in 2001 for passive recreational use and retains a right of way through the area.
Growth of underbrush and saplings has made it hard for crews and trucks to access the power lines that run through the preserve. National Grid also will remove dead oak trees that are leaning toward power lines and widen both sides of the main hiking trail.
Named for the great conservationist Rhode Island governor and longtime United States senator, the preserve has diverse wildlife habitats, a small rocky beach from which harbor seals can be seen at Rome Point from October until spring, and sweeping views of the West Passage of Narragansett Bay and Jamestown Bridge. "It's a nice walk through the woods to the beach," says one TripAdvisor review.
For more information about DEM divisions and programs, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.