The Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex recently completed work to improve canoe and kayak access to the John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge. This riverine refuge is an ideal location for bird watching, saltwater fishing, and hunting, all of which are best accomplished by watercraft.

Prior to the project, the roadbed was severely rutted, limiting public access and contributing sediment directly to the Narrow River. In order to improve this heavily eroded site, the refuge's maintenance staff placed more than 240 cubic yards of stone and gravel on the access road and designed sediment controls to prevent runoff from reaching the river.

Completion of this project will improve water quality within the Narrow River, as well as giving the public a better opportunity to appreciate the refuge's scenic marshes and abundant waterfowl.