John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge Proposed Hunting and Fishing Plan The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to open hunting and fishing opportunities at John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge (refuge). Currently there are no hunting or fishing opportunities offered at the refuge.

The proposed hunt plan would open nearly all of the refuge’s 563 acres to migratory birds (geese, ducks, coot, and mergansers), white-tailed deer, wild turkey, coyote, and fox hunting, with some season and weapon restrictions (see Figure 1 and 2). State safety regulations would apply. Additionally, saltwater fishing would be open in designated areas in accordance with State fishing regulations (Figure 3).

Details of the plan:

- Migratory bird hunting would match State regulations on the following hunting units: Congdon Cove, Foddering Farms, Middle Bridge, Sedge Island, Starr Drive, and Stedman (September – January).

- White-tailed deer hunting would match State regulations on following units: Congdon Cove, Foddering Farms, Middle Bridge, Mumford, Starr Drive, and Stedman. Deer hunters would be allowed to take fox and coyote during the deer season (September – January).

- Wild turkey hunting would match State regulations on Foddering Farms Unit (April/May and October) and wild turkey hunting in the fall will be open on Congdon Cove, Middle Bridge, Mumford, Starr Drive, and Stedman Units (October).

- Firearms hunting in accordance with State regulations will be allowed on designated refuge lands. - One small parking area (0.1 acre) will be developed on Stedman property for hunter access, near

Hillside Rd. and Crest Ave.

The objectives of the hunting and fishing program on John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge are to:

1. Provide the public with a high-quality recreational experience on refuge lands and increase opportunities and access for hunters and anglers;

2. Design a hunting and fishing program that is administratively efficient, manageable, and aligns with State regulations when possible;

3. Implement a hunting and fishing program that is safe for all users;

4. Provide hunting and fishing opportunities for youth and those that need assistance; and

5. Design a hunting and fishing program that aligns with refuge habitat management objectives.

The mission of the Refuge System is “to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans” (Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997)

Figure 2. Proposed Southern Hunting Units at John H. Chafee NWR.

Figure 1. Proposed Northern Hunting Units at John H. Chafee NWR.

The Refuge is accepting written public comments between March 16 and June 8, 2020. If you have comments or questions, please email rhodeislandcomplex@fws.gov or mail to 50 Bend Road, Charlestown, RI 02813, attention: Hunting/Fishing Plan

The Draft Rhode Island NWR Complex Hunting and Fishing Plan, which includes the John H. Chafee National Wildlife Refuge Environmental Assessment, and Compatibility Determinations, is available for download at www.fws.gov/refuge/john_h_chafee/.

Public open houses have been cancelled, and the comment period has been extended to June 8, 2020.

Figure 3. Proposed saltwater fishing area at John H. Chafee NWR.