Visitors to Outer Island

All access to Outer Island, Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, is done by permit and through the weekend visitor program of the Friends of Outer Island (weather permitting). School visits mainly occur during the week and can arranged through Connecticut State University at 203-392-6265 or CEROI. Any questions or other requests to visit Outer Island can be made to the refuge office can be reached during the week from 8:30 to 4pm at 860-399-2513.

The island is only open on the weekends to visitors who are accompanied by Friends of Outer Island. Visitation is from July 4 through Labor Day from 10am to 3pm. You may call the island directly on weekends between 10am and 3pm at 860-982-8634. Volunteers will direct boat landings. A limited beach area is available for small boats. Larger boats can moor off-shore. The dock is not available for boat landings.

Outer Island is one of 9 units of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge and is maintained for wildlife habitat. Specific wildlife dependent activities are compatible with the mission and purpose of the refuge when these activities occur in designated areas. The entire island is not open at any time. Designated areas are open to the public for environmental education and wildlife observation when under supervision. Outer Island is a small and fragile environment; over use will destroy important habitat.

Trespass on the island without a permit is a violation of Federal Code of Regulations 50. The United States Fish & Wildlife Service will prosecute trespassers. The island maybe closed by the Refuge Manager in the event of bad weather or for similar reasons.

Thank you for your cooperation in advance and enjoy your visit to the Outer Island unit!

Andrew French
Refuge Manager

Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 1030
Westbrook, Connecticut 06498-1030
Voice: 860-399-2513 Fax: 860-399-2515

Last modified: 7july05 (fm)