Stumbling blocks to public access remain at the so-called Ratcliffe property in Little Compton, a five-acre tract which accesses prized Almy's Creek and was purchased late last year by the Little Compton Agricultural Trust.

The property, long known as an informal beach access point to locals, was purchased by the trust in November for $830,000 following an outpouring of public support for conservation efforts, after the land was put on the open market.

In late February the state Department of Environmental Management announced that it had granted the trust $375,000 to help cover the cost of the purchase.

The property contains sandy ad rocky Almy Beach that supports nesting piping plovers, mud flats that support a host of shore and wading birds, a high and low salt marsh, and coastal thickets.

"With direct road access, this property will be open for swimming, paddling, fishing, and passive recreation," DEM wrote in its grant announcement.

But the full vision for the property has yet to be realized. Though the sale has been finalized and is now under trust stewardship, Little Compton residents have noticed two signs on Oliver Lane that they believe are illegal, as well as a chain across the road that was put up years ago and is still there.

Apart from the two signs installed on Oliver, the chain "is still in place to intimidate walkers ... who seek to walk or bike to the marsh. It restricts access for strollers, wheelchairs and those who may find it difficult to walk on the rocky beach," said Little Compton Linda Pololi.

Trust members were expected to discuss public access at the Almy Beach area at their meeting, which was scheduled to be held Wednesday evening.

"Many of us feel very strongly that the chain and its posts, and the two road signs should be removed," Pololi said. "We would like a welcoming sign to be put in place by the trust or the DEM, to confirm public access to the area."

At the time of the purchase, trust chairman Bill Richmond said the property will present some management challenges due to its unique location.

There will be some things the trust will need to work out, he said. As public use of Almy Creek will likely increase, the trust will need to determine details like parking and hours of operation, as well as other issues of access, maintenance and stewardship. The Beach Commission has already expressed interest in helping to manage the area, he said at the time.