Facing widespread public backlash, the Trustees of Reservations have rescinded a recently released draft beach management plan for the Chappaquiddick beaches they own and manage.
Facing widespread public backlash, the Trustees of Reservations have rescinded a recently released draft beach management plan for the Chappaquiddick beaches they own and manage, the president of the land trust announced Thursday.
“We are pulling the plan,” TTOR president John Judge told the Gazette by phone.
“We want to expand the process and tap the collective intelligence of folks...including the many people that are passionate about the beach and passionate about the ecological treasure we have there.”
A press release announcing the change went out shortly afterward.
First unveiled last month, the draft management plan laid out sweeping changes for the roughly 12 miles of barrier beach that begins at Norton Point in Edgartown and connects to Wasque Reservation, Leland Beach and Cape Pogue Wildlife Refuge.
Altered routes for over-sand vehicles and a ban on dogs were among the proposed changes that had sparked criticism from longtime beach users, including fishermen and families.
In the press release, Mr. Judge acknowledged the criticism.
“The trustees will be reaching out to stakeholder groups in the coming weeks to better understand the areas of greatest concern,” the release said in part.
The trustees had begun present the plan to town boards, including the Edgartown conservation commission on Wednesday night, and a series of public engagement sessions were planned for early August.
But all that has now changed, Mr. Judge told the Gazette. Instead, he said the August meetings will be canceled and a new set of public engagement sessions will be held beginning in the fall.
“We can use the fall where we go back and meet with folks,” said Mr. Judge, who formerly headed the Appalachian Mountain Club and took over as TTOR president in January.
“It’s going to be good for us as an organization that holds eight properties and thousands of acres of conservation land on the Vineyard,” he added. “We’re at the intersection of where recreation meets resiliency . . . and those two things need to be connected with the urgency around stewardship.
“We’re going back to the drawing board.”
Comments
Thank you, Chris Kennedy.
New Englander ChappaquiddickThank you, Chris Kennedy.
Thank you. Let the
DBar17 NPBThank you. Let the discussions begin. I am cautiously optimistic that the ongoing dialog will not be tainted by the same kind of vitriol and adversarial posturing that characterized the majority of comments directed at TTOR in the past three weeks. Civility in manner and a mutually agreed upon future use policy is best for all stakeholders.
It takes courage to admit you
Show Me the Data ChappyIt takes courage to admit you were wrong, and this is exactly the kind of accountability required to lead this organization. President Judge - thank you for pulling this plan and taking the initiative to engage all stakeholders in coming up with a new plan that’s best fit for purpose for our island community. We look forward to working with you this fall in finding the right middle ground between access and protection, in line with the Trustees’ mission.
Piping Piping Plovers, as
Carol EdgartownPiping Piping Plovers, as well as other shoreline plants and birds, do not go hand and hand with dogs.
In his letter about this
JaredN Boston/ChappyIn his letter about this draft plan, Chris Kennedy, former Islands Regional Director for the Trustees, said he can only remember 6 instances of dogs off-leash within a bird nesting zone during his 32 years of experience. Leashed dogs simply are not a problem on Cape Poge.
Isn’t it great when community
WJ EtownIsn’t it great when community opinion is sought before massive policy changes are drafted? Sunlight is the best antiseptic to the back room dealings that shrouded these deliberations.
I give Mr. Judge credit for
Schools Out TisburyI give Mr. Judge credit for stepping back and I'm willing to give him a "do over". I'm hopeful voices like Chris Kennedy's will be heard in the next go round.
Glad to see this!
Cynk New HampshireGlad to see this!
Bravo ! I pray this does not
George Stein OBBravo ! I pray this does not turn into a five year conversation that buries too many Island projects
Down with the Piping Plovers!
Donald EDGARTOWNDown with the Piping Plovers! I'm so tired of hearing about these piping plovers, if nature wanted them, they would be thriving, many other species take advantage of the piping plovers nesting habits. blah, blah blah
I hope those negotiating how
Jennifer Martha’s VineyardI hope those negotiating how to sustainability enjoy and protect Norton Point will talk to conservation organization experts who have succeeded in striking this delicate balance on other shores.
No indication of any
SteveP EdgartownNo indication of any immediate change in the current policy of near zero access. This once loyal supporter of the Trustees remains skeptical.
Martha’s Vineyard is a
Owen EdgartownMartha’s Vineyard is a seasonal community with an economy that primarily relies on tourism. The Trustees need to communicate/inform the public. At the very least provide updates on access to TTOR properties. They do not answer the phone and only provide the occasional social update. The visitor experience needs to be improved. The community is your fiercest critic and biggest ally. Keep them informed.
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