TTOR update for Chappy Access
By Kate O'Donnell
Are you excited for the Derby? I am, and I don't even fish!! I think this is my favorite time of year -- I hope a bunch of fish show up and keep things interesting.
I just wanted to give you all a heads-up on a few things that will be happening on the beaches starting this weekend:
First, we will be opening East Beach to OSV access north from the Dike Bridge crossover starting Saturday night (basically, dropping the fence on the pedestrian swimming beach). This will open up more beach and allow for an alternative access route when the inside trails on Cape Poge flood, as they have been doing regularly the past few winters.
Second, we will be offering a 2-Day OSV pass to Derby participants, starting Sunday. The pass is a hangtag, and priced at $100. Folks will have the option to upgrade for a third consecutive day for $30 (or upgrade to the annual permit). This is a trial program, but we are interested to see what kind of interest it generates. Passes can be purchased at the Mytoi Gatehouse seven days/week or the Dike Bridge gatehouse on weekends. Rangers will also be patrolling the beach and actively checking permits as usual.
Also, I'm sure that you have all seen the erosion that has been hitting Wasque and the drive-on access down there. While I certainly have my fingers crossed that it holds on for a few more weeks, I realize that I might be optimistic on that: the beach is definitely disappearing. We are watching that access on a day-by-day basis and will likely have to close it for safety reasons at some point during the Derby. I don't look forward to that day, and I hope that everyone is appreciating it while we have it.
Thanks so much, and happy fishing! See you on the beach!
Katie
Katie O'Donnell
TTOR, Chappaquiddick Superintendent
The Trustees of Reservations | Martha's Vineyard
P.O. Box 2106 | 860 State Road | Vineyard Haven, MA 02568