Thanks to the recent dedicated work
of Sam Hart and Chris Kennedy of TTOR and Don Scarpone and Ron Domurat of the
Martha's Vineyard Surfcaster's Association, good news from the Prez and the
Trustees can be provided as in the notes below. Please follow all rules and
guidelines, and report those who don't.
"September 9, 2019
Dear Martha’s Vineyard Surfcaster’s
Association Member and Derby Entrant,
Below please find the notice from The
Trustees of Reservations (TTOR) regarding permitted OSV travel along the
bayside trail to and from Chappaquiddick during the upcoming Derby.
As many of you are aware, the trail
along the ocean side on Norton Point is badly eroded beginning at a point
approximately two miles beyond the guard shack. Travel along the front beach is
not possible. This agreement was the result of a recent meeting between MVSA
members and the Trustees’ Island office and reflects our continuing efforts to
balance safe access with beach integrity and regulatory compliance under the MA
Endangered Species Act which we must follow.
All OSV operators should be aware that the
trail along Katama Bay is subject to flooding during periods of high tide.
Travel along the trail should not be attempted in the four hour period starting
two hours before until two hours after high tide in Edgartown. OSV operators
who attempt to travel during that window run the risk of driving through water
and should a problem arise help will not be available from the
Trustees.
As Derby anglers please respect the
Trustees wishes regarding fencing and roped off areas as any abuse of that
trust could result in the loss of whatever limited travel privileges are
available to us. Ropes are not to be cut and stakes are not to be
moved.
Thank you,
Don Scarpone, President"
"September 9, 2019
Access for Over Sand Vehicles (OSV) to
Chappaquiddick to and from Norton Point will be allowed on Friday, September 13th -
Sunday, October 19thfor the duration of the MV Striped Bass and
Bluefish Derby. Access will be limited to the Katama Bay side of Norton
Point at or near low tide only. Please note that use of the bayside trail
on Norton Point will be limited during high tides due to portions of the trail
being flooded so do pay close attention to the tides.
The Trustees greatly value their
relationship and partnership with our local fishing and hunting communities and
we look to you for help in ensuring that derby participants adhere to all beach
regulations and, in particular, confine OSV travel to the fenced-off travel
corridors provided. Failure to stay within the approved corridors may impact
the health and resilience of the beach system itself and is likely to cause
destruction of state-listed endangered species and plants, which would
constitute a prosecutable offense under the Massachusetts Endangered Species
Act. The MV Surfcasters Association and The Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby
Committee have agreed to encourage responsible beach use among their
membership. The Trustees reserve the right to close any or all
sections of the beach if regulations are not observed.
Our Mission is to “preserve, for public
use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological
value in Massachusetts." The coastal properties we own or manage on
Martha’s Vineyard are stunning examples of places where public enjoyment,
natural beauty, and ecological values coincide.
We wish tight lines to Derby
participants – but please, fish responsibly. Observe all rules,
posted and un-posted, for beach use. Confine your travel to designated
corridors and encourage others to do likewise.The Vineyard’s beaches
are a resource for everyone – and that means all are responsible for keeping
them healthy."
Please direct any
comments or suggestions to Don Scarpone: