TTOR Beach Update - Cape Poge and Norton Point Beach Access and Permits
Apr
11
Written by:
4/11/2017 8:36 PM
4/11/17 Latest Update to Summary Below:
The first two miles of Norton Point was reopened this afternoon. Again, the section of Norton Point opposite the WacksHouse on Chappy is still too narrow and eroded for safe travel but the NP crew tell me it is quickly regaining its lost beach. Expect that travel from Norton Point to Chappy will be re-established soon.
Summary: All of Cape Poge and Leland is open for vehicle access. Wasque Point is overwashing regularly so use extreme caution if you venture around the Point. Also, severe erosion at the Norton Point/Wasque boundary line has forced us to close vehicle access beyond that point. The only way to get around that area is to drive up onto the dunes and beach grass which is not a smart thing to do so we've temporarily closed that section of the beach. Also, we were about to reopen Norton Point when last night's high winds (4/5/2017) re-flooded the bay side trail system from the Norton Point Gatehouse to a spot 1/2 mile down the beach. The outside beach from the Norton Point gatehouse is closed for about 3/4 mile since we have no outside beach in that area. All in all, Norton Point Beach has really been hit hard so far this winter and early spring. It will come back but it may take awhile and some gentle moderating SW winds. Once the flooding recedes a bit we will reopen Norton Point but there will only be about 1.5 miles of Norton accessible to vehicles until the beach rebuilds on the Chappy end.
We have also heard some positive news from the County. The County Commissioners have approved our request to restrict the sale of Norton Point Day Passes so that they will go on sale after 10:30 AM daily. Many year rounder permit holders found themselves locked out of the beach at Norton Point last summer when we had only 4/10 mile of beach open for vehicles due tothe proximity of plover chicks. Now, if you get to the Norton Point beach early you will have a better chance of finding a spot on a crowded beach.
Folks have until April 30 to renew their beach permits online and save $20. After May 1 the prices will go back to where they were last year:
Purchased before April 30 (online only):
- $180 for Cape Poge/Wasque
- $90 Norton Point Beach – Island Vehicle**
- $140 Norton Point Beach – Off-Island Vehicle
- $250 Combination Permit – Island Vehicle** (Cape Poge/Wasque & Norton Point Beach permits and one complimentary Trustees Family-level membership)
- $300 Combination Permit – Off-Island Vehicle (Cape Poge/Wasque & Norton Point Beach permits and one complimentary Trustees Family-level membership)
Purchased after April 30 (on island only):
- $200 for Cape Poge/Wasque
- $90 Norton Point Beach – Island Vehicle**
- $140 Norton Point Beach – Off-Island Vehicle
- $270 Combination Permit – Island Vehicle** (Cape Poge/Wasque & Norton Point Beach permits and one complimentary Trustees Family-level membership)
- $320 Combination Permit – Off-Island Vehicle (Cape Poge/Wasque & Norton Point Beach permits and one complimentary Trustees Family-level membership)
** To take advantage of the Island Vehicle rate your vehicle must be registered in Dukes County. You may be contacted to supply a copy of your vehicle registration before we can issue your permits.
The Mass Division of Marine Fisheries has announced that portions of Cape Poge Bay will be closed to the setting of Conch pots and Fish pots where the Army is searching for underwater munitions. This ban DOES NOT affect travel to Cape Poge, shellfishing for quahogs, surf fishing from the beach, nor fishing from boats. Many folks read the state's recent press release believing it would have an impact on their ability to fish from the beach--it does not have any impact on recreational fishing or shellfishing. We ask that visitors to Cape Poge avoid Little Neck as the Army will continue with their search for munitions and daily detonation of live bombs which generally occurs from 3-4 PM each afternoon at Little Neck.