I appreciate the technical, legal and subjective arguments over managing Chappaquiddick beaches to accommodate responsible over-sand vehicle (OSV) access.
I appreciate the technical, legal, and subjective arguments over managing Chappaquiddick beaches to accommodate responsible over-sand vehicle (OSV) access. But really, isn’t our overarching obligation that we preserve the culture that sets our Island lifestyle apart.
The national media conjures images of wealth and celebrity on a summer playground, but the Vineyard is also at heart a community of hardworking, year-round Islanders, some of whom have lived here for generations, others who are new arrivals striving to make ends meet.
Will future generations be able to drive on East Beach and set out a sand spike in anticipation of a big catch or dip net scallops in Cape Poge Pond? Or simply sit back and enjoy the camaraderie of family and friends under the sun and stars?
One memorable evening, Jared Hull of West Tisbury and I crossed the Dike Bridge, passing a lone fisherman, and headed to Cape Poge. The night’s humidity absorbed our headlights. It was very dark, with only shades of black where the sky met the water.
The outgoing current was a tidal river carrying a glowing stream of phosphorescence, small pulsating creatures, part of a galaxy of life in an ocean Milky Way. A few other fishermen came and went. The occasional glow of lights on the other side revealed other fishermen.
Just past the jetties, we started catching large striped bass. Because of the phosphorescence, every strike was marked by an explosion of light. Sometimes, an accelerating striped bass chasing the fly across the water would be visible as a streak of light.
It was a magical night of fishing I don’t expect to be duplicated for my enjoyment. But I hope future generations can slowly drive along the beach, scanning the current nearby for an oily bluefish slick, or roam Cape Poge at night listening for the “baloop, baloop” that indicates surface-feeding striped bass.
On my last visit to Chappy in many years, I saw that the owners of the so-called “windmill house” along the elbow that leads to Cape Poge Gut had created a narrow travel corridor marked with multiple signs at both ends and wire strung along the entire route. They are, of course, well within their property rights. But those signs are symptoms of a deplorable and careless attitude that will certainly erode, and ultimately destroy, the priceless neighborly bonds at the core of our community if the culture of public access on Chappaquiddick disappears.
Nelson Sigelman lives in Vineyard Haven.
Comments
Nelson, your writing
Brian ChappyNelson, your writing beautifully sums up what’s at stake and what we will loose if public access is restricted. To the Cape Poge property owners, don’t forget that eminent domain is always an option to ensure public access.
I question the vehicles only,
Arnold A. OBI question the vehicles only, pedestrians prohibited sign. First, pedestrians can fish and fowl below the high water mark per MA law. Second, the Trustees have an easement across the property to access the Trustees property further down the beach. That easement, I assume, allows for pedestrians in addition to OSVs. Waterfront property owners are known to put legally incorrect signs on their property to intimidate the public; sad state of affairs that it’s happening here.
Nicely written I too am
Gina Menemsha/NYCNicely written I too am nostalgic for the old Vineyard areas of free access
Sadly the sheer population increase & many disrespectful visitors have had a negative impact on the old Martha most will no longer enjoy
Nelson, great essay about
Peter Sliwkowki ChappyNelson, great essay about preserving the culture that sets our Island lifestyle apart.!
Due to the limitation of overall access to our coastline, in itself, OSV access isn't a recreational activity; it serves as the sole practical means of access, for almost half of the publicly accessible beaches on the Vineyard.
We understand the frustration
Rich Thompson EdgartownWe understand the frustration of Cape Poge landowners. Your partnership with TTOR has deteriorated and what sadly developed into disappointment has now grown into resentment. But your strong desire to “send a message” to TTOR is dangerous, for it clouds the judgement of even the most noble. Your message will also miss its intended target. If OSV access is eliminated, you may consider your mission "accomplished". But the TTOR will continue to exist on the exact same footprint on Chappy. Even if they never sell another OSV permit, and even if the only vehicles that ever cross the Chappy beaches are those driven by Cape Poge landowners, TTOR will continue to own and manage their property. They aren’t going away. So, who suffers by OSV elimination? It is the public. The Island citizens who seek an afternoon of enjoyment with the kids, the lovers catching a secluded sunset or the surfcaster catching the sunrise (and likely little else!). It is the 20,000+ folks who annually seek (need!) the peaceful solitude of Chappy. All these folks and more are the losers, not TTOR. Presumably you have no beef with these folks. But regardless of the purity of your intentions, you must not be blind to the consequences of your actions. We the people trust that OSV abolishers harbor no ill will toward the public. But at this point we need proof. The tool you are using is too blunt – elimination is not compromise. Please choose the path of reconciliation, reform, restrictions and shared sacrifice. We must avoid binary outcomes and shun the nuclear route. Redirect your boundless ingenuity into solutions that the Island will be pround to embrace.
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