For the first phase of the dune reconstruction on Norton Point Beach, dredging began the week of November 8, with sand pumped to the bayside shore of Norton Point east of the gatehouse.
Piping buried under the sand where it crossed the OSV corridor will transport dredged sand into a 20-foot-wide trench on the outer beach to drain. Draining the sand is a necessary step before it can be loaded into trucks for transport to the project area.
Trucking and grading of sand at the dune construction site is expected to begin the week of November 15 and will likely require a one-month closure of the Norton Point OSV trail.
Once complete, the reconstructed dune will be a better barrier to storm surge and high tides, protecting the landscape, habitats, roads, and bridge behind it, as well as improving access by providing a buffer between the ocean and the narrow OSV corridor in the area.
“We have seen and will continue to see destructive storm activity impact many of our beaches around the island and up and down the Massachusetts coast,” explains Paul Morrison, Trustees Stewardship Manager for Martha’s Vineyard. “Recently the October Nor’Easter resulted in erosion, flooded OSV trails, and property closures. And it’s not only storms causing disruptions—the Norton Point OSV corridor is also vulnerable to high tides, which can prevent access. Projects such as this dune restoration and OSV trail relocation are vital for the future of our special places, helping them to adapt to the accelerating impacts of climate change.”