It has been thirteen years since these scenic beach properties last had a top-to-bottom review.  In that time, Cape Poge and Wasque have seen some changes.  In the last few years, vehicular traffic on these properties has decreased, education and natural history interpretation has increased, and surveys on traffic and visitor use has been completed.   The Trustees of Reservations has taken this information and created an updated plan that will improve management efforts to protect rare species and habitat, provide access for recreation and public use and enjoyment, and provide better visitor services. 
 
In gathering information for the management plan, The Trustees analyzed survey data on the number of vehicles and pedestrians accessing the properties, and asked property visitors, Chappaquiddick residents, and fishermen for their opinions on existing and desired management practices.  The Trustees also researched the history of the properties back to early settlement days.  It is these surveys and research that drive this new management plan.

The new plan calls for the consideration of an education center, limits on the hours of nighttime access (except for fishing), closure of redundant roadways and trails through sensitive sandplain grasslands and wetlands, and greater controls on the sale of merchandise. The plan also supports the establishment of limited year-round bathroom facilities and the review of low-impact boardwalk access from the Dike Bridge to the Cedars on East Beach.  In addition, the plan calls for a closer working relationship with the Town of Edgartown and other Chappaquiddick groups to look at the issues of vehicle access to Chappaquiddick Island and ways in which The Trustees can work in concert with the Martha’s Vineyard Commission and the Town of Edgartown to address local concerns on traffic.

A draft of the updated Cape Poge and Wasque Management Plan is now available for review on-line.  The public is invited to review the draft plan on-line or in person at The Trustees' Islands Regional Office, 135 Beach Road (Pyewacket’s Antique Building) in Vineyard Haven. 

Comments may be submitted until June 25th via e-mail to islands@ttor.org or by writing to The Trustees of Reservations, PO Box 2106, Vineyard Haven, MA  02568.