I want to express my appreciation to all the citizens who participated in the primary election which concluded last night. Our democracy works best when citizens are actively involved. The candidates for public office connected with and listened to the voters but only with the scores of trained volunteers and municipal clerk staff were we all able to navigate the process well.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) announced it will move forward with its Compatibility Determination (CD) to maintain existing beach fishing areas and seasons, in accordance with state regulations.
The decision follows a 20-day public comment period, during which the refuge received 83 comments on the draft CD. Parker River NWR offers some of the best recreational surf casting beaches in Massachusetts, and fishing has a long and successful history at the refuge. The CD found that fishing, provided stipulations outlined in the CD are followed, is compatible with the mission and purpose of the refuge. All areas and seasons previously open to fishing will continue to be open, with the addition of the shoreline access to Stage Island (new since the last fishing CD was written) and the expansion of the fishing area at Nelson Island. Public comments universally supported the notion of maintaining fishing access.
The CD determined that use of off-road vehicles (ORVs) for fishing detracts from the mission of the refuge due to adverse effects on (1) migratory birds, (2) shoreline and dune habitat, and (3) public safety. Regional, continental, and global shorebird populations have declined drastically and ORVs have been shown to negatively affect shorebirds and their habitats more than other recreational uses. ORVS increase the rate of beach and dune erosion, which is more problematic now as rising sea levels and increased storm intensity are adversely affecting refuge habitat. The result is a steeper, narrower beach, which can no longer support safe and sustainable use of ORVs.
Most public comments (59%) supported discontinuing the ORV fishing program. All comments were analyzed, and the final CD edited to reflect public input. A summary is available on the refuge website (see below).
The final CD maintains fishing areas and seasons but discontinues ORVs, effective this season. This change aligns with management of all surrounding public beaches, including the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s beach management policies state-wide.
Staff will promote the existing, year-round opportunities for visitors with beach wheelchairs to access the beach via the Lot 1 administrative access trail as well as provide loaner beach wheelchairs, free of charge. In addition, the refuge will re-route and construct a new, accessible beach boardwalk at Lot 2 using future year deferred maintenance funds, retrofit beach boardwalk 3, and install new Mobi-Mats as needed to improve accessibility. Together, these improvements will greatly expand access opportunities for mobility-challenged anglers. The refuge will issue refunds to this year’s ORV surf fishing lottery applicants.
From America’s oldest fishing port there were amazing vessels in the harbor and nearby waters with wide smiles and happiness everywhere. One of the most anticipated events on Cape Ann each year. Gloucester Schooner Festival.
Today, polls will be open between 7 AM and 8 PM. To see a sample ballot or find your polling place click this link from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/WhereDoIVoteMA/WhereDoIVote
Gloucester Schooner Festival Mayor's Reception
Labor Day Holiday: Tunnel Open Weekend of September 2
Because of an anticipated increase in regional travel over the Labor Day weekend, the Sumner Tunnel will be open during the weekend of Friday, September 2. Work will resume on the weekend of Friday, September 9.
Tunnel Closure Weekend of September 9
The Sumner Tunnel will be closed on Friday, September 9 at 11:00 p.m. and will re-open to traffic on Monday, September 12 at 5:00 a.m.
Travel Tips
Plan Your Route
MassDOT continues to remind drivers to plan for extra travel time during weekend closures, consider the Blue Line or Silver Line as an alternative to driving, and stay informed by signing up for email updates through the project website.
The MBTA is scheduled to operate full Blue Line service during weekend tunnel closures, which provides the most direct connection between East Boston and the downtown area. If you’re driving a vehicle, a number of signed detours will be in effect. Follow the links below to view the detour routes and plan your trip.
Weekend of September 9
Over the course of the weekend of September 9, MassDOT will be preparing the tunnel walls for concrete repairs, installing reinforcements to the East Boston boat section walls, demolishing ceiling panels, preparing pre-cast ceiling arch replacements, reinforcing the supports of existing tunnel cable walls, and completing all cleaning operations required to open the tunnel by Monday morning. Work will be taking place continuously throughout the weekend.
Adjacent projects
In addition to the Sumner Tunnel restoration project, drivers should be aware that MassDOT continues to conduct additional necessary maintenance activities in the area, including the Ted Williams (I-90) and Tip O’Neill (I-93) tunnels. In most cases, maintenance activities require a reduction in travel lanes to allow for the safe completion of work. Understanding the potential travel impacts created by any reduction in travel lanes, this work is scheduled outside of peak travel hours to minimize the impact on regional travel.
Want more information?
Stay up-to-date and informed by following the @MassDOT Twitter account and Mass 511 for real-time updates, visiting the project website, or emailing us with any questions.
You can also sign up to receive project updates via email by clicking this link: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/MADOT/subscriber/new?topic_id=MADOT_187
Please consider these steps:
