Chatham Conservation Commission Advances Two Coastal Restoration Projects, Reshuffles Membership

CHATHAM -- August 25, 2021, Chatham Conservation Commission advances coastal restoration projects and reorganizes membership. The commission, chaired by Bob Rawls, voted unanimously at its August 25 remote hearing to move a salt marsh restoration at 157 Sears Road and an invasive-removal project at 100-102 Cedar Street to a September 1 work session for orders of conditions, while continuing a flood-zone dwelling reconstruction at 604 Orleans Road to October 13. Applicant's representative Seth Wilkinson described why direct replanting of eroded salt marsh without first restoring peat elevation has "unfortunately extremely low" chances of success, framing the fiber-roll-and-cobble approach at Sears Road as essential to the project's viability. Commissioners approved certificates of compliance for four properties in a block vote, accepted the resignation of Commissioner Joe Kitts, and unanimously elevated Associate Mary Sullivan to full commissioner status, pending Select Board confirmation.