Work is getting underway on the construction of a coastal dune on Yirrell Beach.
The construction of the coastal dune is part of the Yirrell Beach management plan, which aims to maintain public access for swimming and recreation, maintain and protect the shorebird nesting habitat, and maintain the beach functions of storm damage prevention and flood control because it fronts the only transportation route to the Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Facility.
“Given the harsh winter, we are starting later than anticipated and will work to install as much as possible before April 1, 2026, when we need to get off the beach for the Piping Plovers,” stated Town Manager Tony Marino in his report to the town council at last week’s meeting. “Once the sand is installed, we will begin planting the vegetation, which will help hold the dune in place during inclement weather.”
Marino said the goal is to complete about 200 feet of the dune before the deadline hits for the piping plovers.
“The big thing is to get the plantings in … the plantings will help deter storms,” said Marino.
The town manager said he will keep Precinct 3 Councilor Joseph Romano updated about the progress, since it is in his precinct, as well as other key people along the shoreline.
“One of the big concerns they have is the stairways,” said Marino. “This first 200 feet is only going to impact one stairway, which we are going to leave in place for now, and then we will discuss the five or six entry points that we will have and where we want those; what the neighbors will decide is best.”
Marino said the project is starting at the furthest point back of the beach.
“We have to be off by April 1 for the plovers, and then we will be back after Labor Day and maybe do a little bit in September and do a little more planting, and then hit it again next year,” said Marino.
The town is under a five year plan with the state to get the work done.
“This was supposed to start in February, but obviously with the weather it hasn’t,” said Council President Jim Letterie. “Potentially, the good thing about this is if we see, instead of doing 1,300 feet and we see it all wash away, if we do 200 feet … and do the plantings, the plantings have time to take root and hold.”
Letterie asked what would happen if the plantings and dune did wash away after several hundred feet were completed. Marino said the town would then go back to the environmental protection agency with an alternate plan.