Rumor has it that Chappy Ferry Capt. Brock Callen will be teaching a U.S. Coast Guard licensing course this winter through ACEMV, the adult and continuing education institution on Martha’s Vineyard. It isn’t listed on their website yet but you can subscribe to their email newsletter at the bottom of the home page. Dozens of Islanders attained their maritime licenses through Brock’s course back when he taught for Sail MV.

The federally protected shore birds have laid claim to vital parts of The Trustees of Reservations’ oversand vehicle access on Chappaquiddick. The Trustees are being proactive in notifying the public. They are planning on posting signs in town to warn folks before they get into the ferry waiting line that they may not be able to drive where they had hoped on the Trustees of Reservations beaches. Keep up to date by checking the organization’s Facebook page.

Here is, word for word, part of the Trustees’ Facebook posting from Monday: “Due to the impending hatch of piping plover broods, there is currently no oversand vehicle access to Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge. OSV trails at Dike Bridge on Chappaquiddick. East Beach and Leland Beach remain open to pedestrians. Parking is available at the Dike Bridge with overflow parking at Mytoi gardens. We have also canceled our Cape Poge Lighthouse Tours until further notice. OSV access is allowed for essential travel by emergency and Cape Poge resident vehicles. Pedestrian access is still permitted on all Trustees managed beaches. In addition to aforementioned parking areas, ample parking is also provided at the Fishermen’s Lot and the Swim Beach Lot at Wasque Reservation. At Norton Point, 1.5 miles of beach still remains available to OSV access.”

The Trustees of Reservations must respond to the nesting of shorebirds according to state guidelines. As owners of the properties, they are required to provide sanctuary for protected species. Imagine the conflict experienced by the Trustees staff and management at the prospect of a successful shorebird breeding season balanced against the disappointment of beachgoers and fishermen.