Editors, Vineyard Gazette;

I attended the Edgartown Conservation Committee (ECC) Zoom meeting, which included The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR) request for over-sand vehicle access on Chappy. I have a much better appreciation for the emotional tinder box that the conservation committee is navigating between TTOR and concerned Chappy residents. I fully understand and appreciate the various and valid concerns of Chappy residents. I am stupefied by the TTOR response, or lack thereof.

But I am desperate for the Edgartown Conservation Committee to consider the plight of the responsible, respectful, environmentally-minded permit holders who fully agree with the concerned Chappy residents and simply want to enjoy some fishing in solitude. I fear that the understandable conflagration between the concerned Chappy residents and TTOR has left the actual end users of the over-sand vehicle permits without a voice. While TTOR grants the permits, believe me that they do not represent the stance of the over-sand vehicle permit users.

Please do not allow the ineptitude of TTOR to extinguish my privilege (it is not my right) to enjoy responsible, respectful over-sand access on Chappy. I implore the Edgartown Conservation Committee to find a path forward for us. Please do not allow this to devolve into “residents vs. TTOR.”

I am a permit holder who aligns with the concerned Chappy residents.

Richard Thompson

Edgartown