Man’s best friend will be allowed back on Norton Point this summer. 

The Dukes County Commission Wednesday approved Edgartown’s request to allow dogs on parts of the beach free of shorebirds as long as they are on a leash or lead. The decision is a reversal of the county’s previous policy and will serve as a test to see if dog owners can safely recreate on Norton Point without flustering any of the area’s protected shorebirds. 

“We all agree, and [MassAudubon] included because they have dealt with dogs at other beaches as well, that if we wanted to do a trial run to see if people would behave — keep their dogs on a leash, keep their dogs under watch — that this would be the time to do it,” said Edgartown conservation agent Jane Varkonda.

Dukes County owns Norton Point, a strip of beach that connects Edgartown to Chappaquiddick, and Edgartown has been managing it since last year. The county has had a longstanding policy of not allowing any dogs, raising some objections from beachgoers. 

The town conservation department and parks commission sought the change this year because the shorebirds at Norton Point are gone from the western end of the beach, leaving more room for pets. 

“Most of the birds that were trying to set up either nests or colonies at the western end of the beach were predated out,” Ms. Varkonda said. “There’s really nothing left. There’s no bird activity whatsoever until we get down to the huge colony at the very tip.” 

Dogs will need to be on a lead or leash of no more than 10 feet at all times, including when they are in the water. Dog owners will also have to get rid of any dog excrement. 

Town staff emphasized that the new policy is only in effect for 2024, and it could change at any time if shorebirds come back. 

Dog owners who violate the policy will be allowed two strikes. After that, they would lose their Norton Point oversand vehicle sticker.

The idea drew unanimous support from the county commission.

“I’m totally in support,” said commissioner Don Leopold. “You guys are close to it. You know, the best way to do it.” 

Editor's note: a previous version of this article incorrectly stated the origin of the policy that disallowed dogs on Norton Point.