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VMRC denies 2.3-acre oyster planting lease near Nassawadox Creek after navigation concerns
Summary
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission voted 4–1 (with two abstentions) to deny a 2.3-acre oyster planting-ground application by Montane Cree after residents and commission members raised navigation and shoaling concerns affecting private docks and transit to the main channel.
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission on Sept. 23 denied an application to lease roughly 2.3 acres of state-owned bottom near Nassawadox Creek on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, citing navigational conflicts raised by nearby waterfront property owners.
The commission voted to deny the application by Montane Cree, who sought authorization to lease a small parcel of oyster planting ground contiguous to existing leased grounds. Associate Member Branson moved to deny; Associate Member Edwards seconded. The motion carried 4–1; Associate Member Erskine voted no and Associate Members Hand and White abstained.
The denial followed a contested public hearing in which staff and neighbors described narrow, shifting navigation channels and shoaling near private docks. Chief Kenyon, VMRC staff, told commissioners staff had evaluated the application for submerged aquatic vegetation, condemned areas and marked navigation channels and noted the downsizing of the original 66‑acre request to the…
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