The Select Board on Feb. 12 accepted a $65,000 gift from the Great Harbor Yacht Club Foundation to fund the town’s first eelgrass management plan, town staff announced.

Jeff Carlson of the Natural Resources Department told the board the foundation “finds it in their generosity to gift us $65,000, to engage Urban Harbors Institute, who's the contractor working on our harbor's action plan to actually complete our first eelgrass management plan.” Carlson said the plan will involve on‑island stakeholders including the Land and Water Council and aims to manage existing eelgrass beds and pursue restoration where feasible.

The board voted unanimously to accept the gift and to send a letter of thanks to the donor. Officials said staff will bring the draft plan back to the board for review before it is finalized.

Why it matters: eelgrass provides important ecological services including nursery habitat for marine species and sediment stabilization. The town said the project will coordinate scientific advisory input and local stakeholders to develop management priorities and actions.

Action: Motion to accept the gift and send a letter of thanks was moved and seconded; roll‑call votes were unanimous. Town staff will return with the draft plan for Select Board review.