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Horseneck Beach plan to widen trail moved forward for later vote after design changes
Summary
Mass. DCR presented revised plans to widen the Horseneck Beach Reservation trail; the applicant reduced asphalt width to 16 feet, proposed phased work beginning on the western section with sand fencing and native dune revegetation, and the commission continued the hearing to June 23 for a future vote.
Richard Cormier summarized a revised Notice of Intent filed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) for the Horseneck Beach Reservation Healthy Trail project. Staff said the applicant reduced the proposed asphalt width from 20 feet to 16 feet, will complete the work in phases beginning with the western section, and will install sand fencing and native dune plantings (beachgrass, salt spray rose, beach plum and beach heather) to stabilize restored areas.
Cormier recommended conditioning any approval on methods to remove altered coastal dune materials, preserving existing vegetation where practicable, and requiring a pre‑construction meeting with the commission agent and contractor. He also recommended that no equipment be allowed on dunes, that sand be removed by working off the existing path, and that a DCR or environmental representative be on site during sand removal.
Commission members and DCR representatives discussed alternatives and protective measures. Commissioner Jake McGuigan, who said he would abstain from the eventual vote due to his role on the select board, thanked DCR and its engineers for the compromise but cautioned that sand fencing can be quickly damaged by beachgoers: "The only criticism I have ... is the sand fencing. I think you may end up doing a lot more work than you have." DCR representatives said fencing placement could be adjusted on site and staff agreed to coordinate details during construction.
Because a commissioner abstained, staff recommended and the commission agreed to continue the hearing to the June 23 meeting to ensure a full board could vote. The commission moved to continue the DCR hearing to June 23, 2026.
