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Commission accepts natural (soft) shoreline approach at 5 Barnacle Way, requires revised plan and equipment limits
Summary
The commission agreed to eliminate gabions and permit a natural approach (coir/fiber rolls, jute netting, oak stakes) at 5 Barnacle Way with conditions requiring a revised plan, plant mitigation and limits that equipment and access remain within a 4-foot path.
The Dennis Conservation Commission approved revised shoreline work for 5 Barnacle Way that replaces previously proposed gabion structures with a natural, soft-shore approach using fiber rolls, jute netting and oak stakes, subject to conditions and staff signoff.
Applicant Mark Burgess told the commission he removed the gabions from the plan and replaced them with natural materials that can be installed by hand. "The gabbing's are gone. It's a natural solution," Burgess said, adding that the approach is not maintenance-free and will require periodic upkeep.
Commissioners and staff flagged durability concerns for fiber-roll approaches when they are regularly wetted and suggested that the applicant submit a revised plan showing the mitigation area and a commitment to maintain the materials. The commission instructed staff to prepare an order of conditions for the next meeting, asked for a revised mitigation plan, and placed a condition limiting equipment or path width to 4 feet to minimize vegetation loss.
The motion to approve the project under the Wetlands Protection Act and the town bylaw passed with conditions; commissioners noted that the solution is voluntary and not a guaranteed long-term mitigation if the materials fail.
