Accomack Wetlands Board extends Pulaski restoration deadline to June 15, 2026

The Accomack County Wetlands Board voted to extend the restoration deadline for property owner Michael Pulaski to June 15, 2026, and directed staff to require removal of crushed stone and plantings for roughly 85 square feet followed by a three‑year monitoring plan.

Paul Watson, Deputy Director of Code Administration, told the board he visited the Pulaski site in April and that photographs show gravel remains and only partial vegetative regrowth. "Any person who violates an order of the wetlands board is guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor," Watson said while explaining enforcement options; he also described civil penalties and the option to refer the matter to the Commonwealth's attorney or negotiate a consent penalty.

Board members debated practical fixes — several said raking out crushed millings and allowing natural regrowth could be effective — but others emphasized fairness to property owners who complied with board requirements. Chair T. Lee Bird urged staff to contact Pulaski directly and get a concrete time frame. A motion put forward by a board member set the deadline at 06/15/2026, required the identified area be filled, planted and monitored, and was approved by the board.

Under the board's directions, staff will notify the property owner, document the restoration plan and track compliance against the three‑year monitoring schedule. The board also discussed the statutory remedies available if the owner fails to comply, including court referral or negotiated fines. The next regular meeting is June 25, 2026, where staff expects to report back if the owner has made the required submissions.