Marion Marine Resources Commission — April 22, 2026

The Marion Marine Resources Commission met on April 22, 2026, to coordinate preparations with the Urban Harbors Institute (UHI) for an upcoming public harbor planning meeting scheduled for the following week from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Consultant Sharon from UHI reviewed the presentation format and proposed four breakout tables covering boating and navigation, water quality and natural resources, shoreline infrastructure and access, and coastal resilience/climate change. Commission members reviewed GIS planning boundary maps, requesting that the boundary be expanded to encompass Bird Island and the outer harbor moorings, and discussed whether to include private boatyards and Sippican Lands Trust properties on public access maps.

The Commission and UHI discussed incorporating key environmental data into the harbor plan, including MassGIS shellfish suitability layers, Massachusetts Coastal Flood Risk Model (MCFRM) storm projections for 2030, 2050, and 2070, and local wildlife concerns such as the roseate tern colony at Bird Island, diamondback terrapins, and local river otter populations. Following the public meeting, UHI plans to issue a public survey and conduct stakeholder interviews, including with state wildlife officials and local organizations, ahead of the Commission's next meeting tentatively set for May 20, 2026.

At the conclusion of the meeting, members discussed upcoming town business, noting an upcoming May 5 appearance before the Select Board regarding parking utilization and jurisdiction at Island Wharf. An update was also provided regarding the harbormaster hiring process, noting that an interview panel including Vincent J. Malkoski Jr., Ray Cullum, Norman Hills, Town Administrator Geoffrey Gorman, Fire Chief Brian Jackvony, and Police Chief Richard B. Nighelli recommended a principal candidate who is currently undergoing background checks before a final recommendation is forwarded to the Select Board.

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