The Town of Edgartown’s Dredge in Edgartown Great Pond, February, 2023. Photo by David Welch.

Per the Town of Edgartown’s Dredge Committee meeting, the Town’s dredge was launched into Edgartown Great Pond in late January. Dredging commenced Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 once the weather window was favorable.

This is great news for the health of Edgartown Great Pond! Salinity is critically low and the last several pond cuts have not stayed open long enough for a pond-wide flush that decreases nutrient pollution and increases salinity. EGP is ~4 feet above mean sea level at last check.

The Town expects to dredge for ~10 days and will leave the sand on the barrier beach or use it to reinforce the dunes if the Crax/Herring Creek dune reinforcement permitting comes through in time. The delta north of the cut will be dredged along with the approach to the sluiceway. 

The next pond cut will be made after dredging is complete, as the pond needs to be high for haul and launch of the dredge.

Photos were captured via drone by photographer and pilot, David Welch.
The dredge with the south shore barrier beach in the background.
The dredge and work boat from above.
The dredge and work skiff, with the pond coves in the background.
A close up of the dredge from above.
The delta of sand. Barrier beach to the south/top of the frame.
The delta of sand north of the barrier beach.
The barrier beach to the left, delta of sand north of the beach, dredge in the pond. View looking to the east. Note the pipe that runs across the barrier beach and connects to the dredge in EGP.
Photo courtesy of David Welch.
Dredging Is Essential to Pond Health