The Accomack Wetlands Board convened on July 17, 2025, to address ongoing concerns regarding wetland management and the impact of construction activities on local ecosystems. The meeting featured discussions on specific applications for revetment and breakwater projects, as well as the implications of recent construction practices.

The session began with a review of past projects, highlighting the board's historical commitment to monitoring and maintaining wetland health over a three to five-year period. Board members expressed concern over the lack of a similar program for current projects, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that vegetation regrows after construction activities.

Miss Gorman, a key witness, provided insights into an application submitted by Chuck Ward for Mr. Pulaski, which involved two separate parcels. She detailed the permitting process, noting that the application had undergone extensive review with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) and other stakeholders. Gorman confirmed that the construction had raised concerns due to rock placement in wetlands, prompting site visits to assess the situation.

Board members raised questions about the restoration of areas where vegetation had not returned, discussing the possibility of implementing a mitigation plan instead of a Joint Permit Application (JPA). Gorman indicated that a restoration plan could suffice, aligning with past practices that included monitoring for three years.

The conversation shifted to the removal of a gabion seawall on state-owned property, which had been a point of contention. Board members questioned the legality of such removals, noting that while installation requires permits, removal does not. Gorman clarified that structures deemed in disrepair could be removed without notification, raising concerns about the potential for unauthorized actions affecting local ecosystems.

Further discussions included historical context regarding the seawalls at Captain's Cove, with board members referencing permits from the 1990s that mandated monitoring and repair of existing structures. Discrepancies in the condition of gabion baskets across different locations were noted, with some still intact while others had been removed.

The meeting concluded with a call for further examination of the issues raised, particularly regarding the monitoring of wetland restoration efforts and the implications of construction practices on local ecosystems. The board plans to continue its discussions in future meetings, focusing on ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and the protection of Accomack's wetlands.