The Mathews Wetlands Board approved four applications for construction that will impact wetlands during its meeting last Wednesday, but denied a portion of one of the applications.

John Dixon of Gwynn’s Island had applied for a permit to install 19 feet of riprap and 16 feet of bulkhead along the shoreline of his property at 168 Gatten Road on Keeble Creek. He explained that he needed to stabilize the shoreline and that a bulkhead along a portion of it would allow his neighbors to continue to be able to access the beach and would help protect their septic system.

In addition, he said it would be difficult for children to navigate over riprap, and that a bulkhead would make it easier for them to access the beach and for him to take his catamarans down to the water.

But board member Katy Walden explained that a bulkhead is not the preferred method for stabilizing shoreline, and Ted Broderson said he wasn’t supportive of installing a bulkhead to enhance access when it ...