Stage Harbor Channel Dredging Begins in Chatham, MA

The entrance to Stage Harbor.

Map of Stage Harbor.

The Army Corps of Engineers has begun dredging operations in the entrance channel to Chatham’s Stage Harbor, a federal channel.  The project is expected to take 13 days to complete, with dredging being done in 24-hour shifts. Sand dredged from the channel will be deposited off nearby Harding’s Beach.

Over the next two weeks, boaters using the Stage Harbor Inlet should exercise caution when navigating around the dredge, and be aware that navigation buoys may be temporarily relocated.

This winter, additional dredging may be done by the Barnstable County dredge if the proper permits can be approved in time, and Army Corps dredging is scheduled again for next spring to take care of any shoaling that may have occurred during the winter.

According to officials, shoaling in the channel hasn’t been as severe in 2024 as compared to past years.