People looking over the waters off Squaxin Island early this summer had the chance to glimpse a peculiar sight: boats flying above the treetops.
The unusual scene was the result of a partnership between the Squaxin Island Tribe, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, and state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to use helicopters to remove derelict boats from the area.
“This is a great collaboration between the NOAA Marine Debris Program, Washington DNR and the tribe to clean tribal lands,” said Daniel Kuntz, program and policy manager for the tribe’s natural resources department. “We appreciate it immensely.”
NOAA’s Marine Debris Program provided funding, DNR’s Derelict Vessel Removal Program and Wildfire Aviation Division furnished the helicopter and crews, and the tribe provided staff to keep boaters clear of work areas and ensure the work didn’t move or damage cultural artifacts.
The helicopter and crew used in the operation are typically involved in fire suppression and removing logs and large debris from state property. DNR’s Wildfire Aviation Department also provided a ground crew to rig vessels for removal. A former DNR aquatic marine station on Budd Inlet was used to stage the helicopter and derelict vessels after removal. If vessel registration numbers were found, owners were notified and given an opportunity to claim the vessels. They were recycled by a contractor if not claimed.
Overall, 14 derelict vessels were removed over two days.
Kuntz said the project is part of the tribe’s dedication to keeping Squaxin Island clean and free of debris.
“For us at Squaxin, it’s important we keep the beaches clean,” he said. “Nobody lives on the island but it’s used extensively for shellfish aquaculture. We engage twice a year with the Pacific Shellfish Growers Association for a biannual beach cleanup. We pick up garbage. But there are some things we can’t remove, like big boats. Unfortunately, Squaxin Island seems to be a catch-all for derelict vessels.”
Derelict vessels removed from Squaxin Island were kept at a former DNR aquatic marine station on Budd Inlet before being recycled. Photo and story: Trevor Pyle
