In a landmark environmental restoration initiative, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Center for Coastal Studies led a historic cleanup of five key islands in the Boston Harbor. This once-in-a-generation project aimed to help restore the natural beauty and ecological health of Great Brewster, Middle Brewster, Outer Brewster, Calf, and Lovells islands.

CLEAN HARBORS. Hull teachers Heather Weber (left) and Sheila Blair (right) assembled their summer science and Green Team students to join dozens of other volunteers participating in a recent cleanup of five Boston Harbor islands. The group sorted debris and combed through scores of bags to separate recyclables, Styrofoam, and other flotsam and jetsam from the tons of material collected and brought to the staging area at Pemberton Pier for eventual disposal. [Courtesy photos]

This effort is the culmination of nearly two years of planning and organizing during which DCR and CCS brought together the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and Boston Harbor Now for a historic public-private partnership. These organizations are focused on removing substantial marine debris from the Boston Harbor Islands to help restore critical coastal bird nesting areas and enhanced ecological health of the islands. This project also helped revitalize recreational areas on the islands for residents and visitors and ensure their sustainability for future generations.

“The Boston Harbor Islands are precious natural, cultural, and recreational resources that are visited by more than half a million people a year and this historic cleanup represents a major milestone in our collective effort to protect and preserve them for generations to come,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “We are proud to lead this transformative effort alongside our dedicated partners… This initiative reflects our commitment to the environmental health of these islands and our belief in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change.”

“The Boston Harbor Islands are unique in the Gulf of Maine, located in the back yard of New England’s largest city,” said Laura Ludwig, director of the Center for Coastal Studies’ Marine Debris & Plastics Program. “Our joint effort is not just about cleaning up debris; it’s about collecting data, finding value in the material where possible, and disposing of all items responsibly. A collaborative approach ensures that our collective expertise and resources are effectively applied for the benefit of wildlife and surrounding communities.”

Volunteers during the week-long effort included three members of the Hull Rowing Club and Hull High’s Green Team, an environmental service group. Pemberton Pier was used as a staging area, and many in the community came together to contribute to the cleanup, according to volunteer Hilary Moll of the rowing club.

She said that St. Nicholas Church in Hull Village donated its kitchen to prepare meals for the entire week. A chef cooked the food and it was brought over to Peddocks Island on a boat provided by Hull Lifesaving Museum Executive Director Mike McGurl. She added that one night, McGurl and the Hull rowers rowed the chef and the prepared dinner across the Gut.

The cleanup includes several funding sources, including a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris grant, with funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act. This $2.7 million grant was awarded to CCS for a multi-year coastal cleanup project, a portion of which will be used for the Boston Harbor Islands cleanup. In addition to the CCS grant, DCR is providing $150,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding and an additional $35,000 from DCR’s operational budget to cover the cost of the commercial vessels and heavy equipment rental to remove and transport industrial debris. USFWS is providing $80,000 through the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration program.

The cleanup took place over a one-week period from September 13-22, and many volunteers camped out on the islands.

“The National Parks Service is dedicated to preserving the unique landscapes and ecosystems of our national treasures,” said National Parks of Boston Superintendent Michael Creasey. “This cleanup underscores our commitment to safeguarding these irreplaceable resources and demonstrates the strength of our partnerships in achieving impactful and sustainable results.”

The cleanup addressed a diverse array of marine debris, including dock, pier, and bridge timbers, skidder tires, lobster traps, ropes, nets, buoys, metal and fiberglass boat pieces, plastic float components, rebar, plastic foam, and other plastic waste. Volunteers strategically staged debris for removal using barges, cranes, and boats. Efforts will be made to divert debris from landfills by exploring creative reuse – some items may be repurposed by artists, builders, fishermen, students, and researchers, or delivered to recycling centers specializing in wood, metal, and fishing gear.

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