The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has had a busy few weeks, recently removing 14 abandoned vessels from the shoreline of Squaxin Island in Puget Sound. The 14 vessels were all too broken to float and too beached to move, leading to them being airlifted from the area.
The baots were either washed ashore or left behind to deteriorate. In both cases they pose a serious risk to the Puget Sound ecosystem, and as most of them were too far gone for floating to be an option, wildfire helicopters were used before being dispatched for the season.
The project was completed in partnership with the Squaxin Tribe and the Port of Olympia and the wildfire team got valuable flight time, making the most out of a complex environmental challenge. All of the boats are now in storage awaiting proper disposal.
Gravity? Never heard of her. 🚁🛥️ Fourteen abandoned vessels—too broken to float and too beached to move—were recently airlifted from the shoreline of Squaxin Island thanks to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program funding and the all-in efforts of DNR’s Wildfire Aviation Team and Derelict Vessel Removal Program. These boats had been washed ashore or left behind to deteriorate, posing a serious risk to the Puget Sound ecosystem. Most were so far gone, floating them out wasn’t even an option. So broke out into an epic ballad and took to the skies (as most people do). Using our wildfire helicopters before they were dispatched for the season, and partnering with the Squaxin Tribe and the Port of Olympia, our team not only cleared these vessels, but our wildfire team also got valuable flight time—turning a complex environmental challenge into a win-win operation. The boats are now in storage, awaiting proper disposal, and the shoreline (and Sound) are breathing a little easier.
Nolan Deck is a writer for Unofficial Networks, covering skiing and outdoor adventure. After growing up and skiing in Maine, he moved to the Denver area for college where he continues to live and work... More by Nolan Deck
