APALACHICOLA RESERVE, NOAA AND THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA CLEAN UP CAPE ST GEORGE

~A partnership removes 75 year old creosote pilings from Cape St George ~

Apalachicola– Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR) staff collaborated with the University of Florida, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and local contractors to remove twenty tons of creosote pilings from Cape St George, known locally as Little St. George, a remote Reserve-managed barrier island. The University of Florida had remaining marine debris funds following another project in the panhandle and offered to help ANERR remove and properly dispose of the pilings. The 1940 era creosote pilings were a part of Government Dock, a structure of historical significance, which has been rebuilt after many years of weather related damage.

The partnership allowed ANERR to remove the piling from island and disposed of them properly. ANERR Stewardship staff was assisted by Tommy Ward, owner of 13 Mile Seafood, who provided hands-on assistance as well as a boat, barge and tractor use to unload the pilings once they are brought back over to Apalachicola. Thanks to all involved the island is a cleaner place. The project was funded through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Debris Program. “It was not an easy job by any means and the weather slowed things down. 

The crew kept moving forward and just got it done! I’m very happy with the outcome and the partnerships that were created as a result of the project,” reported Kim Wren Stewardship Coordinator.

Pictured are Tommy Ward, George Watkins in 366; Tommy Ward and  Jimmy Moseley in 300 and George Watkins on tractor and Jimmy Moseley on land in 364

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