Child looking at hurricane debris on the beach.

Removing Hurricane Michael Debris from Dog Island

Dog Island Conservation District will remove debris from Hurricane Michael and restore two miles of impacted coastal habitat on Dog Island, Florida.

Type of Project: Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund

Region: Florida

Project Dates: November 2020 - September 2023

Who is involved?
With support from the Hurricane Response Marine Debris Removal Fund, a partnership between the NOAA Marine Debris Program and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Dog Island Conservation District will remove debris remaining from Hurricane Michael in coastal areas on the island in Florida. This project will restore two miles of ecologically important beach and dunes.

What is the project and why is it important?
Dog Island, a small barrier island accessible only by boat, was severely impacted by the category 5 Hurricane Michael in 2018. Although volunteers have already removed approximately 5,500 cubic yards of debris, additional debris from collapsed homes and washed up from other locations remains in coastal areas, including the Jeff Lewis Wilderness Preserve. 

Dog Island Conservation District will remove 2,000 cubic yards of debris and 500 cubic yards of concrete using specialized equipment and barges to transport the debris off the island. Debris removal will restore two miles of important sea turtle and shorebird nesting beach and dune habitat. 

Last updated Tue, 08/08/2023 - 13:22