Demo'ing derelict boat disposal

A state-managed program to help prevent vessels from becoming derelict or abandoned in Puget Sound waterways and along sensitive shoreline areas was unveiled in La Conner last Thursday.

By all accounts it was a smashing success.

Partners engaged in the free vessel turn-in and recycle day event gathered at The Port of Skagit's La Conner Marina for a 90-minute program including a demonstration dismantling a boats no longer in service and which otherwise could pose threats to the state's marine habitat areas.

The morning session took place at La Conner Maritime Service, where in 30 minutes a heavy-duty excavator demolished and boxed up in a roll-off container one of nearly two dozen vessels offered to the program this summer.

A similar event has taken place at Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.

Washington state Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz spoke, stressing. the environmental and financial benefits of the initiative, designed as a proactive alternative to what is often the desperate dumping of old, unusable boats.

"Derelict and abandoned vessels are a disaster," Franz said, noting that the state Department of Natural Resources has – at great expense – removed over 2,500 such boats from Washington waters in the past 20 years.

But many remain, aging quite ungracefully, said Franz.

"People are always asking, 'can you get that boat out of the water?' she related. "We have to tell them that it's not that easy, that it costs a lot of money. The voluntary vessel turn-in makes it that much easier being part of a solution, partnering with us."

The program's partners attended.

The Northwest Straits Commission, Port of Skagit, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, La Conner Maritime Service, Skagit Marine Resources Committee, Skagit County, Washington State Department of Ecology and DNR are on board.

Program participation is open to anyone who is a Washington state resident and has proof of ownership or legal authority to dispose of a vessel.

Northwest Straits Dana Oster said that locally more than 50 applications have been received.

"We were overwhelmed," she said. "La Conner Maritime Service wasn't."

Isaac Oczkewicz, the firm's general manager, called the program "a collaborative effort" and summarized the steps his staff undertake.

"The boats are brought in and we make sure all the fluids have been removed," he said. "Then we go at it with the machines to dismantle them."

Oczkewicz said unforeseen factors can sometimes lead to a boat being idled and over time becoming unseaworthy.

"Circumstances may change for people and sometimes they end up with a boat that can no longer be cared for," he said.

Swinomish Tribal Senator J.J. Wilbur echoed the importance of collaboration and acting proactively.

"For Swinomish," Wilbur said, "this is a great opportunity. We're a tight-knit fishing community and have fought derelict boats for many years. We're glad to collaborate with partners."

Fred Cayou, a former interim Swinomish harbormaster, agreed.

"We're excited to participate," he said. "The timing is right and this program is a benefit. We appreciate it."

Swinomish Environmental Manager Catey Ritchie, recalling obstacles required to remove a 65-foot derelict sailboat north of the Kukutali Preserve on Fidalgo Island last year, said the approach is "a great program."

"As an environmental person," she said, "I'm very appreciative. I feel these vessels are symbols of peoples' dreams. These were boats belonging to someone's grandparents or great-grandparents who were fishers. Sometimes there's a huge emotional process to get through before they reach the point where they can let go of these vessels."

Tiana McLeod, who hails from a generational Swinomish fishing family, is a program participant.

"There's a beauty in letting go," she noted. "There's uncertainty, but also beauty, in change. In a sense, this program is making way for a new generation. I have deep roots in this community." McLeod endorsed the program's partnerships that have made the procedure easier.

"I'm very grateful and appreciative," she told the Weekly News. "Everyone has been an absolute pleasure to work with and have helped make it happen."

Port of Skagit Commissioner Steve Omdal called it "an important program."

"We're excited to be part of this," he said, "with our local, state and tribal partners."

The DNR managed program prioritizes recycling as much material as possible to minimize waste sent to landfills.

Information: 360-902-2628; [email protected].

Swinomish Tribal members can contact Ritchie: 360-708-3120; [email protected] or Swinomish harbormaster Brett Lizotte: 360-708-3397; [email protected].