World War II Munition Clearing Begins at Long Point
Now a popular spot for walking and going to the beach, area around Tisbury Great Pond was used for World War II bombing practice.
Now a popular spot for walking and going to the beach, area around Tisbury Great Pond was used for World War II bombing practice.
Heavy equipment arrived this week to begin excavation.
Heavy equipment arrived this week to begin excavation.
Long Point will remain open during the project, though some areas are closed to public.
Long Point will remain open during the project, though some areas are closed to public.
Dunes will be taken down a layer at a time to survey for munitions underneath.
Dunes will be taken down a layer at a time to survey for munitions underneath.
"If it's out of here, then we can rest well," said Trustees Vineyard superintendent Chris Kennedy.
"If it's out of here, then we can rest well," said Trustees Vineyard superintendent Chris Kennedy.
Flagged boundary around where dune work will unfold.
Flagged boundary around where dune work will unfold.
The project is slated to end in December, though work could continue in the spring.
The project is slated to end in December, though work could continue in the spring.
Mal Jones, owner of part of the barrier beach, visited the site to retrieve a fuel line.
Mal Jones, owner of part of the barrier beach, visited the site to retrieve a fuel line.
About 25 to 30 contractors are working on the project.
About 25 to 30 contractors are working on the project.
Seabeach knotweed, a special of special concern, is being protected during project.
Seabeach knotweed, a special of special concern, is being protected during project.
Chris Matute with GSI Pacific, the lead contractor for the project.
Chris Matute with GSI Pacific, the lead contractor for the project.
The Army Corps of Engineers was on site at Long Point Wildlife Refuge this week to begin a large $8.1 million project to clear World War II munitions from the area around Tisbury Great Pond. The project includes clearing part of the dune on the barrier beach as well as diving into the ocean to look for buried munitions there.