A grassroots movement in Clear Lake, supported by local and state agencies, is tackling the threat of derelict boats to public safety and wildlife.
SEABROOK, Texas — Clear Lake has multiple derelict boats and vessels in the water. But a coordinated effort was launched to change that. And it can’t come fast enough, as each day the threat to the public and wildlife persists.
This new initiative is the result of community members who were fed up with safety concerns and the lake’s appearance. Now, through partnering with local and state agencies, the red tape is off, and work can really begin.
Clear Lake isn’t just a name. People like Russell Lavigne are working to make sure it also lives up to its label: clear.
“The last thing we want is for the lake to be trashed up, turned into a junkyard. Because that’s basically what it was heading for,” he said.
For years, he and other members of the grassroots organization Dead Boats Society have moved full speed ahead, taking steps to tug out derelict boats and vessels. But now they have local and state support from agencies like the Texas General Land Office.
“This lake is part of our community. We hang out at it. We boat in it. We fish in it, people ride jet skis, and sailboats. It’s just a beautiful part of our community.”
But it’s about more than just the beauty. Abandoned boats are a danger to the water recreation community and ecosystem. The GLO has already removed 1,700 vessels around the state.
“The longer the boat sits in the water, the more the integrity of the vessel is compromised, so you have oil leaking out, diesel, gasoline, leaking, etc,” said Captain D. Jasper with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office marine team.
This is a job for the professionals. And it’s the legal way to do it. Trained divers inspect the vessels before rigging them up for removal, and for good reason.
“One of the first vessels that we worked to take out actually broke in half. It was filled with about three to four feet of mud,” said Precinct 2 County Commissioner Adrian Garcia.
Right now, Garcia’s Keep2Clean initiative will cover the costs. There is no dedicated funding, but GLO, for the third time, will seek funds at the next legislative session.
The Texas General Land Office says after hurricane season, it’ll ramp back up its vessel turn-in events.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include your name and the best way to reach you.