Section of Long Bay Beef Island restoration set for March completion

The Virgin Islands Government has announced that a key section of the Long Bay, Beef Island restoration project is expected to be completed by March 2025.

According to the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Operation Restoration remains on track. A statement issued on Tuesday, January 28, confirmed that “restorative work on the public picnic area at Long Bay, Beef Island beach is expected to be completed before the end of the first quarter of 2025.”

As part of the initiative, the beach dunes will be revitalized with 150 native trees from more than a dozen species that historically thrived in the area. Previously, the site had become overgrown with invasive neem trees, which are now being removed to aid environmental recovery following the devastation of Hurricane Irma.

The $133,000 project is funded through a grant from Unite BVI, signed in October 2024. The funding also supports:

• The creation of a living outdoor classroom and laboratory to educate residents and visitors on beach dune ecology and local historical figures.
• Installation of interpretative and enforcement signage to promote environmental stewardship.
• Production of a public education video series on beach conservation.
• Development of a briefing video for charter yacht excursions to encourage environmentally responsible yachting in the territory.

Environmental Officer Burnett Penn highlighted the ecological benefits of the replanting effort.

“These native trees are good for protecting the beach dune from erosion and provide the best habitat to attract and support biodiversity, such as birds. Some of the native trees planted are iconic, well-loved species such as Lignum Vitae, cedars, and seagrapes,” she explained.

In addition to the dune restoration, extra seagrape trees will be planted along the beachfront in the coming weeks. The ministry urges the public to respect the protective barriers around the dunes and to use designated parking areas.

The restoration project also includes expanded roadside parking and walkways leading to the beach. Construction began on December 6, with the ministry confirming that infrastructure is being placed “sufficiently set back from the beachfront to ensure long-term protection of the beach environment while maintaining a view of the ocean.”

The Long Bay Beach Management Plan is being used as a pilot project to rehabilitate and maintain the beach’s ecosystem, balancing economic development with environmental sustainability. The plan ensures that commercial activity does not compromise the natural beauty of the area.

Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley announced that in 2025, several other beaches across the Virgin Islands will adopt management plans inspired by Long Bay’s restoration efforts. He stressed the importance of balancing environmental, commercial, and recreational interests to enhance the experience for both residents and visitors.