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.