CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS — As restrictions become more relaxed during this pandemic, our beaches are seeing an influx of visitors, along with the plenty of trash left behind.
The Texas Adopt-A-Beach Program, managed by the Texas General Land Office, had to cancel all the beach cleanups throughout the state this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and beaches are taking a big hit.
“There has been so much visitation over the last month, especially over the weekends, and yeah, we are all taking a hit. So we just ask if you pack things in, pack them out, and help us with that problem. Reduce the trash you bring to the beach as well,” said Chief of Interpretation and Education Chuck Lassiter.
While a lot of visitors are doing the right thing, many are not by leaving their trash for others on the beach.
“Our trash systems have been overwhelmed, and unfortunately, some things have been left on the beach. One of the biggest problems that we have is with the tent canopies out here. A lot of people want to bring them, but they are pretty flimsy so they bend and break a lot so they get left here. They either get left in the dumpster or unfortunately, sometimes they just get left on the beach,” said Lassiter.
The Padre Island National Seashore is asking that the next time you head out to the beach, bring your own trash bag.
“We really do need your help. We are asking that people, if you’re going to come out and visit, be a part of the solution, and help us out. The beach needs your help right now, and if you can bring a trash bag with you, pick up a few items, it would be greatly appreciated. It's just going to make everything so much nicer for the next people who come along,” said Lassiter.
How big is the trash problem on our beaches? This year the annual February Big Shell Cleanup had more than 1,400 people volunteer to pick up 60 tons of trash.
For more information visit: https://www.nps.gov/pais/index.htm