Zebra Mussel Beach Clean Up
We’re excited to share that a new pilot project is underway to improve and maintain Hillside Beach this summer. Based on past research and RM Alexander input, we’ve determined that purchasing and storing clean-up equipment isn’t feasible, due to high costs, storage, maintenance and insurance challenges. Instead, we’ll be hiring a contractor in 2025 to conduct a beach clean-up using their own machinery, including a skid steer with attachments.
We have received the AIS Permit which allows disposal at Traverse Bay Transfer Station, however, we are still researching costs, options to crush shells or other areas to deposit them. Our plan is that the contractor will focus on clearing the larger piles of zebra mussels and not the scattered shells. The large piles smell and may consist of living mussels. The first major clean-up is planned for early June, followed by smaller clean-ups throughout the summer depending on how much mussel debris appears and how far our funds can stretch. Additionally, the contractor will be responsible for grading the beach path to support the installation of a new accessibility mat.
We’re currently finalizing the scope of the clean-up area. The path to the Channel at the North end of the beach spans 1.8 km, and we’re considering whether to clean the entire stretch or stop at the second lagoon beach (0.8 km). Note: the beach area to the South of the main path towards Belfast is owned by the Trailer Park Co-op, and we are currently in discussion with them.
Your membership renewals of $25 per property help us complete community projects such as this. HBCA has allocated funds retained from past years and received another $5,000 funding from RM of Alexander for this year. The next steps include finalizing AIS permit and project scope, contractor outreach, securing access to beach through locked gate, and confirming pricing.
We welcome community feedback, ideas, and questions—let’s work together to make this a great summer at Hillside Beach!
Laura Kemp, HBCA Beach Clean-up Crew Chair
We have received the AIS Permit which allows disposal at Traverse Bay Transfer Station, however, we are still researching costs, options to crush shells or other areas to deposit them. Our plan is that the contractor will focus on clearing the larger piles of zebra mussels and not the scattered shells. The large piles smell and may consist of living mussels. The first major clean-up is planned for early June, followed by smaller clean-ups throughout the summer depending on how much mussel debris appears and how far our funds can stretch. Additionally, the contractor will be responsible for grading the beach path to support the installation of a new accessibility mat.
We’re currently finalizing the scope of the clean-up area. The path to the Channel at the North end of the beach spans 1.8 km, and we’re considering whether to clean the entire stretch or stop at the second lagoon beach (0.8 km). Note: the beach area to the South of the main path towards Belfast is owned by the Trailer Park Co-op, and we are currently in discussion with them.
Your membership renewals of $25 per property help us complete community projects such as this. HBCA has allocated funds retained from past years and received another $5,000 funding from RM of Alexander for this year. The next steps include finalizing AIS permit and project scope, contractor outreach, securing access to beach through locked gate, and confirming pricing.
We welcome community feedback, ideas, and questions—let’s work together to make this a great summer at Hillside Beach!
Laura Kemp, HBCA Beach Clean-up Crew Chair
The public beach is from the path on Lagoon Rd and to the right until the channel. The section below in yellow is owned by the Trailer Park Co-op.
