Officials discuss efforts to protect Tangier Island

Pictured: Tangier Mayor James “Ooker” Eskridge looking at a map that shows the erosion of Tangier Island since 1967/

Federal, state, and local officials joined the Chesapeake Bay Foundation on Tangier Island this week to discuss ongoing efforts to protect the island from erosion.

Tangier has lost an estimated two-thirds of its land mass since 1850. Supporters say the work there could become a model for other coastal communities facing similar threats.

Officials toured areas around Tangier and nearby Port Isobel Island, where CBF operates an environmental education center. They also discussed shoreline protection, oyster restoration, possible use of dredged material to rebuild lost land, and other options such as sea walls.

At the town’s request, CBF is administering a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant to help develop a shoreline adaptation plan, expected to be completed this year. The plan is intended to help Tangier qualify for future state and federal resiliency funding.

Longtime Tangier Mayor James “Ooker” Eskridge said the town remains committed to preserving its people and way of life.

“We’re committed to saving our people and way of life here,” Eskridge said. “Whatever works to save Tangier for future generations, I’m for.”

CBF President and CEO Hilary Harp Falk said Tangier’s challenges reflect issues facing coastal communities beyond the Chesapeake Bay.

While supporters say the effort is urgent, future work will depend on funding, permitting, engineering decisions, and the effectiveness of restoration and protection projects.

Local lore has always held that the British deforested the island for military fortifications during the War of 1812 which made the island less resilient to erosion.