“As a Texan raised on the coast, I take the care and protection of our wonderful Texas beaches as a personal responsibility."
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas –Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D.,
announced the results of the Orange County Vessel Turn-In Program (VTIP). During the free four-day vessel turn-in event April 5, 8, 9, 10 and 12, 2025, Orange County residents relinquished 71 boats totaling over 876 linear feet. Orange County also reported that seven batteries, 16 fire extinguishers and 10 trailers were relinquished during the five day turn-in event.
“As a Texan raised on the coast, I take the care and protection of our wonderful Texas beaches as a personal responsibility. Correctly disposing of discarded vessels aids in our efforts to maintain the cleanliness of the Texas coast while safeguarding vital marine and coastal habitats,” said Commissioner Buckingham. “I thank the Orange County residents who helped with this vessel turn-in program and their efforts that work towards preserving the Texas coast for all communities who depend on the longevity of our coastal waters.”
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) partnered with Orange County and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to provide the residents of Orange County with this free event to dispose of inoperable vessels.VTIP provides owners with a free and voluntary method to dispose of their vessels and boats. The GLO sponsors the removal of all fuel, oil, and batteries and TPWD verifies ownership and clears the vessels for disposal.
Removing abandoned vessels from coastal waters comes at a considerable expense— around $1,000 per foot. The GLO and its partners encourage communities to participate in VTIPs to avoid these steep costs and to keep their boats from becoming environmental or safety hazards.
Since its beginning in 2015, VTIP has hosted 45 events in various coastal communities. This essential program has removed 1,813 inoperable boats measuring 29,418 linear feet from coastal areas and recovered 3,667 gallons of fuel and oil.
