Like your sand soft? Beach ’tilling’ to begin

Beach tilling work will be done during the week beginning Monday, March 31 on the beaches from 17th Street to the southern tip of the island.

Robert Neal, of Lee County Natural Resources Division, said that two pieces of heavy equipment will be used for the process.

The first will till the sand to a depth of 24 inches, the second will come behind it and smooth the sand.

This process is a requirement due to state sea turtle nesting statutes.

All beaches that have undergone renourishment must till the sand before sea turtle nesting season for at least three years after the process has taken place.

“Renourished beaches have much more compacted sand than natural beaches,” Neal said.

“Many people have mixed feelings as to whether it’s productive or not, but we have to do it.”

Neal said that those walking on the beach will find that they sink much more than normal for some time after the procedure has taken place.

The tilling process should be completed by the end of the week.