Sand Rush: Cranberry Bogs Become Strip Mines

In Massachusetts, a growing demand for sand to protect eroding shorelines on wealthy islands is leading cranberry bogs to be exploited as sand mines. This development raises concerns for residents near excavation sites, who experience dust and noise pollution. Activists argue that as natural sand sources diminish, these agricultural lands are effectively becoming strip mines, impacting local quality of life and public health. Significant quantities of sand, like the 6.6 million pounds barged to Nantucket in February 2024 for a controversial geotube project, highlight the escalating need.

While sand excavation is legal for agricultural purposes, its expansion for commercial sale and beach nourishment is drawing ire. Projects on Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, like the Sconset Bluff geotube, have cost millions and are considered by some to be failures, yet expansion is being considered. These efforts can cost homeowners upwards of $100,000 annually, with sand prices soaring. The Port of New Bedford is a key hub for transporting sand to the islands, with barged aggregate materials increasing significantly over the past decade.

Some towns and state legislators are seeking to regulate these excavation sites, with a House bill proposing a moratorium on new cranberry bog excavations. However, state officials have yet to formally object, and the state's coastal resilience plan suggests managed retreat as an alternative. Meanwhile, the A.D. Makepeace Company, a major cranberry grower, faces scrutiny over its extensive sand extraction operations. In January 2026, the Carver Conservation Commission issued a cease and desist order for wetland alterations, though the company maintains compliance with regulations.