MRTF- Work In Progress Report
MRTF is pleased to report to the Town Council on the projects it has taken up, progress in that regard and the status of other items that may be of interest to the Town Council. Following is a list and update on each. MRTF welcomes direction from Town Council on any of these issues.
– Beach Raking – Member Roger Johnson suggested using the “high tide line” as the demarcation line, instead of the “wrack line”, for the proposed beach raking permitting process. Environmental Sciences Coordinator Keith Laakkonen will review this change with Dr. Frank Shockey and submit a revised version of the staff recommendation at the February MRTF meeting.
– No Motorized Zones (Pole & Troll) – Member Al Durrett reviewed the final version of the tri-fold educational brochure, which was unanimously approved by MRTF. Please see the attached sample. The first print run will be 20,000 to 25,000 which will be paid for by Florida Sea Grant. Al was commended for the excellent work he did in developing this brochure.
– Monofilament Recycling Project – Environmental Sciences Coordinator Keith Laakkonen reported tha Monofilament Recycling Program bins have been installed on the Estero Island side of the Matanzas Pass and Big Carlos Pass bridges, the Beach Pier and the Mound House. Chair Jeff Werner will contact our local Boy Scout troop, to volunteer on a monthly basis, to empty, record data and recycle the monofilament fishing line from the bins.
– Resolution of Appreciation for Jack Green – MRTF unanimously passed a resolution of appreciation for outgoing Interim Town Manager Jack Green.
– Proposed State Reclassification of Surface Water – The Florida DEP is attempting to modify the definitions and rules for classifying surface water. The outcome of these changes would degrade the quality of water surrounding Estero Island. MRTF unanimously passed a motion to urge Town Council to request that FDEP extend the timeline for public comment on these proposed changes.
– Recycling Bins at Beach Accesses – Member Dan Andre proposed that all beach accesses have recycling bins. Dan has contacted Lee County and FDEP regarding providing funding for these bins and picking up the recycled materials.
Respectfully submitted by Chair Jeff Werner to Town Council members following the regular monthly meeting of the Marine Resources Task Force.