MRTF: Work In Progress Report
The Marine Resources Task Force 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 from its Feb. 10 meeting. MRTF welcomes direction from Town Council on any of these issues.
– Beach Raking After much discussion, MRTF decided to incorporate the concept of the “high tide line” in the definition of the “wrack line” as the demarcation line for the proposed beach raking permitting process. Environmental Sciences Coordinator Keith Laakkonen will submit a revised version of the staff recommendation at the March MRTF meeting. Once this is completed, MRTF will begin working on the fee structure for the permits. After that time, MRTF will hold a public workshop for beach raking vendors and all interested parties to discuss the proposed beach raking permitting process.
– MRTF Information on Town Web Site Member Charles Hester reviewed and compiled a list all the MRTF documents and information that should be included on the town’s web site for access by the public. Environmental Sciences Coordinator Keith Laakkonen will forward this list to the appropriate staff member for updating the town’s Web site.
– Canal Depth Survey Chair Jeff Werner and Vice Chair Jay Light recently conducted soundings from the Big Carlos Pass Bridge to the Fairview Blvd. canal. The only canals remaining to be sounded are north from Fairview Blvd. to the Donora Blvd. canal. Once completed, town staff will transfer the depths to the town’s GIS system for a complete updated chart of the canal system on Estero Island. While sounding the recently dredged channel entrance to Laguna Shores, next to the Big Carlos Pass Bridge, it was discovered that significant shoaling is already taking place a on either side of the centerline of the channel entrance.
– Monofilament Recycling Project Chair Jeff Werner reported that our local Boy Scout troop has volunteered on a monthly basis, to empty, record data and recycle the monofilament fishing line from the Town’s monofilament line recycling bins. He will contact the troop’s scoutmaster to arrange a convenient time to conduct a training session with the scouts.
– Recycling Bins at Beach Accesses Member Dan Andre and Environmental Sciences Coordinator Keith Laakkonen met with the recycling coordinator of Veolia. Veolia agreed to provide a recycling bin to be installed by the Town’s trash compacter. On a trial basis at selected beach accesses, recycling containers for glass and cans will be installed on the same post as the Town’s trash bins. Mr. Laakkonen will follow up with Public Works on completing this task.
– 2010 Mulholland Stewardship Award – Member Charles Hester has completed and will be distributing the nomination form for the annual Mayor John Mulholland Stewardship Award. The deadline for nominations is March 31. Town Council will present the award at their meeting that falls closest to Earth Day (April 22).
Respectfully submitted to Town Council members following the regular monthly meeting of the Marine Resources Task Force.
submitted by Jeff Werner, Chair of MRTF