MRTF Work In Progress report
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. MRTF welcomes direction from Town Council on any of these issues.
– Oil Spill Response Plan – Environmental Sciences Coordinator Keith Laakkonen briefed MRTF on the changes that the U.S. Coast Guard accepted for the Area Contingency Plan to meet current shore bird nesting demands and for better protection to the Little Estero Critical Wildlife Area. He also reviewed the responsibilities of BP, the USCG and Lee County Emergency Management should we have any oil spill impact on Fort Myers Beach.
– Beach Raking MRTF reviewed and edited the draft of the application packet for the Beach Raking Permit, and agreed upon a fee structure for the permits. MRTF will review and vote on the final version of the Beach Raking Permit application at the July MRTF meeting. The public workshop to discuss the proposed beach raking permitting process is scheduled to take place during the September MRTF meeting.
– Recycling Bins at Beach Accesses Member Dan Andre expressed frustration at the delay in obtaining the three test recycling bins through the Town’s Public Works Department. He also noted that Covanta Energy had offered to purchase the three test bins for the Town. Keith Laakkonen will follow up on both of these items and hopes to have the bin acquisition resolved soon.
– Town Website Modifications Member Charles Hester reviewed the changes to the Town’s website that were suggested by MRTF at previous meetings and have yet to be implemented. The changes would make it easier for website users to find the information they need regarding environmental related topics. Keith Laakkonen will follow up and determine the best method to implement these recommended changes.
— submitted by Jeff Werner
Chair, MRTF