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Boating briefs

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December just had to outdo November for cruising fun and numbers. Six boats and 15 people had a great cruise and fun time going to South Seas Island Resort. Well, guess what? Nine boats and 25 people went up on plane and cruised to beautiful Tween Waters resort on Captiva Island. Some arriving Sunday and others on Monday for a great time, big dock party and then fun and games followed. Tuesday was spent on the beach, pool and hot tub followed by a dinner at the Crow’s nest. Wednesday gave us good weather and good water to return to home ports.

If you are living in Southwest Florida and not having this kind of fun, check out America’s No. 1 boating club – there’s also a constant schedule of free educational classes.

Come to a dinner meeting and let the power squadron buy your dinner.

Call P/C Lee Junker for information and reservations, 368-9734.

DEP seeks volunteers for aquatic preserve

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve office is looking for volunteers to participate in an ongoing water quality monitoring program within Estero Bay.

The Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network (CHEVWQMN) program is a partnership of Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves (CHAP) and Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve (EBAP), the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC), the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (CHNEP), and local citizens. The purpose of the program is to collect consistent, technically sound water quality data throughout the aquatic preserves to determine baseline conditions and trends in habitat health. Results are used to set resource management goals. Forty-six stations are monitored monthly by a corps of over 70 highly trained volunteers, and sites are monitored on the first Monday of the month at sunrise.

Estero Bay sites are currently available, either year-round or seasonal (May through October). Boating volunteers and alternates are especially needed. Participants conduct field testing and collect samples for laboratory analysis. Samples and data sheets are dropped off at the EBAP office for transportation to the lab.

A monthly commitment is required. For reservations and information, call the Preserve office at 463-3240 Monday through Friday.