Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Newsletter September 2011
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Photo by Kathleen and Ronnie Pacheco
See more than 300 images at the Creative Expression Gallery
www.sarasotabay.org
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What is Bay Reflections?
Bay Reflections provides information about projects, programs and events associated with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program.
Triple 3 Marketing, LLC
randy@triple3marketing.com
 
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SBEP Launches Economic Value Study of Sarasota Bay Estuary
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Paul Hindsley, PhD |
The SBEP has
contracted with Eckerd College in St. Petersburg to complete an economic value study of Sarasota Bay. The study will provide the economic values for the Sarasota Bay Estuary and its barrier islands spanning Sarasota and Manatee County. The analysis will focus on the direct and indirect use values of coastal recreation and coastal residential real estate. This is the first comprehensive economic value study of Sarasota Bay.
Dr. Paul Hindsley, an assistant professor of Environmental Studies at Eckerd College, will complete phase one of the study. Dr. Hindsley is the Coordinator of Eckerd's Coastal Management Program. He earned his Doctorate Degree in Coastal Resource Management at East Carolina University in 2008. He completed his Masters of Science Degree in Applied and Resource Economics at the same university. His Bachelor of Science Degree in Resource Conservation was completed at the University of Montana in 1999. |
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Visit These Bay-Friendly Links
Click here to see more than 235 photos from 22 local events and programs.
Click here for more than 50 websites of other Bay-friendly organizations.
Click here to visit more than 31 websites of SBEP's habitat restoration project partners.
Click here to visit a digital map showing completed, current and planned restoration projects.
Click here to learn more about the 23-members of the SBEP Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).
Click here to learn more about the 23-members of the SBEP Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC).
Click here to visit the interactive Sea Level Rise digital map.
Click here to see more than 150 links to press coverage about the SBEP as well as other links to articles and editorials about water quality, habitat restoration and related topics. |
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SBEP and Mote Marine Laboratory Presenting Workshops to Develop Science-Based Restoration Management Plan for Local Tidal Creeks
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Gottfried Creek in Sarasota County. |
The SBEP Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) is spearheading a local initiative to develop a comprehensive restoration management plan for our tidal tributaries. A workshop series coordinated by Dr. Ernie Estevez of Mote Marine Laboratory is currently exploring the various issues such as hydrology, water quality, and fisheries. The goal is to develop a framework and plan of action that can be used to guide restoration management, continued research, and the ongoing monitoring of the tidal creeks in Sarasota County.
State and federal agencies are recognizing that tidal creeks are dynamic systems essential to habitat and aquatic life. A better understanding of their unique attributes and function is necessary for setting standards that help ensure their health and vitality. |
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Enjoy Sarasota Bay is the Theme of Local National Estuaries Day Celebration Set for September 24; Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show Team to Peform 2pm
SBEP, Around the Bend Nature Tours and other Bay-friendly groups will be celebrating National Estuaries Day Saturday, September 24 at Ken Thompson Park near Mote Marine Laboratory. The free event will present fun learning activities and exhibits for adults and children of all ages from 9am to 2pm. One of the highlights will be a show by the Sarasota Ski-A-Rees Water Ski Show Team beginning at 2pm. Visitors can also pick up a discount ticket at the event for admission to the popular Mote Aquarium. The fun outdoor event is the perfect time to celebrate Sarasota Bay Estuary with family and friends.
Around the Bend Nature Tours will provide dip nets to give visitors an up close encounter with aquatic life as well as guided tours on the boardwalk through the local mangrove forest. Brad Tanner, the SBEP Bay Wise kayak tour guide and a staff member at Mote Marine, will provide a series of Paddling 101 mini-courses for visitors interested in learning more about recreational paddling. Visitors can bring their own kayak and some extra kayaks will be available. Bryan Moore, a professional disc golf player sponsored by Team Discraft, will provide free lessons and a putting clinic. Local artist Patti Cross and her daughter Amber will be available for face painting.
Area paddlers and any other groups that enjoy Sarasota Bay are encouraged to use the event as a meet up venue. Don't forget your closed toe water shoes, reusable water bottle and sunscreen.
The SBEP Bay Guardian volunteers will also be on hand beginning 8:30am to clean up the area as part of the National Coastal Cleanup Day. Click here to sign up to be a Bay Guardian volunteer at the event. Current exhibitors include Mote Marine Laboratory, Florida Underwater Sports, Manatee County Natural Resources Department, Sarasota Audubon, Island Style Water Sports, Friends of Tampa Bay Wildlife, Florida Native Plant Society, Save our Seabirds, Sarasota County Extension, Seafood Savvy, and Stow-it Fishing Line Bins. Contact Sara Kane at sara@sarasotabay.org for exhibitor information. |
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SBEP and Partners Complete First Phase of Restoration at FISH Preserve Near Cortez Village
The first phase of a large-scale restoration project at FISH Preserve in Manatee County has been completed. The FISH Preserve is a 95-acre parcel adjacent to Sarasota Bay within the Village of Cortez. FISH, which stands for Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage, is a non-profit organization that purchased the property in 1999 to help restore, conserve and protect the upland and wetland habitats and adjacent waters.
The first phase of restoration focused on an 18-acre parcel within the Preserve and involved exotic vegetation removal, creation of a tidal wetland and mangrove restoration. Two bridges were constructed to connect hiking trails. Many area schools have visited FISH Preserve as a field learning site.
SBEP and FISH are currently developing construction plans for the remainder of the Preserve. These plans focus on additional removal of exotic plants, creating kayak trails, and converting two stormwater retention ponds into more natural wetland features.
Major funding has been provided by SBEP, the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the US Fish Wildlife Service. Other organizations supporting the FISH Preserve Project include: The Ocean Trust, West Coast Inland Navigation District, The William and Marie Selby Foundation, Manatee County Board of Commissioners, The Organized Fishermen of Florida, First America Foundation, and the membership of FISH. |
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Bay Guardians Plant 2,065 Natives at North Lido Beach Park; Next Outing September 24 at Local National Estuaries Day Event at Ken Thompson
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CAC member Damon Moore and his daughter. |
The SBEP Bay Guardian volunteers in cooperation with Around the Bend Nature Tours Sarasota Countyand the City of Sarasota planted 2,065 native plants at North Lido Beach Park on Saturday, July 9. The plants were donated by the American Littoral Society and Sarasota County. Lunch was provided by The Florida Native Plant Society.
The new tidal tributary at North Lido Park was completed in March. The restoration project improved 30 acres on the 70 acre site. The effort removed non-native vegetation, excavated the tidal wetland, contoured the upland area, created dunes, and planted thousands of native plants. The tidal wetland was created to provide essential habitat for estuarine dependent fish species.
Florida Native Nursery planted more than 8,000 plants on the newly created shores in the spring. Major funding for the restoration project comes from Southwest Florida Water Management District and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Individuals and organizations supporting the project include the Lido Shores Property Owners Association, Lido Key Residents Association, Sarasota Audubon Society, Captain Jeffrey Karr with the Sarasota Police Department, and Sarasota County.
The next Bay Guardian event will kick off the local National Estuaries Day celebration at Ken Thompson Park on Saturday, September 24. The volunteers will help clean the park area as part of Coastal Cleanup Day with other volunteers from Trinity Christian Fellowship Church. Click here to sign up to help with the early morning cleanup. All area Bay Guardians are encouraged to attend the event even if they cannot be part of the cleanup. |
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Bay Partners Grant Spotlight: Manatee County Natural Resources World Beneath the Waves
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Robinson Preserve in Manatee County (Photo by Sarah Mitchell). |
Manatee County Natural Resources used a SBEP Bay Partner Grant to help develop their novel program that merged recreation (kayaking) with environmental education. More than 100 participants learned practical marine life collection techniques as well as tips on how to identify common marine life that live in Sarasota Bay. Six workshops were held during the grant period at Robinson Preserve, Neal Preserve and Leffis Key. Most of the participants were school teachers and adult educators focused on the environment. |
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SBEP Seeks Community Photos Documenting King High Tides Coming the Last Week of October
As SBEP and our community prepare to make Sarasota Bay Estuary climate-ready, we welcome photographs of this year's King Tide. Sarasota Bay is expected to have unusually high, or "King tides" of over two feet the last week of October. King tides occur when the moon and sun align on one side of the Earth and their gravitational forces combine to create higher than normal high tides. While these tides are natural occurrences, they provide a picture of how rising sea levels may impact on local shorelines in the future. SBEP is looking for photographs of our coastline, flooded roads, full pipes, and ponds that will be affected by the rising waters. Photos should include an exact time and location.
Photos should be sent to info@sarasotabay.org. They will be uploaded to the SBEP Facebook page and the Flickr page titled Florida Tide Watchers. |
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Dick Clapp of Sarasota and Suzi Fox of Anna Maria Island Join the Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC)
 Dick Clapp of Sarasota and Suzi Fox of Anna Maria Island were recently approved for membership by the CAC. The 23-member group provides the SBEP with citizen input and helps the organization develop programs and projects in support of its mission to restore and protect Sarasota Bay.
Dick Clapp is a former City Commissioner for Sarasota from 2007 to 2011. He served as mayor in 2009. He moved to Sarasota in 2001 from Illinois with his wife Marti. Dick had a prior career in the paper industry in the areas of manufacturing management, product development, and new business development. He spent many years in Wisconsin and is originally from Michigan. Dick has volunteered extensively in neighborhood association and business organizations.
Suzi Fox is well known in the region as an active caretaker of nesting sea turtles and shorebirds on Anna Maria Island (AMI). She is the director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shore Monitoring, a non-profit organization. She oversees a group of volunteers and provides liaison with officials at all levels of government. Suzi moved to AMI from Miami in 1987. For fun, Suzi enjoys photographing wildlife and nature. She was born in Traverse City, Michigan.
SBEP is interested in adding a couple more members to the CAC. Click here to download an application. Inquires are welcome at sara@sarasotabay.org. |
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SBEP News Briefs
Be Floridian
SBEP is partnering with Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Manatee County, Pinellas County, and Sarasota County to promote the Be Floridian campaign to discourage the use of fertilizers in the summer months. Click here to visit the website.
Sustainable Communities Workshop
Sixth annual workshop hosted by Sarasota County is set for Thursday, October 6 from 8:30am to 4pm. This year's theme is Investing in our Future: Green Economic Pathways and Partnership. SBEP is a sponsor along with the City of Sarasota, City of North Port, UF-IFAS Extension, Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, US Green Building Council, and Ringling College of Art & Design. Click here to learn more.
Native Plant Sale
SBEP is a sponsor of this annual Florida Native Plant Society event on Saturday, October 8 from 9am to 2pm at Longwood Run Park off University Parkway in Sarasota. The event features a large selection of native trees, shrubs, grasses, and blooming wildflowers with expert assistance on selection and care.
Sarasota Bay Watershed Symposium
Join us for this event scheduled for February 15-17 at Sudakoff Center on the campus of New College of Florida. Click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Website for Teachers
Sarasota County Schools, the Science and Environmental Council of Sarasota, and the Arts and Cultural Alliance of Sarasota County have launched a website to support area teachers and administrators. Click here to visit the EdExplore website.
Upcoming Meetings
The SBEP Management and Policy Boards are scheduled to meet Friday, September 23. The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) will meet 4:30pm on Monday, October 3 at Dan McClure Auditorium located at Sarasota Bradenton Airport. All meetings are open to the public
Welcome Christine
Christine Sciarrino is the new intern at SBEP. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2010 with a BS Degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and a BA degree in Spanish. Christine lived and worked in Costa Rica for six months. She also worked as a wildlife field researcher at Ocala National Forest and supported Marie Selby Botantical Garden as a summer camp teacher. Christine loves water sports, biking, tennis, volleyball, and of course Gator football.
SBEP Facebook Page
We just passed the 200 mark for "likes" and we have an average of more than 500 monthly visitors. Our greatest growth has occurred in the last three months. Thank you for liking SBEP if you use Facebook. Did you know that the SBEP Facebook page provides links to more than 90 other Bay-friendly organizations? Click here to visit our Facebook page. |
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Celebrating Sarasota Bay Photo Contest to Showcase Top Area Wildlife Photographers
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Photo of Black-Necked Stilt by Marina Scarr. |
SBEP is launching a contest to pick the most popular wildlife and nature photos currently featured on its Creative Expressions Gallery. The creative online art gallery at www.sarasotabay.org presents 300 images from some of the region's most respected wildlife photographers. Details about the contest will be announced soon.
Current contributors include Barbara Bowen, Marla and Terry Frankford, Maxis Gamez, Sandy Hedgepeth, Paul Martinelli, Dotty Motta, Lou Newman, Fran Palmeri, James Hamilton Phillips, Marina Scarr, Kathleen and Ronnie Pacheco, Bobby Pastoreck Jr., Jimmy White, and Ron Wooldridge.
Click here to visit the The Creative Expressions Gallery. In addition to 300 wildlife photographs, the gallery also features 72 paintings, 13 cartoons, 12 poems, and seven essays. Click here for the guidelines for making new submissions. |
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CAC Member Profile:
Kendra Garrett is Passionate about Marine Life
Kendra is a native of Baltimore who currently serves as a Marine Scientist for Erickson Consulting Engineers in Sarasota. She received her undergraduate degree in Marine Biology from Florida Atlantic University and her graduate degree in Biology from Indiana-Purdue University. Kendra worked with endangered sea turtles in St. Croix for six years. She worked previously with Mote Marine's Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program and continues to volunteer with Mote and the Sarasota Audubon Society. She enjoys scuba diving, hiking, kayaking, and shark teeth hunting. Click here to learn about all of the members of the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). |
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Final Reflection: Water Color Paintings by
Fourth & Fifth Graders at Anna Maria Elementary
 
These water color paintings were done by students at Anna Maria Elementary School as part of a program to study local wildlife. Click here to see all 33 creations from the impressive collection. Christine Callahan, a member of the CAC, was the project leader and Lucinda Hathaway, a resident of Longboat Key, provided guidance to the children on watercolor techniques. The SBEP Creative Expressions Gallery acknowledges the beauty and importance of Sarasota Bay Estuary.
Editors: Randy & Bryan Moore
Triple 3 Marketing, LLC
randy@triple3marketing.com
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