Environment

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Oyster reef construction volunteers needed for Oct. 24

The Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance is seeking volunteers to help bag and build an oyster reefs on Oct. 24. Oyster bagging will be held at Marina Cove Townhomes, Marina Cove Dr., Niceville, FL 32578. From 9 a.m. – 12 Noon you will be bagging fossilized oyster shell for use in future oyster reefs. What to bring/wear: Wear clothes and close-toed shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Bring sunscreen, snacks, a water bottle and a hat. Water and gloves will be provided....

Public workshop on Choctawhatchee River infrastructure improvements Oct. 29

An important workshop concerning the future of the Choctawhatchee River will be held on Oct. 29 from 3 – 5 p.m.  Learn about efforts to forge a multi-county partnership to seek funding through a grant application for BP RESTORE funds.  The focus of the grant will be to improve public access and create infrastructure similar to the Suwanee River Wilderness Trail to help promote the river as an outstanding outdoor recreation destination for diverse user groups. The long-term goal is to bring economic benefits and job...

Volunteers haul in more than two tons of debris off of Lake Powell

More than 100 volunteers gathered on Sept. 20 to clean up Lake Powell, one of our area’s coastal dune lakes. As part of the Ocean Conservancy International Coastal Clean-up day, the volunteers hauled in more than 5,200 pounds of trash and debris. Some of the debris along the lake had been clogging up the waterway since hurricane Opal in 1995. “We recovered two derelict boats and lots of old dock wood – sections and pieces” said Emily Ellis, event organizer....

Northwest Florida springs receive much needed boost

Holmes Creek, Econfina Creek, Wakulla Springs, and Jackson Blue spring to receive restoration funding On Sept. 10 2014, the Florida Joint Legislative Budget Commission approved the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s proposed $69 million in springs projects leveraged by the $30 million Governor Scott secured in the “It’s Your Money Tax Cut Budget.” This approval brings the total investment in springs projects to more than $100 million in the last two years. The project plan is a collaborative effort with...