Manatee Protection and Boat Facility Siting
CUES and its consultants are in the process of revising the
previous drafts of Manatee Protection Plans (MPPs)
for two South Florida counties. Broward County’s third public workshop on the
Interim Boat Facility Siting Plan of the MPP was postponed
until further notice. Responding to a large number of public
comments on the earlier draft, CUES is now analyzing each of
Broward’s 19 waterways with respect to the boat facility
siting criteria and suitability zone outcomes. The Manatee
Core Group of key stakeholders will continue to discuss
and provide input on the plan as it evolves, and the final
public workshop will be held once all comments have been
addressed.
For Palm Beach County, CUES is finalizing the second
draft of the MPP, responding to the county’s review comments
and incorporating recommendations. This revised draft will
undergo scrutiny by state and federal agency reviewers involved
in manatee protection. A public orientation workshop was held
in December, and additional public meetings will be held this
summer. CUES is also assisting Palm Beach County implement
the 2004 Waterfront Access and Preservation Bond Issue passed
by voters last November.
Marine Management Plan for Monroe County
CUES is beginning work on the development of a strategic plan
to address waterfront redevelopment issues in Monroe County,
FL, in collaboration with the South Florida Regional Planning
Council. The plan will include goals, policies, future marine-related
land-use maps, action recommendations, and an implementation
strategy aimed at preserving and enhancing both public water
access and the working waterfront throughout Monroe County.
The resulting project documents will also incorporate interviews
with key stakeholders and a literature review.
Florida Oceans Day
 The
Annual Florida Oceans Day in Tallahassee is being organized
by the Florida Ocean Alliance (FOA). The theme in 2005 is “Supporting
Florida’s Ocean Resources: Science, Management, Commerce.” FOA
events include a Legislative Reception at the Capitol on
April 19th, sponsored by Mote Marine Laboratory, and Exhibits
at the Capitol Rotunda and Courtyard on April 20th, sponsored
by the Florida Institute of Oceanography. CUES serves as
secretariat to FOA, a nonpartisan organization dedicated
to bringing together government, academic, and private sectors
in Florida to protect and enhance the state’s coastal
and ocean resources for continued social and economic benefits.
See www.floridaoceanalliance.org for more information.
Beach Restoration
Under contract with the Bureau of Beaches and Coastal Systems
of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, CUES
has been examining the related issues of tourism and beaches
and assessing the state’s existing beach management
program. Dr. William B. Stronge of FAU’s Department
of Economics is serving as consultant. CUES is now entering
a third phase of the project, which concerns public education
and the economic benefits of restored beaches in the wake
of the 2004 Hurricane Season. |
