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Comprehensive cruising resource for the Intracoastal Waterways
from Norfolk to the Northern Gulf and Bahamas.
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BoatUS: National Safe Boating Week May 22 to 28, 2021
This annual event helps remind boaters to keep boating safety front and center all season long.
National Safe Boating Week Is May 22 to 28:
How Can You Make Boating Safer This Season?
3 tips from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water
ANNAPOLIS, Md., April 26, 2021 – The nation’s biggest recreational boating safety event of the year, National Safe Boating Week, is right around the corner, May 22 to 28. The annual event helps remind boaters to keep boating safety front and center all season long. How can you be a safety hero aboard your boat? Here are three tips from the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water.
- The best life jacket is the one you will wear, meaning one that’s comfortable. There are many lightweight inflatable life jackets that fit the bill. Check the jacket’s label to ensure it’s approved for your type of boating. If the kids are visiting, don’t be tempted to put a child in an ill-fitting adult life jacket. The BoatUS Foundation’s Life Jacket Loaner program for kids offers a free and easy way to borrow an infant, child or teen life jacket for the day or weekend with locations at nearly 600 marinas, boat clubs, and other waterfront locations across the country.
- Learn from what the U.S. Coast Guard boating safety reports tell us: Operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed, and alcohol rank as the top five primary contributing factors in accidents. This summer, recreational boaters can focus on these factors by putting down the cellphone, practicing using S.C.A.N. procedures to avoid distracted boating, taking a free boating safety course, slowing down, and driving more defensively, especially in congested boating areas. Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, so save the celebration for after the boat is safely tied up for the night. Boat operators also need to recognize they are responsible for the safety of their guests, including inebriated ones.
- Remember to wear an engine cutoff switch if your boat is less than 26-feet, traveling on plane or above displacement speed. Some exemptions apply to this new rule went into effect April 1, including if the vessel has an enclosed helm. Engine cutoff switches can prevent boat strike injuries after an operator has been ejected from the vessel or displaced from the helm.
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About the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water:
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the more than 800,000 members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nonprofit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways and keeping boating safe for all. A range of boating safety courses – including 36 free state courses – can be found at BoatUS.org/Courses.
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SC Oyster Farming Permit Conflicts
Our thanks to Ted Arisaka for these reports from SC journalists. See Oyster Farming Dispute.
As you know, in Georgia, the “approved” shellfish harvest areas greatly impinged upon anchorages. Here is an investigative report on alleged conflict of interest in neighboring South Carolina.
Ted ArisakaShell game: Conflict, secrecy cloud battle over SC oyster farming permit
Charleston Post CourierUncovered: Conflict, secrecy cloud battle over SC oyster farming permit
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Wounded Nature Fundraiser – We need YOUR help!
As much as we might wish to participate, we can’t always put on our gloves and boots and wade into the fray. So here is your opportunity to contribute to the efforts of this fine volunteer group to clean up Charleston’s waterways on our behalf. Please give what you can!
Wounded Nature – Working Veterans needs your help! We clean and rehabilitate critical coastal areas that others cannot reach: Trash/Debris, Treated Wood/Tires, Abandoned/Derelict Vessels.
We make a Real Coastal Difference but doing this requires the right equipment. 2021 is our year to grow and upgrade our 20+ year old boats with two proper workboats. With the right equipment, we will increase our capacity and reach to do more by going after the really tough to get stuff – big treated wood (dock pilings/telephone poles), buried tires, and all the stuff we’ve been seeing but unable to remove to date.
Please consider donating. We have three levels of “perks” so check out the link. https://igg.me/at/WoundedNature/
Sharing this fundraiser with your network is just as impactful so please SHARE away to help Wounded Nature – Working Veterans continue to MAKE A REAL COASTAL DIFFERENCE in 2021 and for years to come!
Thank you all for your support!
Whit Jones
Wounded Nature – Working Veterans
843-737-1088
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An Okeechobee Waterway Crossing by Greg Allard
Once again, Greg Allard has blessed us with his descriptive narrative and beautiful photography as he and wife Barbara crossed Lake Okeechobee on April 27th. For more of Greg’s work, type Allard Letters in the Search Window of our Homepage. Thank you so very much Greg and Barbara!
We crossed the Okeechobee Waterway from east to west, departing on April 27, 2021. The Route 1 Lake Level was at 14.07’ which means that the Navigation Route 1 level (directly across the lake) was just over 8’. Our boat has a 5’ draft. The depth report from the Corp of Engineers was accurate, as we never had less than 3′ under the keel.
Currently (as of the report on May 5, 2021) the level is at 13.88’, or 7.82’ for Nav Route 1.
We used the Aqua Maps charts with the US Army Corp of Engineers depth shadings. The shallowest part of the crossing is generally in the Clewiston cut, in the SW corner of the lake. If you carefully adhere to channels, and do not stray or drift out of them, you will maintain the reported depths under your boat. Don’t let the wind push you sideways between the aids to navigation – the outside edges of the Clewiston channel are unforgiving rock. The lake level can change, so be sure to check the current depths on the Corp of Engineers site before your crossing: https://w3.saj.usace.army.mil/h2o/currentLL.shtml
We saw minimal evidence of algae: in the St. Lucie section, there was only one area with very small patches of green algae along one short stretch along the edge of the canal, on the south side.
In the Port Myacca lock (which was a mere 6” lift into the lake), there was light green line at the upper edge of the 6” water mark, along the north lock wall, but no evidence of algae in the lock. We saw no other algae on the entire Okeechobee Waterway. One boater did report that his sea chest had some showing of green color but it had not affected anything.
RIVER HOUSE MARINA: In 2021 we have stayed twice at the newly refurbished docks in Moore Haven at the River House, which is immediately west of the Moore Haven city dock. The location is a perfect layover stop for cruising boats – almost equidistant from the west and east coasts. For years we had stayed at the city docks ($1 a foot, with electric and water). But the River House now offers so much more, for the same price: $1 a foot includes free WiFi, (which is decent, but the owner intends to improve it), 30A & 50A electric and water, a swimming pool, bathrooms and showers, security gates onto the docks, and most importantly, they accept reservations through Dockwa. This is a huge benefit: if you have used the Okeechobee Waterway and wondered if you would find a place at the city docks when you arrived there in the afternoon, having a reservation at River House eliminates that concern.
The docks at River House have been completely refurbished. There are two fixed docks. The easterly dock is good for 40’+ boats, with drafts about 5’ or so; the westerly dock is for larger boats, and will hold three 60’ boats. The water depth there is 10’ plus. One small concern is that the new pilings on the westerly dock are low, so if your boat has a flared bow, you need to be certain that your stern is first brought against the well-cushioned pilings, to prevent the bow from going up against the tops of the pilings. The attentive owner of River House, Bob Holden, understands this issue, and is always on-hand to assist in docking. Again, you can make reservations through Dockwa, or call Bob Holden directly at 863-946-0466 to discuss your needs.
We have used the Okeechobee Waterway dozens of time, and it never disappoints us. It is always interesting – a step back in time to old Florida. Don’t worry about the locks; once you learn the basics of using them it becomes routine. Just tell the lockmaster if this is your first trip – they are very helpful. The Waterway also allows you to travel in conditions which would be prohibitive in the Gulf or through the Keys, and it saves time and fuel.
Some highlights of this trip:
A fiery sunrise on the Caloosahatchee portion of the Waterway.
After an early morning lock-through at Moore Haven. (photo by Ellen Pope).
Often there are cows, and sometimes horses, by water’s edge.
A small alligator “blocks” our exit from a lock. Manatees often go through the locks. One dockmaster told us that manatees hated the sound of a bow thruster, so giving it a short burst or two is a good way to safely move them along, out our your path. It works.
The affable bridge keeper at Fort Denaud. The day before this picture was taken, she had a lot of fun, when someone drove through the road gate, which was in the down position. The gate crashed through his windshield. The driver was not injured. He didn’t speak any English, so the dockmaster managed to have him call a friend who could translate. The translator said that the driver was texting. The bridge was closed for several hours.
The Okeechobee Waterway is always full of surprises. Along the western stretch, on April 29, 2021, we came upon this American bald eagle, peering down into the water.
He immediately threw himself into the river, and came out with a rather large fish, which is in his talons (not visible in the photo). He then flew off, with the fish in tow, to eat somewhere in peace.
Some people have told us they would never use the Okeechobee Waterway; they are missing a lot.Greg Allard
M/V Meander
Text and Photos copyright by Greg Allard, 2021Be the first to comment!
Bahamas Chatter goes MOBILE
Bahamas Chatter is published by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.
Click here for Bahamas Chatter goes MOBILE
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Six-Month Summers Possible by 2100
Summers in the Northern Hemisphere could last nearly six months by the year 2100 if global warming continues unchecked, according to a recent study.
Six-month summers could be common by the end of this century, scientists say
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USCG: Seven Rescued at South Jetty, Savannah River, GA
The Coast Guard rescued seven adults after their 25-foot vessel became aground at the South Jetty of the Savannah River, Friday. Owner intoxicated and only three life jackets for seven passengers.
PHOTO AVAILABLE: Coast Guard rescues 7 after vessel ran aground at South Savannah River Jetty
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Anchoring in Georgia by Ted Arisaka
Following passage of new regulations in Georgia for anchoring in the coastal waters of the state (House Bill 833 Effective July 1, 2020), Ted Arisaka, an experienced skipper and frequent contributor to Cruisers Net who has been active in the debates and issues surrounding boater access to public waters, posted this summation. Thank you Ted.
Anchoring in Georgia 2021
By Ted Arisaka
“Anchoring Permits” are only required if you plan to anchor in one place for more than 14 days in a year. “One place” is defined by a circle of 1 mile radius.
“Anchoring Restriction Areas” are a separate concept – you may not anchor in these areas overnight:
– Within 300 ft. of a marina
– Within 150 ft. of a marine structure (such as a private dock)
– Within 500 ft. of an approved shellfish area
These zones are mapped on GA DNR’s website here:
https://gcmp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=b5a616ad152a462bad0b73cdb5eeb107
Marina setbacks are shown in red. Structures setbacks are shown in purple. Shellfish setbacks are shown in brown.
They are not charted by NOAA (I have requested this) nor are there currently ATONs in situ to delineate these areas. If you are on FB, we have a group there dedicated to GA Anchoring and one member took GA DNR’s KMZ files and converted them to GPX which you can import into AquaMap. Here is the post:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SaveGeorgiasAnchorages/permalink/895344771296834/
Also in this group, I took Bob Sherer’s (Bob423) long track through the state and overlaid the anchor restriction zones for shellfish harvest so one could get a sense for where they are in relation to the AICW:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/daiwXxCkMxNaiJVt5
As far as enforcement goes, I have only heard of one case where an anchored cruiser was asked to move in Turner Creek by GA Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The law enforcement officer was courteous but was mistaken on the particular setback being cited and some of us contacted GA DNR to alert them to the need for additional training. Technically it is a misdemeanor, so potentially $1000 fine and one year in jail.
GA DNR is telling us that this is “complaint driven” and they do not have the manpower or intention to patrol the coastal waters looking for violations.
There is another issue brewing due to Georgia’s handling of subtidal shellfish leases. Note that when the new anchoring regulations were enacted last year that a 500 foot setback was agreed to by all parties at the time, not knowing how the state was going to pursue the management of shellfish areas. The new leases will impact where vessels may anchor. Defining those areas and determining what the state’s intentions are is an ongoing struggle.
So at the end of the day, I personally would anchor in Georgia, in my usual spots, keeping away from docks and feel that I would be fine. At least for this spring and summer.
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Historic Lighthouse Lens’ Odyssey Continues
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse’s lens is now on display at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, but its location was a mystery for more than a century. See Lighthouse Restoration.
Historic Lighthouse Lens’ Odyssey Continues
Coastal Review Online1 Facebook Likes, 1 Facebook Reactions
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NOAA Planet Stewards Funding and Book Clubs and Workshops, Oh My!
You are encouraged to read and participate in as many or all of the four NOAA Planet Stewards opportunities noted below. You’ll be glad you did.
Greeting NOAA Planet Stewards Educators!
Like me you probably don’t read each and every email that makes it to your inbox right away. You read and respond to the most time sensitive messages, but others you might leave to the end of the day – say The Watch newsletter? Sometimes a few emails – that you deem not essential to your work or personal life – might fall through the cracks and never get read. It happens to all of us. No judgement. That’s why I’m sending you this special announcement. I encourage you to read and participate in as many or all of the four NOAA Planet Stewards opportunities noted below. You’ll be glad you did.
Bruce Moravchik.
Coordinator, NOAA Planet Stewards
NOAA Planet Stewards is Now Accepting Proposals for Funding During the 2021-2022 Academic Year!
Are you an educator looking to initiate action in your school or community to address pressing environmental issues? Would $5,000 help you to realize your goals?
NOAA Planet Stewards is NOW accepting proposals from formal and informal educators working with elementary through university aged students to support projects – up to $5000 – to implement stewardship action projects that make a measurable impact in their school and/or community. Projects must focus on one of the following areas: marine debris, habitat conservation and restoration, carbon footprint reduction, or carbon sequestration.
To find out about eligibility, available resources, and the application process, go to our Planning a Project and Applying for Funding webpage, watch a recording of our recent broadcast and get started today!
Educators who have received funding from Planet Stewards in the past are eligible to apply!
Join us at our next Book Club meeting:
Monday May 17th, at 8:00 pm EDT.
We’ll be discussing:
The World is Blue: How Our Fate and the Ocean’s are One
by Sylvia Earle
This will be our last book club meeting of the 2020-2021 academic year, but we’ll be posting the selections for and the dates of next years book club to our Upcoming Events Webpage in just a few weeks!
The discussion is open to all.
To join us, dial 866-662-7513 (toll free)
Then, use the pass code: 1170791#
Share this invitation with all interested colleagues and networks
A Silent Spring for our era, this eloquent, urgent, fascinating book reveals how just 50 years of swift and dangerous oceanic change threatens the very existence of life on Earth. Marine scientist Sylvia Earle portrays a planet teetering on the brink of irreversible environmental crisis.
In recent decades we’ve learned more about the ocean than in all previous human history combined. But, even as our knowledge has exploded, so too has our power to upset the delicate balance of this complex organism.
Fortunately, there is reason for hope, but what we do—or fail to do—in the next ten years may well resonate for the next ten thousand. The ultimate goal, Earle argues passionately and persuasively, is to find responsible, renewable strategies that safeguard the natural systems that sustain us. The first step is to understand and act upon the wise message of this accessible, insightful, and compelling book.
Join NOAA Planet Stewards at one of our two educator professional development workshops this summer! Scroll down to find out more.
Community Resilience to Climate Change:
A Virtual Workshop for All Educators
Join us July 5-29, 2021 from anywhere you can Zoom. Formal educators will receive 24 CPE Credit hours. Educators of all subjects are welcome. Give students a voice to empower them, ignite change, and take action!
Workshop topics include: How to address climate change controversy; climate change impacts to human health; environmental justice; sustainability in Gulf fisheries; how coastal Texas ecosystems mitigate climate change; and more!
- Live panel discussions with scientists from NOAA, Environmental Defense Fund, Green Building Resource Center, and more.
- 70% independent learning with access to a message board to communicate with scientists and your fellow educators.
- Weekly hands-on activities.
- Receive free tools and resources for your classroom.
- Educators in the Galveston Texas area can participate in a 4 hour Kayak Adventure with a local scientist and artist (All Covid-safe protocols to be followed, lunch and snacks are provided!)
When: July 5-29, 2021 Online at your own pace. Live panel discussions from 9:00 – 11:00 am Central Time on July 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th.
Where: Anywhere you can Zoom!
More Information & Register at: https://www.artistboat.
org/noaa-professional- development/ Cost: Only $20 gets you: 24 CPE credits, vetted educational resources, all presentation videos and slides, 4 hour Kayak Adventure (for attendees in Galveston Texas Area) with coffee, lunch, and snacks – SUCH A DEAL!!!!!!
Questions? Contact: Karissa Laffey (klaffey@artistboat.org) or call: 409-632-0388
Climate Justice: Exploring the Science of
Climate Change in Your Classroom
NOAA Planet Stewards and the Detroit Zoological Society are hosting a three-day workshop for educators to explore how global climate change is affecting the metro Detroit region, and how they can engage their students in taking action to address this global phenomena.
Participants will attend:
- Tuesday, August 17, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Detroit Zoo, with a special evening event at the Polk Penguin Conservation Center.
- Wednesday, August 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Belle Isle Nature Center.
- Thursday, August 19, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Detroit Zoo.
This workshop is planned for in-person learning. Depending on Covid-19 safety guidelines at the time of the workshop, an alternate, a virtual experience may be required. All registrants will be kept apprised of programmatic changes.
Workshop topics include:
How to incorporate weather and climate change activities that meet MI state curriculum requirements into existing curriculum; using citizen science projects to connect youth with their local environment; mobilizing youth to take action in their communities.
Workshop features:
- Opportunities to learn from and interact with subject matter experts.
- Hands-on learning experiences at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center.
- Light continental breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included each day of the workshop. Beverages and appetizers will be provided at the August 19 evening event.
- Standards aligned classroom resources and materials.
- Detroit educators will receive a fully paid opportunity (including transportation!) to bring their students to the Detroit Zoo or Belle Isle Nature Center for a learning experience.
When/Where:
Tuesday, August 17, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Detroit Zoo.
Wednesday, August 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Belle Isle Nature Center.
Thursday, August 19, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Detroit Zoo..Who: Teachers in the Detroit area who work with upper elementary, middle or high school students.
Cost: $50 gets you: 14 SCHECHs (State Continuing Education Clock Hours); educational resources, tools, and materials for the classroom; a special evening event in the Polk Penguin Conservation Center; Light continental breakfast, lunch, snacks; and a fully paid for field trip for each classroom to visit the Zoo or Nature Center during the school year (the last item alone is a $400 value!)
Pre Register at: https://forms.gle/
GNn3DC6wh5kuYfC6A Questions? Contact: Claire Lannoye-Hall or Erin Parker
NOAA Climate Stewards Education Program
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Two Secrets for Better Boating – Off Center Harbor
While compiled by a group of Northeast “old salts” these videos are equally as applicable to our southern waters. Thank you for sharing, Off Center Harbor.
Hi Larry ~ It’s easy to feel like a fool sometimes while at the helm of a boat, or while trying to fix it.
There’s so much to learn, and it’s hard to develop new skills from reading a book or a magazine.
But with the power of video and the following two secrets, you can get one-on-one instruction from pros at the top of their field, and your learning curve can shoot straight up.
Secret #1: World-Class Instruction…
Even though top-notch instruction can quickly enhance your skills, there’s something that’s even more helpful in becoming a much better boater… Secret #2: Heart-Felt Inspiration!Good instruction is valuable, but getting inspired is priceless.
We get so many comments under our videos saying how much boaters have been inspired that we’ve given it a name — we call it the “inspiration curve”.
It’s different than your “learning curve”, but directly related, because a good “inspiration curve” can cause your learning curve to grow steeper and move faster.
Here is a video that provides a steep “inspiration curve”:
GETTING FULL ACCESSIn a few days, we’ll be sending you a great Mother’s Day/Father’s Day special to become a member with a 30% discount on your first year, plus a complimentary member’s hat. If these videos have inspired you, we hope you’ll consider joining thousands of others from more than 80 countries as a member of Off Center Harbor.
Warmest regards,
Steve, Ben, Bill, Eric and Maynard, Co-foundersOff Center Harbor
We’re proud to run Off Center Harbor the old fashioned way, relying on trust
and authenticity among our customers, our crew, and our community.
Our mailing address is:
Worldwide Classic Boat Show
7 Bay RoadBrooklin, ME 04616
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Shared Photo: Harbor Town Yacht Basin, AICW Statute Mile 565
Our thanks to TJ Sharp for this beautiful nighttime photo of Harbor Town Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
TJ Sharp
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Harbor Town Yacht Basin
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This Week at Interior! Earth Day 2021
A weekly recap of events at the U.S. Department of the Interior.
This week: Secretary Haaland makes a call for climate action as the world celebrates Earth Day 2021; Secretary Haaland issues a statement on the eleventh anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon disaster; the Secretary testifies on Interior’s budget before a House subcommittee; it’s the first meeting of the White House Council on Native American Affairs under the Biden-Harris Administration; hundreds of bird species will benefit from $80 million in funding for various wetland conservation projects in North America; an 18-year-old from Kansas takes top honors in the National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest; researchers make a historic discovery at a National Wildlife Refuge in Maryland; the Bureau of Land Management issues $26.9 million in funding for education, infrastructure, public safety, and health services in Oregon; the National Park Service launches the first self-driving vehicle at a recreational public lands site, and it’s a Moon with a view in our social media Picture of the Week!
Watch the Video
Interior Marks Earth Day 2021
Secretary Haaland issues a call for action as the world marks Earth Day 2021, a global celebration encouraging education and stewardship of the planet’s natural resources. The Secretary says Interior, through all its Bureaus and Offices, is working to address the climate crisis by restoring balance on public lands, and waters, advancing environmental justice, and investing in a clean energy future.
Watch the Video
Remembering Deepwater Horizon, 11 Years Later
On April 20, 2010, an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig cost eleven lives and spilled million gallons of oil into Gulf waters. It took three months to cap that leak. In a statement this week Secretary Haaland said Interior has made progress toward ensuring that operations in the Gulf Coast remain safe and environmentally responsible — but that much work remains to be done.
Read More
Secretary Haaland Testifies on Biden-Harris Administration’s FY 2022 Budget Request
Secretary Haaland appeared this week before a House subcommittee, testifying on the Administration’s fiscal year 2022 Interior budget request. The Secretary responded to questions about addressing the needs of Native American communities, the implementation of the Great American Outdoors Act, and prioritizing a maintenance backlog at the nation’s national parks.
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Secretary Haaland Chairs First 2021 Meeting of White House Council on Native American Affairs
Secretary Haaland and Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice convened the first meeting of the White House Council on Native American Affairs under the Biden-Harris Administration this week. The Secretary serves as chair of that council, made up of members from federal departments, agencies, and offices. It represents the Administration’s all-of-government approach to strengthening our nation-to-nation relationship with Tribes as it takes on climate change, racial equity, economic recovery, and the COVID-19 response.
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Migratory Bird Conservation Commission Approves $80 Million in Funding for Wetlands Conservation
Hundreds of bird species will benefit from $80 million in funding for various wetland conservation projects in North America. The funding was approved this week by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, which is chaired by Secretary Haaland.
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Kansas Teen Takes Top Honors in Junior Duck Stamp Contest
An 18-year-old from Kansas took top honors in the National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest with an acrylic painting of a pair of hooded mergansers. Margaret McMullen’s artwork will grace the 2021-2022 Junior Duck Stamp, which goes on sale June 25th. The stamp supports conservation education for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
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Historic Discovery on Maryland Wildlife Refuge
A historic discovery announced this week in Maryland. Researchers found the remains of a cabin belonging to Ben Ross, father of abolitionist Harriet Tubman, who helped thousands of escaped slaves find freedom via the Underground Railroad. The site sits on land acquired by the Fish and Wildlife Service last year, to help Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge withstand rising seas. Archaeologists confirmed the news after finding artifacts dating back to the 1800’s.
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BLM Issues Funding to Rural Oregon Communities
The Bureau of Land Management has issued $26.9 million in payments from Fiscal Year 2020 to 18 counties in western Oregon under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. Most of the funding will go directly to the counties, supporting investments in education, infrastructure, public safety, and health services.
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National Park Service Launches Self-Driving Shuttle
The National Park Service this week announced the launch of the first self-driving vehicle at a recreational public lands site. The shuttle will be tested for three-months at Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, the site of the world’s first powered flight in 1903.
Read More
Tweet of the Week
Secretary Deb Haaland @SecDebHaaland National parks remind us of our past and give us hope for the future. This #NationalParkWeek, join me in celebrating by sharing your love for these incredible places.
19 Apr Picture of the Week
A sliver of moon hangs just above the mountains at Glacier National Park. Photo by Autumn Schrock (www.sharetheexperience.org).
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Plastic Debris is choking the Ocean by John Christopher Fine
As we celebrate Earth Day, please be more careful with plastic bags and foam cups. And be sure to not let helium balloons loose.
John Christopher Fine
Plastic debris is choking the ocean
Florida Keys WeeklyBe the first to comment!
Hatteras Lighthouse Home to New Webcam, Cape Hatteras, NC
With the launch of a new webcam, anyone with access to the internet can see the view from the top of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. The webcam can be viewed at www.obxforever.org/obx-national-park-webcams/, www.outerbanks.org/webcams and www.surfline.com.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Photo: Jennifer Allen
Hatteras Lighthouse Home to New Webcam
Coastal Online ReviewBe the first to comment!
St Augustine Morning Net now at 9:00AM on Channel 72
For all the latest St. Augustine Cruising News, especially here in Race Week, tune into Morning Net on Channel 72. Our thanks to Michelle Bennett for this update. See Race Week.Hi Larry,Just a heads up the St Augustine Cruisers net has changed the time for morning net, it’s now at 9:00am on channel 72 every day through the end of May. We take a break June through October but have events all year long. More info at www.facebook.com/groups/CruisersNet .Thank you,Michelle BennettBe the first to comment!
USCG: Sector Charleston Prepares for Upcoming Hurricane Season
See also Hurricane and Severe Weather Preparation.
SECTOR CHARLESTON
UPCOMING 2021 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON
The Atlantic Hurricane Season will begin June 1, 2021 and will run through November 30, 2021. During this timeframe, the assigned port condition (PORTCON) will remain PORTCON IV and the port status will remain OPEN for all ports and waterways within the Sector Charleston Captain of the Port Zone. These waters are identified in 33 CFR 3.35-15 and lie between the intersection of the North Carolina – South Carolina boarder and the northern bank of the Savannah River.
In the event of forecasted tropical storm force winds (sustained winds of 34 kts/39 mph or greater) from a tropical cyclone, the Sector Charleston Captain of the Port (COTP) will coordinate with the Heavy Weather Advisory Group (HWAG) to evaluate port preparation and changes in port condition.
The HWAG consists of maritime transportation system professionals local to the Sector Charleston Captain of the Port Zones, providing input on local operations and coordination for overall port well-being in response to severe weather events.
The COTP will announce changes to port conditions via a Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) and a Broadcast Notice to Mariners when forecasted tropical storm force winds (sustained winds of 34 kts/39 mph or greater) from a tropical cyclone threaten South Carolina. These port conditions are as follows:
Forecasted Hours Prior to Tropical Storm Force Winds Port Condition Measures in Effect 1 DEC – 31 MAY V General. Port status is OPEN. 1 JUN – 30 NOV IV Hurricane seasonal alert. Industry to review heavy weather plans. Port status is OPEN. 72 WHISKEY The COTP will assess lay-up and mooring plans, meet with stakeholders, and conduct port assessments. Port status is OPEN. 48 X-RAY The COTP will finalize review of lay-up and mooring plans, hold further meetings with stakeholders, and continue port assessments. Port Status is OPEN. 24 YANKEE The COTP may restrict vessel movements, including stopping inbound vessel traffic, and cargo operations. Port status is OPEN with RESTRICTIONS. 12 ZULU The COTP may restrict all vessel movements, including stopping inbound and outbound vessel traffic, and cargo operations. Port status is CLOSED. AFTER STORM PASSAGE
OPEN or OPEN with RESTRICTIONS Prior to authorizing vessel movements and cargo operations, the COTP will conduct a risk analysis based on actual weather observed and port assessments, which may include verifications of aids to navigation, channel hazards, waterfront facility damage, and vessel accountability. Very Respectfully,
LT Chad Ray
USCG Sector Charleston
Waterways Management Div., Chief
(843) 323-7761
All vessels, waterfront facilities, and marinas should review their heavy weather plans now. Please take into account that drawbridges may not open for vessel traffic when sustained wind speeds reach 25 mph or during land evacuations. Vessels or oceangoing barges greater than 500 gross tons that are unable to go to sea are required to submit heavy weather plans to the COTP. The request form can be obtained from Sector Charleston’s HOMEPORT internal site at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/charleston. All requests should be submitted to D07-PF-SECTORCHASN-WWM@uscg.mil. The COTP will carefully evaluate vessels requesting to remain in port. Submission alone of a Remain in Port Request does not grant approval from the COTP.
Currently, and running to May 31, 2021, the threat of severe weather is decreased. PORTCON V with a port status of OPEN remains in effect. This, however, does not prevent the COTP from changing port conditions in the event of forecasted severe weather.
For HWAG or waterway specific questions, please contact (843) 323-7761. For facility and foreign vessel specific questions, please contact (843) 740-3186. For domestic vessel specific questions, please contact (843) 754-2076. For Coast Guard related emergencies, please contact Sector Charleston Command Center at (843) 740-7050.
This MSIB can be viewed at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/charleston.
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Earth Day April 22, 2021
EARTHDAY.ORG is honored that the Biden Administration has decided to convene a global climate summit on Earth Day 2021.
GROWING THE MOVEMENT SINCE 1970: EARTH DAY EVERY DAY
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Still More on Florida’s Restrictive Anchoring Legislation
Anchoring restrictions imposed by Florida’s legislators have been increasing for years with legislators pressured by wealthy landowners to remove all visiting vessels. See Restrictive Anchoring Legislation by Jim Healy . Our thanks to Fred Ruggiero for this report.My Name is Fred Ruggiero Jr. and I am a member of the Bradenton Yacht Club, Fl., FCYC, (Florida Council of Yacht Clubs).Florida’s proposed bill, HB 639, while containing valuable boating safety legislation, contains in 327.4108, restrictions/limitations on anchoring.While this issue is framed as a derelict vessel issue, as is often the case, the regulations, laws, and statutes needed for identifying and removing derelict and at-risk derelict vessels are in place. Florida’s FWC and Florida law enforcement agencies have the legal authority and ability to identify and regulate derelict and at-risk derelict vessels in the Florida statutes through chapters 327 and 328. In fact, Florida statues even provide for a Rapid Derelict Vessel Removal process. In addition, Florida statutes clearly gives FWC and Florida law enforcement agencies the regulatory authority to inspect the compliance for a vessel’s sanitation disposal.
We have all seen municipalities that illegally “create” their own ordinance in order to maintain their “slice of heaven”. Gulf Port, Fl, St. Petersburg, Fl, Ft, Myers, Fl…
What do you suppose will occur, when Florida municipalities believe that they now have the authority to regulate anchoring in Florida waters?
Had there been a real effort behind reinstating/continuing Florida’s mooring field program, I believe that the mooring field test program would have greatly reduced the derelict and at-risk derelict vessel issue. The remaining favoritism with anchoring restriction/limitations is nothing short of a “Vista protection act for waterfront landowners”.
If these proposed bills that restrict/limit anchoring pass, there is absolutely no assurance that the ability to anchor will be fair and equitable and that the PUBLIC TRUST DOCTRINE survive.
Your support would be greatly appreciated!
All the best
Fred Ruggiero Jr
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