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Volunteers needed for Elnor Island cleanup
By BOB McCLURE
| Article published on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 |
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TREASURE ISLAND – The Treasure Island Beach Stewardship Committee is seeking volunteers to help with a cleanup of Elnor Island on Saturday, May 10.
The island, a 15-acre mangrove key at the east end of John’s Pass between Madeira Beach and Treasure Island, features a number of native plant species, a number of invasive species and quite a bit of marine debris that has washed up in recent years.
“What we’re asking for is two types of volunteers – people who can use their boats to shuttle people back and forth from the docks at Gator’s and volunteers who want to work on the perimeter of the island and remove accumulated debris.”
Velasco said no debris would be placed in the boats. A barge provided by the city of Treasure Island would serve that purpose, he said.
The cleanup is the second phase of a plan to revitalize the island that was once home to hundreds of pelicans.
The City of Treasure Island started an annual spraying program recently to kill invasive plants such as Brazilian pepper.
“We just want to return the island to its natural state,” said Velasco. “Our concentration (May 10) will be on the west side of the island. Hopefully we’ll get it all done in one day. If not, we’ll go back another day.”
Volunteers should bring their own work gloves, sunscreen, insect repellent and rubber-soled boots or shoes.
Volunteers will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Gator’s Marina docks next to Kingfish Park, just past Gator’s Cafe and Saloon on Kingfish Drive.
Sid Rice, owner of Gator’s Cafe, is donating the disposal costs.
“This project is the perfect activity for church groups, civic associations and environmentally-minded citizens,” Velasco said in a news release. “Just a few hours of volunteering can make such a huge difference in restoring the natural balance to Elnor Island.”
The Beach Stewardship Committee is an advisory group that gathers information and reports to the Treasure Island City Commission. It meets monthly on the second Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Boaters interested in providing shuttle service should contact Velasco at 360-1901.
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Article published on Tuesday, April 15, 2008
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