South Walton Artificial Reef Assn. announcement

SWARA is excited to share the reef module layout designs for each of the 4 snorkel reefs! We hope this will create 4 individually unique and exciting snorkeling experiences. Which reef do you plan to explore first?

The last one is off of Grayton correct?

Yes that is correct, the last one is off Grayton Beach State Park. The location is noted at the bottom of each drawing just beneath the Taylor Engineering logo.

These 4 snorkel reef module designs are mapped (little circles) along the coastal sandbar map on post #1.

I think you should place them to spell out "SoWal".

The first map shows two large area reef sites inside State waters off SOWAL. Are these permitted or in the permitting process ? If so there are quite a few folks who would contribute time, money and materials for reefs........ especially if the county can be brought on board to do inspections as is done in our sourrounding counties
Let me know please

Capt Larry
Deadfish

I think you should place them to spell out "SoWal".

30A would be more cost effective.

30A would be more cost effective.

SW would be fine - anything to be unique...

Thanks Donna! Here's our story with more info
http://sowal.com/story/south-walton-artificial-reef-association-hoping-to-hit-the-water-in-2014

Think this is an excellent idea! Can't wait until they are in place!

This is a great idea for a number of reasons--ecological, economical and aesthetic.

Think this is an excellent idea! Can't wait until they are in place!

Thanks! Regular updates are currently being posted here:
https://www.facebook.com/SouthWaltonArtificialReefAssociation

Hopefully NRDA funding (administered thru FWC) for artificial reef modules will see structures going into the water between late 2014 and early 2015!

Please spread the word that "liking" the SWARA facebook page, in this case, carries weight! The "likes" prove public support to the govt. agencies and other sources of grant funding.

I think you should place them to spell out "SoWal".

I'll pass that on Kurt!
But meanwhile... you want we should put you down for a Memorial reef plaque ?!?

30A would be more cost effective.

With 9 40acre fish/diving patches requiring hundreds of reef structure deployments (after the 4 snorkel reefs), the need for SWARA memberships & financial contributions will provide ample opportunities for all to be involved!

but Hey! far be it from SWARA to squelch a nice, stimulating, community bidding bonanza! :funn:

The first map shows two large area reef sites inside State waters off SOWAL. Are these permitted or in the permitting process ? If so there are quite a few folks who would contribute time, money and materials for reefs........ especially if the county can be brought on board to do inspections as is done in our sourrounding counties
Let me know please



Capt Larry
Deadfish

Capt. Larry,
Short answer: Not yet.

Long answer: There are some funds set aside for a portion of the permitting costs for 'LAARS A'. Guidance from FWC, FDEP, and USACOE recommended that this particular permit be submitted after the 13 nearshore permit applications, because LAARS (Large Area Artificial Reef Site) permitting is a significantly more complex, costly, and time consuming process.

Upcoming NRDA / FWC ph.3 funds distribution is limited to structure deployment on "in-play permits". Imminent deadlines had to be met in order for Walton County to be eligible for these deployment $. This is why the 13 nearshore permit apps were prioritized.

You and the other folks involvement and assistance is needed, valued, and appreciated!
Please stay in contact!

Note: As required by law, the county is involved in every process. In fact, SWARA currently has an official, long term (10year?) "Walton County Artificial Reef Plan" being drafted for adoption. Among other things, this plan will include inspection & monitoring requirements as well as education & awareness initiatives.

I'll pass that on Kurt!
But meanwhile... you want we should put you down for a Memorial reef plaque ?!?

Do you know something I don't know?

What's the cost?

Do you know something I don't know?

What's the cost?

Oh you made me snort-laff!
That post did come off sounding kinda 'not so good' didn't it?!

I meant: a publicly named reef structure with an attached plaque commemorating SoWal.com for generations to come. But you knew that didn't you ;-) ?

Stay tuned... will come back with the price!

As a general FYI (not to be taken personally): we are advised that human remains, by law, are not to be interred within 3 miles of the shoreline.

At least we know where the rumor kurt is dying started.

This is great news. We always go to Panama City to dive. Look forward to seeing this come to life

Update to all our Walton County reef “lovers.” We currently have FDEP authorization for 4 snorkel reefs (Miramar, Topsail, Grayton, and Inlet Beach) and 6 nearshore fish/dive (1/4 nm) reefs (Miramar, Topsail, Ft. Panic, Ed Walline, Blue Mountain, and Grayton Beach). We should receive authorization for the remaining 3 sites (Santa Clara, Deer Lake, and Inlet Beach) any day now.

Now we await US Army Corp of Engineers (USACOE) authorizations... a lengthier process as they also coordinate approvals with several other agencies.

Update to all our Walton County reef “lovers.” We currently have FDEP authorization for 4 snorkel reefs (Miramar, Topsail, Grayton, and Inlet Beach) and 6 nearshore fish/dive (1/4 nm) reefs (Miramar, Topsail, Ft. Panic, Ed Walline, Blue Mountain, and Grayton Beach). We should receive authorization for the remaining 3 sites (Santa Clara, Deer Lake, and Inlet Beach) any day now.

Now we await US Army Corp of Engineers (USACOE) authorizations... a lengthier process as they also coordinate approvals with several other agencies.

Update: Walton County now has FDEP permits for the following artificial reefs patches:

4 snorkel (straddling 2nd sandbar)
9 nearshore fish/dive (approx. .65mile out)
1 offshore fish/dive (approx. 3miles out)
2 fish havens

No word, as yet, from Army Corps of Engineers. Tic-Toc.

NOTICE of PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE of PUBLIC HEARING WORKSHOP -
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015
3:00 -5:00p.m.
South Walton Coastal Annex

For public input and comment on:
1) County Artificial Reefs 10year Management Plan -
plan draft pdf is available for review at http://www.waltonreefs.org

2) LAARS (Large Area Artificial Reef Site)

http://www.waltonreefs.org/pdf/SWARA_Reef_Site_Chart.pdf

Above Link to map of fully permitted artificial reef sites. Follow the legend on the bottom of the map.
Red Dots = 4 snorkel reefs straddling 2nd sandbar
Gray Hashed Squares = 9 near shore dive / fish reefs approx. 1/2 mile off beach.
Black Outline Squares = 2 fish havens

NOTE: LAARS A and LAARS B (large area artificial reef sites) permits have NOT been applied for. These site location areas for "private" deployments will be discussed at the March 3rd public workshop. Please attend if you would like to have input.

Yesterday's Artificial Reef Public Workshop garnered lots of good stakeholder input from attendees. The public commenting period is extended until close of business on March 11, 2015 to encourage additional feedback on the (previously linked) County Artificial Reef Plan (CARP) and proposed Large Area Artificial Reef Site (LAARS) location and size. Please submit your comments, suggestions, questions, (and/or support) to Melinda Gates (gatmelinda@co.walton.fl.us) or SWARA (info@waltonreefs.org).

A summary and transcription of the public meeting comments will be posted here, and on SWARA's facebook page and website as soon as possible.

Thanks again to the community and interested stakeholders for your involvement, interest, and support of the artificial reef program.

Link to the summary transcription of Artificial Reef Public Workshop comments and input from attendees
http://www.waltonreefs.org/pdf/Summary Artificial Reef Management Plan Public Workshop.pdf