Reminder - Leave No Trace - Protect Our Beaches

Kurt · 2008-05-21T17:48:58.000Z

[CENTER][B][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Beaches of South Walton TDC reminds Beach goers to [/FONT][/SIZE][/B] [B][SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]“Leave No Trace” Over Memorial Day Weekend[/FONT][/SIZE][/B][/CENTER] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][B]WALTON COUNTY[/B][B], Fla.[/B]—(May 20, 2008)—Any personal items left on public beach walkovers and accesses overnight will be removed from the beach daily as part of the “Leave No Trace” campaign, an international program that guides outdoor enthusiasts in their decisions to reduce their impacts while enjoying recreational activities.[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]“Leave No Trace” focuses on the concepts of beach maintenance and preservation. By ensuring that each person “leaves no trace” when enjoying the area’s beaches, waterways and natural lands, it helps protect and preserve this destination while ensuring everyone is afforded the same pristine experience. [B]Therefore, personal items left on the beach from dusk until dawn will be discarded.[/B][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]“Everyone wins when the beach is maintained. Clean beaches benefit the environment and economy alike,” said Tracy Louthain, director of public relations and visitor services for Beaches of South Walton TDC. “Leaving items on the beach overnight has a number of harmful effects ranging from items being taken with the tide and becoming litter, to impacts on nesting sea turtles to spoiling the area’s scenic beauty for which we are known.”[/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman][B]Obstructions on the beach in a nesting turtle's path are dangerous obstacles.[/B] She cannot maneuver very well on land and loses precious energy reserves needed for nesting. A turtle cannot backup. If blocked or trapped, she will need to be rescued. In addition to the environmental impacts, items left on the beach also block emergency and maintenance vehicles, which traverse the beach at night. [/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]Responsible practices not only make the area’s beaches more attractive but are a point of distinction and recognition. Blue Wave certification is issued by the Clean Beaches Council for responsible beach management practices, and Beaches of South Walton is the only destination in the nation to have all 26-miles of beaches Blue Wave certified. There are guiding principles that beach goers can adopt to ensure that they [B]“Leave No Trace.” First, travel on durable surfaces. By staying on established trails and dune walkovers, damage to vegetation, and the erosion that occurs as a result, will be avoided. If you carry it in, carry it out. Trash, cigarette butts, waste and other items litter our natural areas. Also, remove beach chairs and umbrellas, as they create hazards when left out overnight. These items will be discarded if left on the beach overnight.[/B][/FONT][/SIZE] [SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]For more information on the “Leave No Trace” program, please call Walton County Code Enforcement at 850-622-0000.[/FONT][/SIZE] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]_________________________________________________________________________________________[/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][COLOR=blue]Edit - update 8/10/08[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3][/SIZE][/FONT] Yesterday I received a letter from the county with this notice on one side - [URL="http://www.partners.beachesofsouthwalton.com/LeaveNoTrace.pdf"][U][COLOR=#810081]http://www.partners.beachesofsouthwalton.com/LeaveNoTrace.pdf[/COLOR][/U][/URL] and a letter from Kevin Hargett, code enforcement on the other side. The letter is addressed to "proprty owners in Walton County". The letter introduces the new amendment to the ordinance. [B]All is now official and final.[/B] [SIZE=5][COLOR=red]Do Not Leave Anything On The Beach.[/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=5][COLOR=#ff0000][/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][COLOR=black][B]Leave No Trace...[/B][/COLOR][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][/SIZE] [SIZE=2][SIZE=4][LEFT][SIZE=2]The scenic beauty of the area can only be maintained through a commitment by the residents and visitors. By being environmental stewards and ensuring that each of us "Leave No Trace" when enjoying recreational activities along the area’s beaches, waterways and natural lands, we help to protect and preserve this [/SIZE][SIZE=2]destination while ensuring everyone is afforded the same pristine experience. [/SIZE] [SIZE=2][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]"Leave No Trace" is an international program that guides outdoor enthusiasts in their decisions [/SIZE][SIZE=2]to reduce their impacts while enjoying recreational activities. To follow are some of the guiding [/SIZE] [SIZE=2]principles that can be adopted by residents and visitors to Beaches of South Walton: [/SIZE] [SIZE=2][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]• Travel on Durable Surfaces – Stay on established trails and use dune walkovers to avoid [/SIZE] [SIZE=2]damage to vegetation, which will lead to erosion. [/SIZE] [SIZE=2]• Dispose of Trash Properly – If you carry it in, carry it out. Trash, cigarette butts, waste [/SIZE] [SIZE=2]and other items litter our natural areas. Beach chairs and umbrellas create hazards [/SIZE] [SIZE=2]when left on the beach overnight. [/SIZE] [SIZE=2]• Respect Wildlife – Observe wildlife from a distance, especially nesting sea turtles. [/SIZE] [SIZE=2]• Be Considerate of Other Visitors – Avoid loud music or noise—let nature’s sounds [/SIZE][SIZE=2]prevail; If you dig holes, be sure to fill them in so others do not get injured. [/SIZE] [SIZE=2][/SIZE] [SIZE=2]We hope they you will join us in the "Leave No Trace" program and leave our [/SIZE][SIZE=2]natural lands as pristine as when you arrived. [/SIZE] [SIZE=2]Walton County has begun enforcing Ordinance No. 2003-07G: It shall be unlawful for [/SIZE][SIZE=2]beach chairs, umbrellas, tents and other such personal articles to be on the beach in such a [/SIZE][SIZE=2]manner that they interfere with beach maintenance, nesting turtles or emergency vehicles. [/SIZE] [SIZE=2]Personal items left unattended on the beach from dusk to dawn will be discarded. [/SIZE] [SIZE=2]Regional public beach accesses and public boardwalks will be cleaned daily. [/SIZE] [SIZE=2]Other sections of the beach will be cleaned on a rotating basis. [/SIZE] [SIZE=2]Join us in protecting the beautiful Beaches of South Walton. [/SIZE][/LEFT] [/SIZE][SIZE=2][LEFT]For more information, call Code Enforcement (850) 622-0000. [/LEFT] [/SIZE][/SIZE]

Admin

May 21, '08 · 12:48 PM20,358

Beaches of South Walton TDC reminds Beach goers to

“Leave No Trace” Over Memorial Day Weekend

WALTON COUNTY, Fla.—(May 20, 2008)—Any personal items left on public beach walkovers and accesses overnight will be removed from the beach daily as part of the “Leave No Trace” campaign, an international program that guides outdoor enthusiasts in their decisions to reduce their impacts while enjoying recreational activities.

“Leave No Trace” focuses on the concepts of beach maintenance and preservation. By ensuring that each person “leaves no trace” when enjoying the area’s beaches, waterways and natural lands, it helps protect and preserve this destination while ensuring everyone is afforded the same pristine experience. Therefore, personal items left on the beach from dusk until dawn will be discarded.

“Everyone wins when the beach is maintained. Clean beaches benefit the environment and economy alike,” said Tracy Louthain, director of public relations and visitor services for Beaches of South Walton TDC. “Leaving items on the beach overnight has a number of harmful effects ranging from items being taken with the tide and becoming litter, to impacts on nesting sea turtles to spoiling the area’s scenic beauty for which we are known.”

Obstructions on the beach in a nesting turtle's path are dangerous obstacles. She cannot maneuver very well on land and loses precious energy reserves needed for nesting. A turtle cannot backup. If blocked or trapped, she will need to be rescued. In addition to the environmental impacts, items left on the beach also block emergency and maintenance vehicles, which traverse the beach at night.

Responsible practices not only make the area’s beaches more attractive but are a point of distinction and recognition. Blue Wave certification is issued by the Clean Beaches Council for responsible beach management practices, and Beaches of South Walton is the only destination in the nation to have all 26-miles of beaches Blue Wave certified. There are guiding principles that beach goers can adopt to ensure that they “Leave No Trace.” First, travel on durable surfaces. By staying on established trails and dune walkovers, damage to vegetation, and the erosion that occurs as a result, will be avoided. If you carry it in, carry it out. Trash, cigarette butts, waste and other items litter our natural areas. Also, remove beach chairs and umbrellas, as they create hazards when left out overnight. These items will be discarded if left on the beach overnight.

For more information on the “Leave No Trace” program, please call Walton County Code Enforcement at 850-622-0000.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Edit - update 8/10/08

Yesterday I received a letter from the county with this notice on one side - http://www.partners.beachesofsouthwalton.com/LeaveNoTrace.pdf and a letter from Kevin Hargett, code enforcement on the other side.

The letter is addressed to "proprty owners in Walton County". The letter introduces the new amendment to the ordinance.

All is now official and final.
Do Not Leave Anything On The Beach.

Leave No Trace...

The scenic beauty of the area can only be maintained through a commitment by the residents and visitors. By being environmental stewards and ensuring that each of us "Leave No Trace" when enjoying recreational activities along the area’s beaches, waterways and natural lands, we help to protect and preserve this destination while ensuring everyone is afforded the same pristine experience.

"Leave No Trace" is an international program that guides outdoor enthusiasts in their decisions to reduce their impacts while enjoying recreational activities. To follow are some of the guiding
principles that can be adopted by residents and visitors to Beaches of South Walton:

• Travel on Durable Surfaces – Stay on established trails and use dune walkovers to avoid
damage to vegetation, which will lead to erosion.
• Dispose of Trash Properly – If you carry it in, carry it out. Trash, cigarette butts, waste
and other items litter our natural areas. Beach chairs and umbrellas create hazards
when left on the beach overnight.
• Respect Wildlife – Observe wildlife from a distance, especially nesting sea turtles.
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors – Avoid loud music or noise—let nature’s sounds prevail; If you dig holes, be sure to fill them in so others do not get injured.

We hope they you will join us in the "Leave No Trace" program and leave our natural lands as pristine as when you arrived.
Walton County has begun enforcing Ordinance No. 2003-07G: It shall be unlawful for beach chairs, umbrellas, tents and other such personal articles to be on the beach in such a manner that they interfere with beach maintenance, nesting turtles or emergency vehicles.
Personal items left unattended on the beach from dusk to dawn will be discarded.
Regional public beach accesses and public boardwalks will be cleaned daily.
Other sections of the beach will be cleaned on a rotating basis.
Join us in protecting the beautiful Beaches of South Walton.

For more information, call Code Enforcement (850) 622-0000.

Replies

SoWal Expert

Aug 14, '08 · 10:11 AM#77

I guarantee you that people weren't using those tents and chairs, yesterday. If they were, you will recognize them as the people with no outer layer of skin, due to the sandblasting that went on all day.

Beaches of Sowal dermabrasion! 100% natural and guaranteed to make your skin glow! :rofl:

beats on hood

Aug 14, '08 · 11:10 AM#78

This week we received a notice from the Walton County Planning and Development Services Division. It said the ordinance had been amended so that items left on the beach overnight would be discarded. No mention of public or private, so to me that means all beaches.

Yet last week I dragged the abandoned tents to the middle of the beach so they would get picked up by the TDC. They never got picked up. So since they were such an eyesore, as I said in an earlier post, I dragged one to the closest TDC trash can and the other I put back under our walkover.

I wonder why they didn't get picked up. There were new tire tracks every day on the beach, and I could see where the trucks had driven up to the TDC containers.

SoWal Expert

Aug 14, '08 · 11:57 AM#79

I think some of the tire tracks you see are from the Sheriff's vehicles driving on the beach.

I'd call or email the TDC to see why the stuff wasn't picked up. :idontno:

Beach Fanatic

Aug 14, '08 · 12:07 PM#80

The status of the program was discussed in detail today at the TDC's monthly beach management meeting. There is a reason and the best person to explain it is Dave Sell, TDC Beach Maintenance Manager, 850-267-1216, 800-822-6877, or dsell@beachesofsouthwalton.com

beats on hood

Aug 14, '08 · 12:08 PM#81

I think some of the tire tracks you see are from the Sheriff's vehicles driving on the beach.

I'd call or email the TDC to see why the stuff wasn't picked up.

But the Sheriff's truck wouldn't pull up to every TDC trash can, would they?

Good idea -- I'll email them. I called them last week regarding getting a beach flag warning sign for our walkover, but they haven't called back.

Beach Fanatic

Aug 14, '08 · 12:59 PM#82

The status of the program was discussed in detail today at the TDC's monthly beach management meeting. There is a reason and the best person to explain it is Dave Sell, TDC Beach Maintenance Manager, 850-267-1216, 800-822-6877, or dsell@beachesofsouthwalton.com

Could you share your understanding of that reason with us?

Beach Fanatic

Aug 15, '08 · 10:28 AM#83

Could you share your understanding of that reason with us?

I am sorry, but in this case I will not. I previously posted some information in another thread and my information (explanation) was twisted into a direction that I do not care to revisit. In that vain, I think it would be best to touch base with Dave Sell of the TDC. The TDC is the last part in this process that also involves the Sherrif's Dept. and Code Enforcement.

directionally challenged

Aug 16, '08 · 2:01 AM#84

I am sorry, but in this case I will not. I previously posted some information in another thread and my information (explanation) was twisted into a direction that I do not care to revisit. In that vain, I think it would be best to touch base with Dave Sell of the TDC. The TDC is the last part in this process that also involves the Sherrif's Dept. and Code Enforcement.

I'm thrilled that they are going to remove the stuff. Maybe when they start losing they're $300 tents, they'll get it. So I applaude the county :clap:

but definitely would like to know why they wouldn't enforce in that particular area. I guess we just need to let them know that the locals are all for it and expect enforcement by calling and emailing them when we see stuff.

Beach Fanatic

Aug 16, '08 · 7:50 AM#85

I was told they will simply pick up on public sections of the beach, while on private sections they will tag and then remove 24 hours later. Private enforcement awaits printing of the tags, which I understand could be available next week.

I guess we must be private near Ramsgate.

Beach Lover

Aug 18, '08 · 1:02 PM#86

Leave no trace is a state of mind we must adopt

We should all adopt the Leave No Trace state of mind and expect it of our neighbors and visitors to leave no trace. Be snooty about it if you want, but expect it of everyone you see and meet on the beach. Be prideful about having one of the world's most beautiful beaches and intending to keep it that way. Soon the citizens of south Walton will get a reputation by visitors of being a bit snippy about the subject of traces being left on the beach, but otherwise a nice lot of people. Eventually that reputation will turn around and become a reflection of the very same people who judged it snooty and snippy, when they see every year they return to the beautiful beaches of south Walton. Our state of mind will become ever present for citizens and visitors alike. South Walton's reputation on the matter should be so strong that it precedes new visitors before they get here as to help them with their vacation plans. For lazy people who don't want to have to put up with those snooty people in south Walton will make plans for some other beach. Yet those people who don't mind the air of expectancy because they adhere to it with no trouble, will enjoy their visits every time. They won't find it snooty, they'll find it a bonding agent, that keeps them returning year after year.