2nd Annual Aquasport Get-together

[LilRichard]

Awww... Lemke, I was dying to see your rig in the water as opposed to just on the trailer.  Gotta fish when people want to go though, I understand.

[JimCt]

Will be there.

[John Jones]

I am ready :!:

Sorry you can't make it Capt. Jim.  I'll see you on the water.

I'm off to another bash this weekend on the east coast of FL.  Fishing Sat hopefully for sailfish and dolphin at least.

[JimCt]

Have a good trip & don't forget the camera!

[captflatback]

Here is a story that is not good at all:
Here's a St Pete Times article on the subject:
Copyright Times Publishing Co. Apr 8, 2007
Some call for a ban on overnight camping and pets on Shell Key.

Visitors to Shell Key, a pristine bird sanctuary with expansive white shores, might want to watch their step.

The island is being used as a public bathroom, according to conservationists who want county officials to ban overnight camping, alcohol and pets from the preserve.

"You have too many people for everyone to do whatever they want anymore," said Dave Kandz, chair of the conservation committee for the St. Petersburg Audubon Society. "If you have that many people, pretty soon you are going to have an island full of poop."

The debate is part of an ongoing effort to balance the needs of the birds who nest on Shell Key against the desires of daytrippers who enjoy visiting the island.

County officials said they want the island to remain open to visitors but are also considering strengthening restrictions in order to help resuscitate Shell Key's declining bird population.

In coming months, the county will seek comment from residents on Shell Key's future and draft a management plan that could include new regulations.

It is very likely that within the next six months overnight guests and their furry companions may no longer be welcome at Shell Key, said Bruce Rinker, director of the county division of environmental lands.

"We hope people don't see this as a boaters vs. birders issue, because it is not," he said. The birds, "just will not be able to survive much longer unless we do something positive and responsible."

But some boaters say they would fight the possibility of restrictions.

"To take a natural place and forbid people from camping here, well, this is an opportunity for our kids to experience that," said Valerie Fournier, who recently spent the weekend camping on the island with her family and friends.

"I would be writing my congressman," if the restrictions were imposed, said her husband, Charlie Fournier.

There are no trash cans or bathrooms at Shell Key, in part to keep the island undeveloped.

Campers often relieve themselves along the shore, leaving strips of soiled toilet paper.

Other than the obvious ick-factor, environmentalists also have expressed concern that this is a potential health hazard for island visitors.

Dogs also present a danger to the birds who use the island as a nesting area, they said.

In the past two years, campers have been fined for public drinking and unruly behavior.

"These folks are going out there and literally using it as their personal little island paradise," said Shandell Gelmini, a volunteer at Shell Key who is considering starting a nonprofit group aimed at preserving the island.

Cristina Silva can be reached at (727) 893-8846.

By the numbers

Shell Key

180 Acres that make up Shell Key, half of which is used as a bird sanctuary.

32,421 Individual birds counted on the island in fall 2001.

15,600 Individual birds counted on the island in fall 2005.

950 Visitors to Shell Key on Memorial Day 2001.

3,414 Visitors to Shell Key on Memorial Day 2006.



Capt. Jim

[RickK]

By the numbers

Shell Key

180 Acres that make up Shell Key, half of which is used as a bird sanctuary.

32,421 Individual birds counted on the island in fall 2001.

15,600 Individual birds counted on the island in fall 2005.

950 Visitors to Shell Key on Memorial Day 2001.

3,414 Visitors to Shell Key on Memorial Day 2006.

Capt. Jim

Well, we certainly won't plan a get-together on Memorial Day - that's for sure.

Is there any other place for these people to go?

[tanman]

working on making the trip
what's the itenerary?
how many people are staying on the beach?
Regards
Tanman

[RickK]

We're going to meet at Shell Beach between 11am and 2pm and then go to Billy's Crab Shack around 2pm. And then come back to the beach later.
As for "staying on the beach", do you mean camping on the beach? CaptDave and I'll be camping on our boats from Friday night until Sunday morning in the area, but probably not right at Shell Beach - we'll find a place a little more protected.

Does anyone know if there is any history of people tampering with vehicles left overnight at Ft Desoto Ramp?

[John Jones]

never heard of a problem.

[John Jones]

You can leave it in my yard if you want and make the run up there.  I have a pretty good security system.

[RickK]

I called the Rangers up there and they said that they don't normally have problems at the ramp. He also said that there is a Ranger on duty 24/7. So that is good news.

[RickK]

Hey, 5 days and counting down

[JimCt]

Forecast holding for good weather?

[John Jones]

Sat
wind < 5
10% precip
50% cloud cover.

If you trust them.

[RickK]

Looks like its going to be a nice day - bring the sunscreen.  What is the water temp up in that area now? 70's?

4 days and counting down    8)