Gainesville Sail & Power Squadron Assists National Refuge – July 1, 2006

by Pam Darty, Refuge Ranger

The month of June was designated National Great Outdoors Month encompassing many outdoors activities including boating, fishing, and coastal clean-ups.  Special events were held across the nation, including at the capital.  It’s not difficult to celebrate something as fun as fishing and boating, but how many of us do it for the good of the many?

This is the case with the Gainesville Sail & Power Squadron.  They spent their Saturday on a holiday weekend making a difference, not merely for themselves, but for marine mammals, shore birds, and for the good of all who enjoy and value the wonders of Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge.

With two vessels and eleven members aboard, the volunteers headed out to the breath-taking North Key and the historic cultural site of Atsena Otie key. “The weather was ideal and the seas were calm allowing a pleasant journey to the islands” reported Commander David Teiss.  The effort was in response to an appeal from Refuge Ranger Pam Darty’s slide presentation to the Gainesville Squadron in May.

“It was amazing. At first sight of the beaches they appeared clean and pristine, but as we started walking and sifting through seaweed and grasses, we found all sorts of unwanted debris,” Teiss said. “Several of our members, had never been to either of these refuge islands, but they were extremely impressed with their natural beauty. We certainly enjoyed participating in this important project for the refuge!”

Refuge Manager Kathy Whaley wishes to thank the boating enthusiasts:  David and Laraine Teiss, Mike McKinney, Gary and Diane Boulware, Bob Hornberger, Howard Noble, John Maxwell, Roberta Elkins Tracy and Faith Connors. “We are so appreciative of Gainesville Sail and Power Squadron returning to an area in which they recreate to perform such a selfless act, especially considering the high temperatures and humidity of late.”

The Cedar Keys and Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuges work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.  The squadron’s  volunteers and their altruistic act, make it possible