Filling of Cucharillas/ Planting at Chiclana/ Scientific Focus Group

Weekly update for September 11, 2010 to September 17, 2010:

A section of the Cucharillas wetland filled with residential garbage: The SJBEP staff met with community representatives from the area to discuss the filling of a section of the wetland adjacent to the Laguna Secreta (Secret Lagoon) with what seems to be the product of construction debris and residential garbage collection. The complaint was reported to EPA, to the United Stated Justice Department and to the United States Corps of Engineers. The case is now under investigation.

Chiclana filling: On a similar note, Roberto Ayala, EQB’s Water Director, informed Javier Laureano that an investigation related to the issue of the Chiclana creek filling with construction debris and sediments is in course.

Successful planting event at the Chiclana Creek: Twenty-four (24) volunteers, mostly students, participated in this marvelous planting event at the restoration site of the Chiclana Creek last Saturday, September 11, 2010. Juan Cruz, one of the local community leaders, welcomed the group in his property near the creek and shared with them the history of the area and how the community was able to protect it even after it was impacted by the Montehiedra developers. Students from a nearby school and members of our Estuary Guardians Water Quality Monitoring School Project, participated in the planting event in the morning as part of their monthly field trip event. Please, refer to attached photos.

First of a series of community meetings for a much needed Caiman orientation campaign: Community leaders of G8, Enlace Project, Corporación Cantera and individual citizens participated in a meeting last Tuesday, September 14 at the Enlace Martin Peña facilities. SJBEP’s contractor Dr. Rafael Joglar, Jorge Bauzá and Gladys Rivera participated in the meeting. Actions plan for education activities regarding the species were established. This was the first of several meetings to be performed due to frequent sightings of this reptile on the Martín Peña communities.

Estuary’s Green Cinema a complete success: Over 150 persons attended the screening of 500 Days of Summer at the Condado Lagoon Park last Saturday, September 11, 2010. Prior to the movie we screened our climate change public campaign as well as the artificial coral reef and red mangrove restoration projects documentaries.

Scientific Focus Group on Coastal Studies: Jorge Bauza participated as an invited expert for the focus group discussion: “Research and Information Needs for Innovative Marine and Coastal Studies in the Caribbean” on Thursday, September 16, 2010. The focus group was an open discussion between local marine and coastal experts to identify future needs and priorities regarding watersheds, marine and coastal resources conservation and management. The focus group was sponsored by the Sea Grant College Program.

MillerCoors will join the SJBEP: As part of their Corporate Social Responsibility Program, MillerCoors met with Javier Laureano on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 and performed a site visit to the La Esperanza island today, September 17, 2010 to discuss their support of our cleanup program. On September 25, 2010 employees of the company and its distributor, V. Suárez, will join the organization in the celebration of the National Estuaries Day.

SAVE THE DATE!!!- Remember that next Tuesday, September 28, 2010 is a pretty big day for the SJBEP. From 8am-12pm we will present our 2010 State of the Bay Conference and Report at the Caribe Hilton Hotel.