Franklin County commissioners have approved a new rule to keep local beaches cleaner and protect nesting sea turtles. Commissioners agreed to enact a “leave no trace” ordinance which will keep people from leaving items like tents and beach chairs on the beach overnight. Overnight is defined as 9 PM to 7 AM. Tents and other items left on the beach act as an impediment to sea turtles which dig their nests near the dune line. They also hinder turtle hatchlings as they make their first trip to the Gulf. Under the “Leave no Trace” Rule, Franklin County would be able to confiscate items left on the beach at night and destroy them at the landfill. The rule was considered and rejected twice before for various reasons, but most of the concerns have been addressed over the past few months by the county attorney. County commissioners made it clear that they do not want to go out and just start confiscating items on the beach – the new rule will not affect private beaches- and will only cover public beaches on St. George Island. Commissioners also approved a limited exception for beach businesses like chair and jet-ski rentals, but those businesses will need a permit to operate on public beach areas. Commissioners said they hope that a dedicated educational campaign that will include signage in rental homes and at beach access points help limit the number of people who violate the rule. There was a lot of public support for the rule – though not everyone felt the rule was needed as much as more education. Commission chairman Cheryl Sanders called the rule a “pilot project” and expected it would change over time. She said the rule was focused on St. George Island because that is where most of the problems are right now. The vote to approve the Leave No Trace Ordinance was 4 to 1 – commissioner Noah Lockley opposed the rule citing concerns about the impact it may have on tourism. The new rule takes effect immediately so take your tents, coolers and chairs in with you when you leave the beach tonight.
Posted on: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 00:29:00 +0000
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