CEPD OKs dune enhancements, hears updates
The Captiva Erosion Prevention District’s (CEPD) commission proceeded with designs for dune enhancements at its recent meeting, as well as was updated on the Australian pine program.
On Feb. 16, General Manager Brighton Heard reported that the CEPD received a $900,000 grant for the installation of sea oats for the dunes following the recent beach renourishment project. Only $800,000 was used, so staff looked into whether it could use the remaining funds for other plantings.
Given authorization to do so, staff presented a Dune Enhancement Concept from Coastal Vista for the public beach entrances at Andy Rosse, Wightman Lane, Laika Lane and the Alison Hagerup lot.
After some discussion, the commissioners voted 4-1 to authorize payment of the remaining $14,250 balance to the firm for the concept designs, plus to engage Coastal Vista to add on Turner Beach.
Commissioner Rene Miville cast the dissenting vote.
On a related note, Heard reported that the CEPD is moving forward with the installation of the ropes and bollards at the public entrances. The contractor was mobilizing to start working on the project.
Also during the meeting, the board discussed the escarpments following the renourishment.
APTIM Coastal Market Lead Nicole Sharp reported that the CEPD can till or knock them down to create a move level beach, but the work has to be done before sea turtle nesting season starts in April.
Heard noted that such work is typically required on an annual basis, unless a renourishment had just been completed, such as the CEPD did. If directed by the commission, they could level those out.
Asked by the commissioners, Sharp explained that leveling or tilling the escarpments would not result in losing more of the newly placed sand faster, it would simply be speeding up the natural process.
The board directed staff to put together information on getting that done.
Also at the meeting, Heard provided an update on the Australian Pine Removal Program.
He reported that several hundred trees have been removed to date, and the CEPD still has more than half of the funding available. Heard reported that the grant funding must be used before June 26.
He added that the free, voluntary program is only open to properties on Captiva.
IN OTHER NEWS
– The board reorganized its officer positions for the year, electing in separate but unanimous 5-0 votes: Bob Walter as chair; Timothy McGowan as vice chair; and Bernie Dupre as secretary and treasurer.
– The commission voted 3-2 to temporarily table further discussion on the Bayside Resiliency Pilot Project. Walter, McGowan and Dupre voted yes, and Miville and Commissioner John Wade voted no.
– Heard provided an update on Blind Pass.
Lee County wants to wait for the system to stabilize, and it is also waiting on the results of a new study. The pass could clear itself or fill back in if dredged, so there are no immediate plan to dredge the pass.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email