Vincent Encomio PhD, Research Specialist at Florida Oceanographic, led a group of volunteers to build oyster reefs in the St. Lucie River. On Saturday, May 2nd over 75 volunteers came out to to transport almost 13 tons of oyster shell for the new oyster reef site near the Evans Crary Bridge in Stuart.
The project was a true community effort with assistance from many agencies, businesses, and individuals. Thank you to the following people for making this project possible:
Nancy Beaver and staff of Sunshine Wildlife Tours for transporting volunteers to and from the restoration site and their enduring support of efforts to preserve and restore our local waters. Joe Frederickson, Kerry Dillon and Randall of Underwater Engineering Services, Inc. for vessel support to transport oyster shell.
Also those who provided additional boat support to transport volunteers, shell and supplies: Laura Herren and Mark McGee of FL DEP Aquatic Preserves, Rich Pontynen, Jim Moir, Jim Griffin, Debbie and Mike Dixon.
Dave Gladdings of Martin County Parks and Recreation for his assistance at the Sandsprit Park staging area.
Leroy Creswell of UF/IFAS & FL Sea Grant and Jim Oppenborn of St. Lucie County for help in project planning, shell collection and bagging, and trailer use.
Tom McCrudden of Research Aquaculture, Inc. for spawning of oysters and forthcoming larvae production.
Dawn Griffin of the FL Fish and Wildlife Commission for providing the manatee sign.
Sara Stephenson, Melanie Parker and Stephen Geiger (FWC), and Beth Irlandi (FIT) for use of containment booms.
Melinda Kohlmeyer and Eric Shea of FL DEP, Port St. Lucie office.
Tyler Treadway and Jeremiah Wilson of Stuart News for media coverage.
All the many volunteers who have worked tirelessly and selflessly to make this project happen. At this point, over 500 hours of community service has been devoted to this project!
And especially Heather Hitt, who conceived of this project, acquired initial funding and set the stage for its success. Without her efforts, this project would not have been possible. Thanks Heather!
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