Steve W
03-22-2005, 10:32 PM
SJWMD Northern RAC Notes:
Land Update
There was an update on land maintenance, including burnings, reseeding, planting trees, thinning and cleaning up from the hurricanes.
Recreation Update
A presentation will be made to the Putnam County City Commission to establish a paddle trail on the Oklawaha River from the Dam to the St. Johns River. The trail will be a combination of using the main channel and off the channel. The nature of the trail will prohibit airboats and large boats from using it due to small width and overhanging trees.
Quota permits on some areas will be reduced from 30 to 15
Ralph Simmons WMA will have pamphlet language changed to allow an to supervise a minor with a valid permit. Currently, there is only one person allowed per permit. Apparantly a minor obtained a permit, showed up with his father and a decision had to be made to allow the minor to hunt.
Lochloosa WMA – may prohibit off road vehicles due to damage. Also considering allowing hog hunting with dogs.
Bayard – a dove field will be created in Area 2 about 60 acres in size and allowing 6 days of hunting. This is to satisfy a request for a FWC dove field in the North Florida area.
The district is considering an offroad motorcycle race on Hart Island, Lake George or Lochloosa areas. This is a once a year event. They have had them in the past on Lake George property and have found the affects of one race to allow full recovery within 6 months.
Moses Creek – working on some hiking trails
Land Acquistions
In the Jacksonville area, the district is working with the city government to finalize purchasing land in the Grace Lane and West Connet area to be used as parks.
Thomas Creek – working to finalize purchase of 3000 acres
Newnan Lake – working to finalize a new WMA 1671 acres
Sunny Hill/Flying R Ranch – working to finalize purchase of 3500 acres. This is on the western side of the Oklawaha.
There is also some work being done on the Relay/Plum Creek area.
Durbin Creek – this is a creek that meets with Julington Creek on the Duval/St. Johns county line and empties into the St. Johns River. This will be made into a state park.
Overall I was very please with the representation at the meeting, those on the committee and the SJRWD staff.
Land Update
There was an update on land maintenance, including burnings, reseeding, planting trees, thinning and cleaning up from the hurricanes.
Recreation Update
A presentation will be made to the Putnam County City Commission to establish a paddle trail on the Oklawaha River from the Dam to the St. Johns River. The trail will be a combination of using the main channel and off the channel. The nature of the trail will prohibit airboats and large boats from using it due to small width and overhanging trees.
Quota permits on some areas will be reduced from 30 to 15
Ralph Simmons WMA will have pamphlet language changed to allow an to supervise a minor with a valid permit. Currently, there is only one person allowed per permit. Apparantly a minor obtained a permit, showed up with his father and a decision had to be made to allow the minor to hunt.
Lochloosa WMA – may prohibit off road vehicles due to damage. Also considering allowing hog hunting with dogs.
Bayard – a dove field will be created in Area 2 about 60 acres in size and allowing 6 days of hunting. This is to satisfy a request for a FWC dove field in the North Florida area.
The district is considering an offroad motorcycle race on Hart Island, Lake George or Lochloosa areas. This is a once a year event. They have had them in the past on Lake George property and have found the affects of one race to allow full recovery within 6 months.
Moses Creek – working on some hiking trails
Land Acquistions
In the Jacksonville area, the district is working with the city government to finalize purchasing land in the Grace Lane and West Connet area to be used as parks.
Thomas Creek – working to finalize purchase of 3000 acres
Newnan Lake – working to finalize a new WMA 1671 acres
Sunny Hill/Flying R Ranch – working to finalize purchase of 3500 acres. This is on the western side of the Oklawaha.
There is also some work being done on the Relay/Plum Creek area.
Durbin Creek – this is a creek that meets with Julington Creek on the Duval/St. Johns county line and empties into the St. Johns River. This will be made into a state park.
Overall I was very please with the representation at the meeting, those on the committee and the SJRWD staff.