http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/jul/08/na-gus-wants-to-save-his-florida/

http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/article1020747.ece

August 12, 2009

"Friends" -  Agenda

* Set date for exploratory field trip of area.

* Information on August 3, 2009 ELAPP Meeting.

* Discuss converting portion of County Cockroach Bay Rd to HC Parks property.

* Discuss information on seagrass prop scarring in Cockroach Bay.

* Discuss sand mountain > http://crabbyadventures.com/uzita_mountain_top/admin/

* Discuss CAPMAT issue.

* Discuss contact person with HCPR&C - this would be Richard Sullivan.

* Discuss ABM letter to HCBOCC.

* Discuss Gus Muench's proposal for Pole and Troll for all seagrasses of Cockroach Bay AP.

July 15, 2009

“Friends” – Agenda:

Agency on Bay Management approved motion on July 9^th. > The majority of the Agency on Bay Management

members present at the July 9, 2009 meeting voted in favor of sending a letter to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners recommending coordinated oversight and management of the Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve and adjacent wetlands and uplands.

• Welcome all visitors to first meeting of Friends of Uzita Conservation Area.     
• Note: One day park will be called – Uzita Conservation Area.
• Update on meetings with County Commissioners.
• Power point presentation on area: Gus Muench & Fred Jacobsen
• Summary of need for Friends of Uzita Conservation Area.

July 15^th Discussion Items

• De Soto Trail
• Different government ownership of park parcels
• Intergovernmental agreement with partners
• Estimated land coverage within park boundaries – very rough est. 6000 acres
• Seagrass boating prop scarring
• Pole and Troll, No Motor Zones
• Bird rookery
• Bird Roosting
• Launch sites for canoe/kayak and pole and troll boating
• Restrooms facilities
• Park funding – boat trailer parking fees/ vendors
• Fishing activities
• Bird watching activities
• Hiking/bicycle trails
• Park entrance
• Plan to have an exploratory field trip of area
• Plan next meeting

We welcome your suggestions concerning “Friends of Uzita Conservation Area.” Send those

suggestions to Gus Muench > baychopgus@verizon.net, or call 645-6578.

Minutes of July 15^th  “Friends” Meeting

• Consensus was first meeting - “very successful and more to follow.”
• Discussion name should not be “Park, but Conservation Area.”
• Consensus to join with Agency on Bay Management for “coordinated oversight and management of wetlands and uplands,” which includes all governing agencies in area.
• Acknowledged that Little Manatee South Community Plan also calls for joint agency management of wetlands and uplands via CAPMAT.
• Consensus boat ramp area needs restrooms and more canoe launch sites.
• Consensus “Friends” should communicate with Parks Dept.
• Plan exploratory field trips of area.
• Next meeting date set for August 12^th at Library.