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Do
you ever wonder if your beach is clean and safe?
Responding to the growing demand by the public for information
about the cleanliness, safety and environmental management of
beaches, the Clean Beaches Council of Fredericksburg, Virginia began its
Blue Wave Campaign four years ago.
This year, Gulf Shores, Alabama joins a nationwide list of beaches
that meet the stringent standards. “Our
Blue Wave Campaign is the only program of its kind which helps families
and tourists identify beaches that don’t pose a serious health or safety
risk and are managed to protect the environment and beach wildlife,”
said Walter McLeod, President of the Clean Beaches Council. Dr.
Diana Sturm, with the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program, learned of the
nationwide program.
In an era of increasing concern over water quality, the Mobile Bay
NEP encourages communities to monitor their public access locations.
The wise stewardship of our area water quality and living resources
is a mission of the program.
Dr. Sturm began working with local officials in an effort promote
their positive work toward this endeavor.
She is pleased to deliver the Blue Wave flag and sign to the City.
This sign will go into a future kiosk that will alert residents and
visitors that the Gulf Shores’ beach is clean and safe. Gulf Shores, Alabama passed an
important on-site inspection. As
a Blue Wave beach, Gulf Shores, Alabama voluntarily upholds responsible
beach management practices that include monitoring water quality, beach
and intertidal conditions, and the safety of beach patrons.
The City of Gulf Shores also provides a number services which
include handicap access and public information and education.
The final factor is a Blue Wave beach must also consider the
environmental integrity of the area to include habitat conservation and
erosion management. The
Alabama Department of Environmental Management monitors area waters. The department increased its water quality monitoring in 1999
with regularly scheduled testing of area bathing beaches in the summer
months. Since that time, both
Gulf Place and the Gulf State Park Pavilion beach water quality have
tested well within EPA guidelines.
With
Memorial Day weekend upon us, signaling the beginning of the summer
tourist season, this is a positive step for area residents and visitors. The beach at Gulf Place can proudly fly the Blue Wave Flag.
For More Information:
www.cleanbeaches.org To help keep beaches clean and safe there are several things we all can do. These include: 1. Leave no trace (if you carry it in, carry it out / or stash it don’t trash it / stow it don't throw it) 2. Use public restrooms (help keep beach water clean) 3. Don’t tread the dunes (prevent beach erosion/use walkovers) 4. Know your limits (swim, surf and boat safely) 5. Respect native habitats (wildlife and plants) 6. Mind your pet (help keep beaches sanitary) 7. Get involved! (join a local group in your community)
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