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info@safeharborriggingservices.com www.safeharborriggingservices.com John S. Ramsey, Owner Jekyll Creek Project Wins Sustainability Award The Jekyll Creek Beneficial Use Pilot Project has won the 2020 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Sustainability Green Dream Team Award. This project is the first of its kind along the southeastern coast, and the first dredging of Jekyll Creek in over 20 years. The project will be highlighted in the upcoming Engineering With Nature Atlas, Volume 2. The project included two beneficial use strategies in Jekyll Creek: open water dispersal (OWD) and thin layer placement (TLP), both implemented for the first time Dredge Rockbridge in Jekyll Creek. in Georgia and the USACE South Atlantic Photo copyright Cottrell Contracting Division. The successful implementation of these strategies is a big step toward the goal of 100% beneficial use of dredge material.

The USACE Sustainability Awards Program provides the opportunity to mark our significant contributions in the fields of energy efficiency, sustainable solutions, reduced impacts to the natural environment, and preserving and enhancing our natural resources.

Simple Tips to Maintain and Use a PLB

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), those pint-sized, individual rescue beacons used by boaters, sailors, and paddlers to summon emergency help have saved hundreds of lives since their authorization for use 17 years ago. That doesn’t mean they are maintenance free, according to the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety. The boating safety nonprofit offers these simple tips to maintain and use a PLB. · PLBs need to be registered with NOAA. As a way to ensure accurate, up-to-date information, registration is valid for just two years. While NOAA will attempt to reach you to re-register, it’s a good idea to put it on your calendar. · Not sure of your PLB registration’s emergency contact information? NOAA allows PLB owners to update contact info at any time and if you’re unsure of whom you have listed, you may want to take a look now. Outdated information can delay rescuers. · PLBs need to be tested, typically monthly, according to manufacturer recommendations. Testing does not activate a PLB so get comfortable checking one. · After testing, confirm that the battery has not expired and the O-ring is in good shape. This will give you peace of mind that the PLB will operate flawlessly when you really need it. Battery life is typically five years. · Because they are worn by the user, PLBs can get banged up or abused during normal wear. It’s a good idea to check over the outer case for cracks or damage.

Do you have temporary need of a PLB? The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water’s EPIRB / PLB Rental Program offers ACR ResQLink 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacons for $7 daily, $45 weekly, or $150 monthly.

Virtual CoastFest Sept. 30 - Oct. 2!

The Coastal Resources Division of the GADNR invites students, teachers and the public to Virtual CoastFest 2020, being held Wednesday, Sept. 30, through Friday, Oct. 2, at www.CoastalGaDNR.org/CoastFest.

While in-person CoastFest will not be held due to COVID-19, the Division will offer a series of livestreamed events highlighting its programs all three days at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day. Virtual attendees will have the opportunity to interact with Division staff and ask questions about how they conserve Georgia’s coastal resources for present and future generations.

“For 26 years, we’ve looked forward to meeting our friends and neighbors from across the region at CoastFest,” said Tyler Jones, the Division’s CoastFest coordinator. “We’ve had to get creative to work around COVID-19 this year, and we’re excited to offer a virtual way to continue that tradition and provide an opportunity to peel back the curtain and show everyone what we do at Coastal Resources Division.”

9:30 a.m.: “All Aboard the R/V Anna: A look at the Division’s 60-foot shrimping vessel and the fisheries management work conducted aboard.” 11 a.m.: “One Fish, Two Fish, Old Fish, New Fish: Discover how biologists and citizen scientists team up to better understand coastal fish populations.” 2 p.m.: “The Shoreline Comes Alive: Learn what local communities and individuals are doing to protect property and restore wetland ecosystems.”

9:30 a.m.: “Our Changing Beaches: Beaches are constantly shifting, impacted by both gentle and tumultuous processes. Find out how the processes work and how people can adapt.” 11 a.m.: “Safe to Swim: Educate yourself on beach water quality, and how the Division partners with other agencies to keep the public safe.” 2 p.m.: “Building Homes for Fish: Dive deep with our marine biologists to learn how the Division is building artificial reefs to create essential fish habitat.”

9:30 a.m.: “Going Green for Our Future: Learn how you can capture rainwater and prevent pollution runoff in your backyard and community.” 11 a.m.: “Fishing Basics 101: Grab your fishing pole and join our marine biologists as they show you how to fish along the Georgia coast, including knot tying, types of bait and techniques.” 2 p.m.: “Touch Tanks Live: Tune in live as we show off some of the coolest creatures that swim in our estuarine environment, and ask our biologists questions.”

The CoastFest Art Contest, featuring art from students across the region, will still be held as usual, and the artwork will be on display at the Marshes of Glynn Library on Gloucester Street in Brunswick from Tuesday, Oct. 6, through Tuesday, Oct. 13. Prizes and ribbons will be awarded as in the past. This year’s art contest theme is “Our Marvelous Marshes,” and students are encouraged to submit art that highlights the estuarine ecosystem that makes the Georgia coast so unique.

New this year, the Division is holding an essay writing contest. Students from all grade levels are encouraged to write a 400-500 word short essay from the prompt: "What makes the Georgia Coast unique and what did I learn about it at Virtual CoastFest 2020?" Teachers, homeschooling parents and students can find more information, including submission guidelines and deadlines, at www.CoastalGaDNR.org/CoastFestEssay.

Winners of both the art and essay contests will be announced Oct. 16 by press release and notification to the schools.

CoastFest 2020 T-shirts, featuring art by Maleah Lavarias of Needwood Elementary School will be sold online. Sales will be available from a link at www.CoastalGaDNR.org/ CoastFest between Monday, Sept. 21, and Friday, Oct. 9. The cost is $10 plus shipping and handling. Please allow four to six weeks for delivery. The shirt is kelly green and features a mosaic sea turtle on the back with Virtual CoastFest 2020 logo on the front breast.

The CoastFest website will also feature short videos from previous exhibitors, allowing them to highlight their programs and missions.

Anyone with questions about Virtual CoastFest 2020 may contact Tyler Jones at (912) 262-3140 or tyler.jones@dnr.ga.gov.

Tue - Thu 12-6 Fri - Sat 10-6 Sun 11-5 9270 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill (912) 756-8868

We’re working for you! • Protects, defends and restores the watershed by monitoring pollution and polluters. • Talks with legislators about bills that could better protect the watershed. • The 14,000 miles of the Altamaha watershed includes Ocmulgee, Oconee, Ohopee and the Golden Isles.

We can’t do it without you, become a member now! www.altamahariverkeeper.org