Crowder Gulf Begins Cleaning Manahawkin Bay and Lagoons

Crowder Gulf of Alabama has split from the extreme north end of the central cleaning zone - namely Seaside and the Mantoloking areas - and begun in the Manahawkin Bay area and Cedar Creek lagoon areas. Crews could be seen even on Mother's Day hauling loads of debris. 

I spoke with one of the area foremen who informed me they have branched off from the Seaside area and are hiring more people.

They have an uphill battle on their hands with FEMA, the EPA, the DOT, and other organizations not making things easy on them. Every piece of debris that is cleaned is documented - lengthening the task. Sonar of the area is also being conducted. 

As far as any wetlands - crews have been told they are off limits and that the federal government will be using their own contractors to clean these areas, which is, in my opinion, just prolonging the now staggering time it is taking to get the bay areas addressed. 

Regarding Cedar Bonnet Island, an effort spearheaded by local residents Mr. and Mrs. Green, the owners of Green Marine, are cleaning up the bay and the boats in the area. Tom is restoring many LBI marinas and is currently getting the Beach Haven Yacht club and marina back into shape, including its fuel docks. 

Stafford Township's Business Administrator Jim Moran, Ron Caps and Mayor John Spodofora remain our best allies of getting these areas cleaned up, lending support in the way of dumpsters and supplies.

My own observations are that the the south side clean up of the bay is  going at a fast pace. Regarding the north side, while we have waited, it is now in full cleaning mode, which is good news. 

The old day marker sticks you have become used to are a thing of the past now - replaced with small can type markers. Using these markers will help you know you are in a cleaned channel.

Although there is still a lot left to do, for now, the ICW and many side channels have been cleared. Dredging has not yet begun so stick with these channels for now. 

Polly's Dock in Beach Haven will be putting boats in this week and hope to have rentals starting this weekend. For more information on permission slips, etc. contact me at sailorsforsandy@gmail.com I can send you forms via email.