Difference between revisions of "State of the Beach/State Reports/AL"

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==Victories==
 
==Victories==
For a list of Surfrider Foundation's latest coastal victories, go [http://www.surfrider.org/whoweare6g.asp here].
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For a list of Surfrider Foundation's latest coastal victories, go [http://www.surfrider.org/campaigns/region-victories here].
  
 
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Revision as of 22:55, 19 April 2011

Home Beach Indicators Methodology Findings Beach Manifesto State Reports Chapters Perspectives Model Programs Bad and Rad Conclusion

Alabama

Summary

Alabama has generally good beach access but little in the way of comprehensive beach access information. There is good beach water quality monitoring information but only fair water quality. Beach erosion monitoring data is fair to good but there is very little in the way of policies or guidance for erosion response. There is some beach fill information but very little information on the extent of shoreline armoring. Beach and wetlands ecology information is generally good. The Alabama Coastal Area Management Program website on outdooralabama.com has very little utility. It should at least link to ADEM's coastal programs website which does provide good water quality, coastal permitting and beach ecology information.

Alabama Ratings


Indicators

(+) The Gulf of Mexico Alliance is a partnership of the states of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, with the goal of significantly increasing regional collaboration to enhance the ecological and economic health of the Gulf of Mexico. The five U.S. Gulf States have identified six priority issues that are regionally significant and can be effectively addressed through increased collaboration at local, state, and federal levels: Water Quality, Habitat Conservation and Restoration, Ecosystem Integration and Assessment, Nutrients & Nutrient Impacts, Coastal Community Resilience, and Environmental Education.

(+) The “5 Rivers – Alabama’s Delta Resource Center” is a facility of the ADCNR State Lands Division and home of the Coastal Section offices. It provides public access to over 250,000 acres that comprise part of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Funding from the ACAMP helped to complete some of the facilities at 5 Rivers, including a power boat dock, canoe and kayak landing, walking trails, picnic shelters and tables, and some permeable parking.

(+) Alabama intends to develop a Coastal Area and Marine Spatial Planning guide that would involve a comprehensive, adaptive, integrated, ecosystem-based, and transparent spatial planning process, based on sound science, for analyzing current and anticipated uses of coastal areas. In practical terms, the guide would provide a public policy process to better determine how the coasts are sustainably used and protected now and for future generations.

(-) Alabama puts a high priority on beach access but does not have an inventory of the number beach access locations or their condition.

(-) There is a complete lack of data and public knowledge and understanding of the affects of sea level rise in coastal Alabama. A strategy to implement a sea level rise educational program for local decision makers, especially local government officials and staff, should be developed.

(-) A "non-regulated use" may have a direct and significant impact on the coastal area but does not require a state permit or federal consistency certification. Examples of non-regulated uses include construction and other activities on Gulf beaches and dunes, commercial and residential development greater than five acres, groundwater extraction, and shoreline stabilization and erosion mitigation.

(-) NOAA noted in their latest evaluation of the ACAMP: "Perhaps the single greatest missed opportunity to reach the public with educational and coastal program information is the ACAMP – ADCNR website. It is located on the ADCNR website which is entitled “Outdoor Alabama” and is located at www.outdooralabama.com – not an easy connection for the general public to make. The ACAMP website is extremely brief, has only four or five links, two of which are “mis-connected,” and is of very limited value to a member of the public."

Victories

For a list of Surfrider Foundation's latest coastal victories, go here.


State of the Beach Report: Alabama
Alabama Home Beach Description Beach Access Water Quality Beach Erosion Erosion Response Beach Fill Shoreline Structures Beach Ecology Surfing Areas Website
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