Diamond Awards Recognize Shoreline Habitat Protections

By Melody Melody Jameson

Observer News

RUSKIN - Diamonds celebrate human achievements. They have come to

signify betrothals and anniversaries, births and retirements, friendships

and gratitude. They're gifts of love that mark the milestones in life.

Now, one South County resident means to expand their significance. Gus

Muench is linking the high value of the precious jewel with what he sees as

the great value of priceless waterfront habitat that protects many forms

of sealife. To make his point, Muench has established the Tidal River,

Stream and Bay Habitat Diamond Awards. It's a long moniker for a

simple  plan: reward people with cash on an annual basis for creating

innovative, natural landscaping of their shoreline frontage, the kind that

encourages oysters and pond birds and fish to take up residence.

The objective is positive reinforcement, Muench said this week. "I'm not

interested in criticizing anyone and I don't think being negative works,"

he added. "The Southshore area of Hillsborough County is recognized for

unique waterways�essential estuarine, riverine habitat for birds, fish,

crabs and a host of organisms vital to the health of Tampa Bay " the

lifelong fisherman pointed out. And it's these property owners fortunate

enough to own waterfront properties who have the ability to either

preserve and enhance or remove and destroy the vital functions of the

shoreline habitats, Muench emphasized. It's those who do the former that

he wants to reward. To start the ball rolling toward the objective, Muench

contributed the first seed cash - $200 - to the awards kitty on July 15,

the opening date for award nominations. He's also contacted many local

citizen and government groups dealing with marine life and shoreline

habitats offering the opportunity to join him in building the awards

program, he said. He would like other organizations or individuals first to

help him form an overseeing committee. This steering group would, in turn,

assist with obtaining grants to underwrite the necessary expenses and to

fatten the awards kitty. Then, there's a judging panel to be named and

evaluation of award nominations to be undertaken.. At this point, he

foresees an awards presentation conducted in July, 2005, he added.

He envisions a process unfolding over the next year in which owners of

shoreline properties either undertake the kind of landscape planting along

their shorelines that becomes habitat or put their existing shoreline

habitats into tiptop shape. All property owners - private home owners,

commercial enterprises located on waterfront and government agencies

holding title to waterfront land - from the Alafia River to the south

county line are eligible to nominate their shoreline habitats for an award

and the accompanying recognition, Muench said. The one restriction is that

the property must be located on tidal water such as a river, stream or

bay, he added. He plans to make one cash award in each shore line

category. Muench is no stranger to the subject of shoreline habitats. A

Tampa native, he said he has fished the waters in and around Tampa Bay by

cast net, pole and trap for nearly 60 years. And he practices what he

preaches on his own property located on the south shore of the Little

Manatee River. He added that his homesite is surrounded by stands of red,

black and white mangroves which he has carefully cultivated to attract

many types of birds, fish and oysters.

Muench can be reached by telephone at 813/645-6063 or by e-mail at

Baychopgus@tampabay.rr.com

Diamond Habitat Award Winners

2005 Winners    (received cash and native plant awards)

1.   Mr. & Mrs. John R. Paulk, 3 Dickman Island, Ruskin, FL

2.   Mr. & Mrs. Ronald H. Moore, 1428 Deirdre Dr., Ruskin, FL

3.   Robert Minthorn & Sue Croley, 8613 Magnolia St., Gibsonton, FL

2006 Winners      (received cash awards)

1.  Frank & Dolly Cummings, 106 Janie St., Ruskin, FL 33570

2.  Melanie Hubbard & Arthur “Mac” Miller, 120 Dickman Drive, Ruskin, FL

3.  Laura & Joe Luzzolino, 10610 ½ East Bay Road, Gibsonton, FL

 Award Home Sites

 My home with flora and fauna.

Neighbors chose concrete seawalls...dead zone-no living littoral zone.