2021 Year in review - photos - 01 - gravel biking.

I am kicking off the year in review with some photos of the 2021 gravel biking adventures - a great socially distanced activity (no drafting). The pictures tell the story. No cycling travels this year, it was all local - south of Black Point, east Everglades, parts in and near Everglades National Park, in and around Shark Valley and the Tamiami canal / Levee areas.

I am looking forward to the gravel riding adventures in 2022!

Combining some of my favorite things on a Holiday Weekend: Family, biking and nature - greetings from Shark Valley

Saturday, July 3, 2021. Enjoy these pictures of the day:

Bicycling - NARCITY - Things To Do: 6 Scenic Bike Trails In Florida With The Most Breathtaking Views Of Nature. Old Cutler and Shark Valley make the list

National bike month continues. Where to ride, places to enjoy.

We made the list! See: NARCITY - Things To Do: 6 Scenic Bike Trails In Florida With The Most Breathtaking Views Of Nature, A bicyclist's playground, by Kareem Gantt, May 26, 2020.

The Sunshine State is a nature lover's paradise. What it lacks in mountain views, it makes up with its diverse scenic wonders that will take your breath away, especially if you're on two wheels. These bike trails in Florida will provide you with a break from the hustle-and-bustle of city living while providing stunning nature views as your backdrop.

From sandy beaches to refreshing springs, most of the state's hidden treasures can be seen while biking through these Florida trails. Whether you're an avid rider who wants to ride amongst the alligators on the Shark Valley Trail or do a leisure ride through orange groves, these routes present a multitude of options for all riders itching to get out and explore.

So go ahead, break out that bike, and make your way to one of these six scenic bike trails that will take you on a vista buffet of Florida's natural wonders.

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Two of these recommend trails are located nearby, one actually runs through Palmetto Bay:

Old Cutler Trail
Price: Free 
Address: 7001 Old Cutler Rd., Cutler Bay, FL 

Shark Valley Trail 
Price: $15 per cyclists
Address: 36000 SW 8th St., Miami, FL

EDITOR'S NOTE: Maintenance is iffy along parts of the Old Cutler Trail - grass attempting to retake portions of the trail as well as the dreaded 'root snakes' - where the tree roots have pushed up the asphalt to the point it becomes uncomfortable for the cyclists and a tripping hazard for walkers and joggers.

The Shark Valley Trail is fun for groups (so long as you are paying for yourself and not an entire group) – in Shark Valley National Park. A great place to see alligators and other wildlife – the scenic outlook building is outstanding. Take a picnic and spend the day. 

I have blogged often on the subject of cycling both on road as well as on trails. I enjoy both, though remember – the Old Cutler Trail is not a dedicated bike lane – it is a multi-use path. Old Cutler Road is both a "Sharrow" as it has shared lane marking and signage and it has a multi-use path. Bicyclists have equal rights and responsibilities to use the Old Cutler Road lanes as any motorist.

Python update. SFWMD announcement: Participants in the Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl removed 80 invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades while simultaneously helping to raise awareness about this important conservation issue

Pythons are just one of the numerous threats that impacts the Palmetto Bay / Cutler Bay area along with South Florida / the Everglades. Pythons and other invasive non-native constrictors have been killed and captured here in Palmetto Bay. (CLICK HERE) to view some of these prior posts. This is my 31st post regarding Invasive Species. 

The results are in for the  2020 Python Bowl!

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) put out a News Release on Jan. 25, 2020, providing an update that 80 pythons submitted during the 2020 Python Bowl! Noting that the "Competition to remove invasive pythons from Florida’s Everglades is a big success."

Click the link above (or CLICK HERE) to view this full release.

Participants in the Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl removed 80 invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades while simultaneously helping to raise awareness about this important conservation issue. Today the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District announced the results and winners of the Python Removal Competition at the 2020 Python Bowl award ceremony at the Super Bowl Live event in Miami.

Here are the official Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl results:Most Pythons

• Pro grand prize winner Mike Kimmel won a TRACKER 570 Off Road ATV for removing eight pythons.

• Rookie grand prize winner Kristian Hernandez won a TRACKER 570 Off Road ATV for removing six pythons.

• Pro second prize winner Lindsey Floyd won $750 for removing six pythons.

• Rookie second prize winner Ethan O’Neil won $750 for removing four pythons.

• Active service member or veteran winner Barry Offenburger (U.S. Army) won $1,000 for removing three pythons.

Longest Python

• Pro grand prize winner Tom Rahill won $2,000 for a 12-foot, 7.3-inch

• Rookie grand prize winner Kristian Hernandez won $2,000 for an 11-foot, 6.5-inch python.

• Pro second prize winner Amy Siewe won $750 for a 10-foot, 7-inch python.

• Rookie second prize winner Dave Mucci won $750 for an 11-foot, .08-inch python.

• Active service member or veteran winner Dave Mucci (U.S. Air Force) won $1,000 for an 11-foot, .08-inch python.

Heaviest Python

• Pro grand prize winner Tom Rahill won $2,000 for a 62-pound python.

• Rookie grand prize winner Dave Mucci won $2,000 for a 49.4-pound python.

• Pro second prize winner Dustin Crum won $750 for a 9-pound python.

• Rookie second prize winner Kristian Hernandez won $750 for a 1-pound python.

• Active service member or veteran winner Dave Mucci (U.S. Air Force) won $1,000 for a 49.4-pound python.

More than 750 people from 20 states registered to take part in the 10-day competition to remove Burmese pythons, which are decimating native wildlife populations in the Everglades. Everyone who registered passed a mandatory online training. Another 550 people took part in hands-on, optional safe-capture trainings that taught them how to identify, locate, and safely and humanely capture Burmese pythons. 

“The Miami Super Bowl Host Committee is very proud to have worked with these partners to bring attention to the threat that invasive species pose to The Everglades,” said Rodney Barreto, Chairman of the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee. “There are many men and women who work diligently every day to combat the harmful impacts of nonnative species and it is imperative that we are all educated on the effects of the Burmese pythons to our native wildlife.” 

“Having more than 550 people come out to take part in optional in-person trainings is a testament to the public’s commitment to helping conserve Florida’s precious natural resources,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton. “Public support is critical as is the strong leadership of Gov. DeSantis and the support of our partners and sponsors including the South Florida Water Management District, the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee, the University of Florida, Bass Pro Shops and the Bergeron Everglades Museum and Wildlife Foundation.” 

“More than 750 registrants joined Florida’s ramped-up efforts to remove harmful pythons from America’s Everglades as part of the Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl,” said South Florida Water Management District Executive Director Drew Bartlett. “The national and international attention around Super Bowl LIV brought incredible public awareness to the danger invasive Burmese pythons pose and the importance of Everglades restoration. Congratulations to all the winners, and a big thank you to Gov. DeSantis, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee and everyone who participated in this important conservation effort.

In addition to the Python Challenge™, there are several ways the general public can continue to help control nonnative species such as Burmese pythons. Anyone can hunt pythons any time on private lands with landowner permission and on 22 public lands throughout south Florida. People can also take part in ongoing Python Patrol trainings to learn more about how to identify and capture Burmese pythons in the wild.  Learn more at MyFWC.com/Python. 

The public can also help control invasive species by reporting nonnative fish and wildlife to the FWC’s Invasive Species Hotline at 888-IVE-GOT1 (888-483-4681), by reporting sightings online at IveGot1.org or by downloading the IveGot1 smartphone app.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Sadly, I did not take part this year, perhaps I will have an opportunity in the 2021 challenge. Also see:  May 25, 2018, 1,000 fewer pythons in the Everglades. Miami Herald Reports. I was part of one out of the 1,000.

Photo taken 2-18-2018 - photo from sanctioned/licensed hunt effort,
but not related to 2020 Python Bowl

4th Annual Everglades CISMA Non-Native Fish Round Up is set for Saturday, May 18, 2013.

How many remember fishing in the Everglades area, along the Tamiami Trail or in any of the many canals in the area?  The freshwater quarry then was Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Bowfin and even the occasional Florida Gar just for the sport of it.  

2013 marks the fourth year of the CISMA Non-Native Fish Round Up where you can participate in a fishing tournament geared to eliminating the uninvited guests, known as invasive species.

Info from the Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) website:

The Everglades ecosystem is home to at least 22 nonnative freshwater fish species. These non-native fish may be causing detrimental changes to our native fish communities, particularly as the number of new species continues to increase. All but two of these fish were introduced illegally as the result of releases of unwanted pets and food fish, or due to the flooding of aquaculture ponds.

The Everglades CISMA is hosting the Everglades Non-native Fish Round Up to raise public awareness about the potential negative impacts of releasing non-native fish into Florida waters, and to encourage anglers to target these nonnative species for consumption. The Round Up will also gather data into non-native fish distribution and abundance that can assist in their management.

The Round Up will be a one day event open to all anglers (shore or boat) fishing in the Everglades area. CASH PRIZES will be awarded for largest fish, largest aggregate catch (weight), and will include a junior division. We also will award a "Slam" prize to the angler that catches the greatest number of non-native species

Location for Miami-Dade

Miccosukee Arches

172th Ave. and US41

(website lists other locations for Broward and Collier Counties.)

Please review the official website for all the details.  All legal freshwater fishing areas in the Everglades area (Broward, Collier, Miami-Dade, Lee, Monroe and Palm Beach counties) are open.

You can catch a few delicacies, maybe catch a few snakehead fish.  I previously posted the results (which included the official photographs from the 2012 Everglades CISMA non-native fish round up. The largest single fish was a 2 lb., 14 oz. Bullseye Snakehead.  The team with the most fish in weight hauled in 94.2 lbs.

Free lecture at Deering Estate to discuss snakes in Everglades | Palmetto Bay

Free lecture at Deering Estate to discuss snakes in Everglades | Palmetto Bay
Make plans to come to the Visitor Center Auditorium at the Deering Estate at Cutler, 16701 SW 72 Ave on Thursday, Sept. 13, 7 p.m., for a free lecture “Snake in the Grass: An Everglades Invasion” with presenter Larry Perez.  This event and other similar monthly events are presented in partnership with the Archaeological Society of Southern Florida and the Deering Estate at Cutler

As reported in the Community Newspapers, Snake-eating alligators and alligator-eating snakes might seem like a science fiction story line, but those battles are playing out in Everglades National Park where the invasion of non-native pythons threatens to upend a rich and diverse ecosystem that includes the largest tract of wilderness east of the Rockies. Perez skillfully explores this astonishing assault — the repercussions already tallied and those lying in wait — in a book that reads almost like fiction, but which is only too factual.

For more information on the Deering Estate’s educational and cultural programs, visit online at www.deeringestate.org

2012 Everglades CISMA non-native Fish roundup, Sat, May 19, 2012

How many remember fishing in the Everglades area, along the Tamiami Trail or in any of the many canals in the area?  The freshwater quarry then was Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Bowfin and even the occasional Florida Gar just for the sport of it.  Now there is a fishing tournament geared to those fish you may not remember, but are uninvited guests, known as invasive species.  Here is an opportunity to go catch some to satisfy your competitive nature.  The  This is the first time I have heard of this event held by the Everglades CISMA (Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area). I recommend that anyone who use to fish along the Tamiami Trail or in the Everglades, take a look at this unique event.  

What is a CISMA? (Info taken from its website): The Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area is a formal partnership of federal, state, and local government agencies, tribes, individuals and various interested groups that manage invasive species and is defined by a geographic boundary.

The CISMA is holding its Everglades non-native Fish roundup on Saturday, May 19, 2012.  CLICK HERE for more information on the event, including rules and regulations.  The Everglades ecosystem is home to at least 22 non-native freshwater fish species. These non-native fish may be causing detrimental changes to our native fish communities, particularly as the number of new species continues to increase. All but two of these fish were introduced illegally as the result of releases of unwanted pets and food fish, or due to the flooding of aquaculture ponds.

The Everglades CISMA is hosting the Everglades Non-native Fish roundup to raise public awareness about the potential negative impacts of releasing non-native fish into Florida waters, and to encourage anglers to target these non-native species for consumption. The Roundup will also gather data into non-native fish distribution and abundance that can assist in their management.

Online Registration Form

The intent of the 2012 Everglades CISMA non-native Fish roundup is to raise awareness of the potential negative environmental consequences of releasing non-native fish and to gather information on non-native fish and their ranges throughout the Everglades.

OTHER ITEMS ON INTEREST ON THE CISMA SITE:

Everglades Invasive Species Information and Images

There is more than just information about a fish round up.  Click on the above link and choose a category to view the list of invasive species, including Plants, Reptiles, Birds, Amphibians, Fish, Mammals, Insects, Mollusks, Crustaceans and Arachnids.

Note: The original source for the above information was a Miami-Dade Parks e-mail blast: "ParkLife E-Buzz".  Click the link to follow to the e-mail message and sign up to receive these informative e-mails concerning different events going on in Miami-Dade's Parks system.

Rainer's Excellent Camping Fundraiser February 4-5. You can also help raise funds for Everglades National Park’s CAMP (Camping Adventure with My Parents)

It’s that time of year again! Join Rainer Schael and friends the weekend of February 4-5 at Flamingo in Everglades National Park for the Fourth Annual Rainer’s Excellent Camping Adventure to help raise funds for Everglades National Park’s CAMP (Camping Adventure with My Parents), a ranger-led program that introduces South Florida families to camping and the Everglades. 

If you’re a long time camper, or if you and the kids are just beginning, this is the perfect event!! Come out and enjoy all that the National Parks in your backyard have to offer. Your tax deductible donation to the South Florida National Parks Trust of $40 per adult and $20 per child gets you into the Park, a campsite, ranger programs, dinner and breakfast. 

Speaking  of food, this is not beans over a campfire.  The group has upped the ante this year for Saturday night’s dinner! Chef Jason Timmons will be adding a shrimp boil to the usual fare of burgers, ‘dogs and all the fixings!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email Rainer Schael at Rainer@rs-env.com.

For more information on the South Florida National Parks Trust, visit www.southfloridaparks.org or www.facebook.com/SouthFloridaNationalParksTrust.  CLICK HERE to view the Facebook event page.

Hope to See You!
Rainer W. Schael

Update: Acquisition of Florida Power and Light Company Lands in the East Everglades Expansion Area

Following up: Public comment period extended, but nearing the end (July 25, 2011):

This is in follow up to my prior post of Sunday, June 12, 2011, entitled:

CLICK HERE to view this original post.  Opportunity for public input: The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking your input on acquisition of lands owned by FPL within the East Everglades Expansion Area of Everglades National Park.

CLICK HERE to view the official online NPS web notification and details concerning the fact that the Everglades National Park has extended the public scoping comment period for the Acquisition of Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) Lands Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The comment period will continue through July 25th, 2011 in response to requests from agencies and the public for additional time to review and comment on the scoping newsletter.

Now is the time to make any comments you may have.

Public input sought - FPL and the Everglades meeting tonight, Wednesday, June 22, 2011

There is a critical public meeting today at Florida International University on FPL's plans for  Everglades National Park.  

A meeting is being held today for public discussion on Florida Power and Light's proposed western county corridor for new power lines. These lines are for their unapproved nuclear power reactors at Turkey Point. The eastern aspect of their plan includes running poles up US1 from Palmetto Bay all the way to Downtown Miami.

FPL is attempting to swap an utility corridor it owns inside the 109,000 acre East Everglades Expansion Area (in Everglades National Park) for a new corridor on the east side of the park. This new corridor that FPL wants is still inside current park boundaries.  If permitted, one of Florida's unique natural areas will gain a new industrial viewscape consisting of three sets of power lines carrying up to 500,000 volts of electricity across towers as high as 150 feet (15 stories tall). The lines would connect proposed new nuclear reactors at Turkey Point to points north.

Opportunity for public input: The National Park Service is seeking your input on aquisition of lands owned by FPL within the East Everglades Expansion Area of Everglades National Park.

Dear Friends of Everglades National Park:

The National Park Service (NPS) is initiating an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate options and potential impacts for acquiring lands owned by the Florida Power and Light Company (FPL) within the East Everglades Expansion Area (Expansion Area) of Everglades National Park.

 Acquisition of FPL's lands in their undeveloped condition is needed to help facilitate the hydrologic and ecological restoration of the Everglades ecosystem.  FPL has owned about 320 acres within the Expansion Area since the early 1970s. Because the FPL property is currently undeveloped and is needed for ecosystem restoration and enhancement, the NPS is seeking to acquire the FPL property, manage it as part of the Park, and maintain it in its undeveloped condition.

 There are several ways to participate in this process and make your voice heard.

Public Meeting: The public is invited to attend a public scoping meeting on

June 22, 2011:

      Location:   Florida International University Stadium Club

                             11200 SW 8th Street, Miami, Florida 33199

      Time:            5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

The first hour of the meeting will be an open house and NPS staff will be available to discuss the project and answer questions. At 6:30 p.m. there will be a brief presentation on the project, followed by a public comment session.

Click “Read more” below to read the complete e-mail with links for both e-mail contacts as well as to be directed to official web sites for more information.