Posted on August 27 at 5:32 p.m.

The Pelican Bay Services Division, arm of Collier County, has been doing an exemplary job in restoring and protecting the environmentally sensitive Clam Bay Estuary for the past 10 years. Countless children and adults from near and far enjoy Clam Pass, wading, body-surfing, swimming, shelling, fishing, canoeing and kayaking in this serene and safe environment. In addition, a relatively small number of Seagate residents and occasional boaters from elsewhere have been transiting Clam Pass for over 40 years. So what's the problem?

The problem started when Seagate (90 residences) accused Pelican Bay of not caring about the seagrass in Outer Clam Bay, and demanded that a study be done to find out if the seagrass was dying. This was just smoke and mirrors used to cover up their self-serving agenda. The Dr. Tomasko study cost Collier County $40,000 of yours and my tax dollars and found that there is one seagrass species surviving in the bay. Unfortunately, this seagrass habitat is in the pathways of motor boats.

The study also found that water quality in Outer Clam Bay has deteriorated considerably; the source of pollution being Seagate and south, not from Pelican Bay. Dr. Tomasko recommends that measures be taken to prevent further water pollution. Otherwise, the seagrass and eventually mangroves will die. To date Seagate/City of Naples has not contributed anything to the care of the Bay except demanded that another committee be formed. Pelican Bay residents have contributed tens of millions of dollars above and beyond what the County spends to restore and preserve the Clam Bay Estuary.

If Seagate/City of Naples were truly concerned about seagrass in the Bay or the health of the Estuary, they would consider limiting motor boat traffic, and poling through grass area. These measures recommended by the EPA are being implemented in many environmentally sensitive coastal zones. Boaters know that Clam Pass is not navigable at low tide. Now they are scheming to find ways to use our tax dollars to dredge so it will make boating easier for them, and ultimately raise their property value. Isn't this wasteful spending for a privilege few?

Increased motor boat traffic will not only damage Clam Pass, it will deprive beach goers of their enjoyment, and increase the likelihood of unfortunate accidents. The idea that all public property should be used by everybody without regard to their activities is irresponsible. Should ATV’s be allowed in parks and playgrounds or beaches?

If we destroy the Clam Bay Estuary, there will be fewer fish and shellfish for recreational and commercial fishing. People already complain that there are fewer and fewer fish in the Gulf.

The goals of this newly formed Clam Bay Advisory Committee must be to preserve and protect Clam Bay Estuary. It would be an unforgivable mistake to ruin Clam Pass. Clam Bay Estuary contributes to the uniqueness of Naples.

On Guest commentary: Clam Bay, and oversight panel, belong to the public