Baldwin County Swimming Advisory Lifted

Effective July 30, the Alabama Department of Public Health has lifted the swimming advisory for gulf waters off Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan based on improvements in water conditions. However, the department warns that there may still be sporadic oil on or near the beaches and discourages individuals from entering waters if there is visible oil present. Click here to read the press release published by the health department.

Bill Secures Funding for Conservation Recreation Program

House Committee Passes Bill Securing Funding for Conservation Recreation Program

WASHINGTON, DC — July 15, 2010 — The House Natural Resources Committee passed legislation today that will provide dedicated funding for land conservation and outdoor recreation by a vote of 27 to 21 under the leadership of Chairman Nick Rahall (D-WV). The provision, included in the Consolidated Land, Energy, and Aquatic Resources Act of 2009 (CLEAR Act, HR 3534), would annually fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at its authorized level of $900 million. At that level, the program would be able to proactively address backlogged conservation and recreation needs at the local, state and federal level. Weakening amendments were decisively rejected thanks to the efforts of Chairman Rahall and the support of many conservation leaders on the committee.

“The CLEAR Act gives the American people the means to shape a healthy future for our lands and waters,” commented Robert Bendick, Director of U.S. Government Relations with The Nature Conservancy. “We applaud the House Committee on Natural Resources for creating an important piece of legislation that includes full, dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This fund protects land and water to balance the use of offshore oil and gas resources, ensure clean air and water, and support jobs and local economies. We urge Congress to pass the CLEAR Act without delay to preserve the natural resources that Americans depend upon and treasure.”

“The LWCF was intended to mitigate in part the potential damages from offshore oil and gas production by protecting some of America’s most precious land resources and providing close-to-home recreational opportunities for Americans in every state in the nation,” said Will Rogers, President of the Trust for Public Land. “Given the tragic situation in the Gulf, the vision behind the Land and Water Conservation Fund is even more relevant than ever and we applaud Chairman Rahall’s leadership for including dedicated funding in the CLEAR Act.”

LWCF is supposed to receive $900 million per year — a drop in the bucket of offshore revenues that typically tally over $5 billion — but has been shortchanged by Congress nearly every year, with revenues regularly being diverted to other purposes. Full funding has been appropriated only once in the 45-year history of the LWCF, and recently declined to a low of $138 million in 2007. This shortfall has resulted in a huge land protection and outdoor recreation backlog of unmet funding needs across our federal public lands, and state and local parks. In a recent national bipartisan poll conducted by Public Opinion Strategies and FM3, 85 percent of respondents view the LWCF as more important today in light of the oil spill.

“OCS production has always been predicated on the idea that the depletion of one national, non-renewable natural resource must be balanced by the long-term protection of threatened habitats, beaches, waterways, and other special places across America,” noted Bill Meadows, President of The Wilderness Society. “As the devastating effects of the Deepwater Horizon spill demonstrate, OCS production can itself be a major threat to our nation’s already-limited inventory of natural resources. Full, reliable funding of LWCF is needed to provide a fair environmental return to the public, and accordingly, it is time to renew the commitment to conservation through full and permanent funding of the program.”

In spite of rarely receiving its due, LWCF has been instrumental in many of the places that are most dear to us as a nation. From local parks and playgrounds, where kids can get outside to play, to greenbelts and recreational trails that connect and enhance local communities, to state parks that provide hiking, biking, and camping and help to sustain wildlife, to federal public lands used for hunting, fishing, paddling, and our most pristine national parks, wildlife refuges, and wilderness areas — LWCF has provided a continuum of conservation that has touched all Americans.

Delta Adventures - 4th of July!

Between Oil spills and Hurricanes, there is little good news in the media at the moment for the Gulf Coast. Well we have some: the Mobile-Tensaw Delta is still the pristine, natural wonderland that it has always been. What's more, we've been working hard to find new and innovative ways to help you cool down on those hot Summer days in gator free swimming holes!
Happy Birthday to the USA from everyone at 5 Rivers. If you have nothing planned, join us in celebrating the 4th of July on one of our water based events, or perhaps put a COOL adventure on your calendar to help break the monotony of the summer heat as it rolls in over the next few months!

In This Issue:

• Sunset Wine/Tasting Cruise
• 4th of July Fireworks Cruise
• Pic of the Month - Delta Gold!: Bladderwort in bloom!
• Holiday Weekend Eco-Tours - Expanded Tour Times!
• New Summer Canoe & Kayak Safaris

ALL events require advanced reservations. Please call (251) 259-8531 for reservations or visit our website for more info.

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Sunset Wine Tasting Cruise

Saturday, July 3rd. 6:30-8:30pm

Enjoy an evening on the Delta. Sample a variety of wines pouredby our local wine expert, while you take in the natural beauty ofa Delta sunset. Cost is $45/Person. Reservations are required.

Call now to book your spot:

Toll-Free: 1-877-411-SAFARI (7232) or Local: (251) 259 8531.

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4th of July Fireworks Cruise

Sunday, July 4th. 7pm - 10pm.Take in a sunset while we explore the Delta. Then enjoy the fireworks display from the boat! You may bring your own beverages.

Cost is $25/Person. Reservations are required.

Call now to book your spot:

Toll-Free: 1-877-411-SAFARI (7232) or Local: (251) 259 8531.

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PIC OF THE MONTH
Delta Gold!

Joel captured this artistic picture of Bladderwort in full bloom in the Delta during one of our Canoe and Kayak Safaris!

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Holiday Weekend Delta Eco-Tours

In an effort to serve all our guests over the holiday weekend we are offering numerous additional tours.


Friday, Saturday & Sunday tours will be offered at:
9am, 11am, 1pm, & 3pm. Reservations are required.


Toll-Free: 1-877-411-SAFARI (7232) or Local: (251) 259 8531.


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Canoe & Kayak Summer Safaris

We have been busy finding ways to beat the summer heat! If you are looking to explore and keep cool all at the same time, we have two new opportunities for you. Choose one of our COOL Coastal Rivers guidedtrips. Swimming holes can be found around nearly every bend. Enjoy meandering streams and abundance of wildlife. Or try one of our beach excursions. Launch and paddle along sandy beaches. Get out and swim at will or just enjoy the summer breeze from the comfort of your kayak!

Tours are available any day, any time. Groups discounts available.


Reservations are required. For more info or to make reservations on any of our many offerings, please call us at:

Toll-Free: 1-877-411-SAFARI (7232) or Local:(251) 259 8531.

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Don't forget to check out our Themed Kids Birthday Party offerings available on our website - new pricing for the best value party in town.


Guided Paddling Tours of the Delta start at only 2 people and an amazing $50 per person, all gear included, 7 days a week.

We look forward to seeing you soon.


Kristian...