Scenic highways, wildlife management, birding, and top 10 beaches

Special thanks to guests Nancy Oliver and Dr. Bijaya “BJ” Kattel of the South Florida Water Management District for joining us in the studio.

The primary topic was the new equestrian trail at Allapattah Flats Wildlife Management Area in western Martin County.

Here's what we covered and what you will learn if you download/listen to the show (download HERE):

• What does a quest for a Scenic Highway designation and the opening of the Allapattah Flats Wildlife Management Area have to do with one another?

• How many acres of former cattle pasture and grazing land is now being “redeveloped” in a GOOD way?

• What does “Wildlife Management” really mean?

• Did you know that Martin Grade was once the cattle trail that Crackers used to get their cattle from Okeechobee to Ft. Pierce?

• What state in the Northeast regularly calls the most frequently about “birding opportunities” on property managed by the South Florida Water Management District?

• Dr. Beach”, Stephen P. Leatherman recently announced his list of the Top 10 Beaches for 2009. Which two Florida beaches made the top 10 beaches.

Also, check out the photos from this week's show and see the special guest you won't hear on the show.

May 22: Horsin' around at Allapattah Flats

This week's show listeners will discover the new equestrian trail at Allapattah Flats Wildlife Management Area, which opened yesterday, May 20, in western Martin County.

The trail has been in the works for two years and was created through a partnership between Martin County and the South Florida Water Management District, with involvement from area residents and the state Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which manages the land.

Guests will include Nancy Oliver, a resident who helped bring the project to reality, and South Florida Water Management District's Bijaya “BJ” Kattel (pictured on the horse), a senior recreational planner for the Land Stewardship Division of the South Florida Water Management District.

In addition to the 'horsey tourism,' we'll let you know how you can be a tourist in your own hometown this Memorial Day Weekend, and give you an update on general Florida tourism news. Time permitting, we'll give you the latest on the Exchange Club of Indian River Foundation's 33rd annual Blue Water Open Offshore Fishing Tournament and the 23rd annual Treasure Coast Builders Association Fishing Tournament--both scheduled for the approaching weekend.

Last, Talkin' Tourism co-host Robin Hicks-Connors from the Historical Society of Martin County will give listeners a history tidbit during her weekly This Week in Treasure Coast History.

This Friday, May 22, tune your radio dial to WPSL 1590 AM at 10 a.m. to listen to the show live from the Captains Lounge of Harborage Yacht Club & Marina.