H. T. Odum Florida Springs Institute http://floridaspringsinstitute.org To manage, restore & protect our springs posterous.com Wed, 16 May 2012 12:40:00 -0700 Protest over Adena permit in Citra, 5/15/2012 http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/protest-over-adena-permit-in-citra-5152012 http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/protest-over-adena-permit-in-citra-5152012

Click here to see the Gainesville TV 20 coverage of the protest in Citra on May 15, 2012. Pictures and updates on the Jacksonville meeting to follow.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1045028/FSI_logo_color_smalledit2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKd1qEhBZl1M floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute Sat, 12 May 2012 09:34:00 -0700 Annette Long's Questions for the Suwannee River Water Management District http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/annette-longs-questions-for-the-suwannee-rive http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/annette-longs-questions-for-the-suwannee-rive

 

Seriously. What are your plans for saving our springs?

Questions for the Suwannee River Water Management District from

Annette Long

Chiefland, Florida

May 9, 2012

 

May_2012_Please_to_Water_Management_District.pdf Download this file

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1045028/FSI_logo_color_smalledit2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKd1qEhBZl1M floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute Thu, 26 Apr 2012 08:13:00 -0700 Forum to Discuss Impending Water Crisis, 5/15/2012 http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/forum-to-discuss-impending-water-crisis-51520 http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/forum-to-discuss-impending-water-crisis-51520

Contact:   

Lisa Rinaman, St. Johns Riverkeeper    904-509-3260

Dr. Bob Knight, Florida Springs Institute   352-538-6620

 

Forum to Discuss Impending Water Crisis

 

Experts to Address Threats to Silver Springs & North Florida’s Waters

 

For immediate release.

 

ST. JOHNS RIVER, FL –   On Tuesday, May 15th at 6 p.m., St. Johns RIVERKEEPER, Silver Springs Alliance, and Florida Springs Institute will be hosting a forum to discuss the current threats to Silver Springs and the declining health of many of our springs, lakes, and rivers in North Florida.  

 

Silver Springs & Florida’s Imperiled Waters Forum

Tuesday, May 15    6 p.m.

Wyndham Jacksonville Riverwalk

1515 Prudential Drive, Jacksonville  32207

Map and Directions: http://g.co/maps/n6rm6 

Open and Free to the Public

 

Dr. Bob Knight and other experts will present information about the significant decline in flow and increase in pollution that has been documented in many of North Florida’s waterways, including Silver Springs.

While Silver Springs is a world-famous tourist destination and iconic Florida natural and cultural treasure, it is also an important source of clean, fresh water for the St. Johns River system.  This first magnitude spring flows from the aquifer into the Silver River before converging with the Ocklawaha River, the largest tributary of the St. Johns River. Long-term flows in the Silver River have declined by more than 30%, and water from the aquifer that feeds Silver Springs is polluted with nitrate nitrogen, the result of excessive fertilizer use and insufficient wastewater management.

 “The health of so many of Florida's springs and rivers is in decline due to encroaching development, pollution, and excessive groundwater withdrawals, explains Lisa Rinaman, the St. Johns Riverkeeper.  “This forum will help us better understand the interconnectedness of our aquifer, springs, and St. Johns River and why we must take action now to protect these priceless resources.”

 The forum will include an in-depth discuss about a proposed large-scale cattle operation in Marion County that could have serious impacts on the health of Silver Springs, a National Natural Landmark, and the Silver River, an Outstanding Florida Water.    

Adena Springs Ranch is seeking a permit to withdraw over 13 million gallons of water a day, more water than is used by the entire city of Ocala on a daily basis.  St. Johns Riverkeeper is opposing the permit, due to the potential impacts to the flow of Silver Spring and Silver River and an increase in nitrogen loading from fertilizers and livestock waste. 

 St. Johns Riverkeeper is a privately-funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy organization that serves as an independent voice for the St. Johns River.  Our mission is to work on behalf of the community for clean and healthy waters in the St. Johns River, its tributaries and its wetlands, through citizen-based advocacy.  

 

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1045028/FSI_logo_color_smalledit2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKd1qEhBZl1M floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute Tue, 20 Mar 2012 09:58:00 -0700 Silver Springs Alliance Public Meeting on Adena Permit http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/silver-springs-alliance-public-meeting-on-ade http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/silver-springs-alliance-public-meeting-on-ade

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1045028/FSI_logo_color_smalledit2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKd1qEhBZl1M floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:24:00 -0800 Letter From a Supporter of the Springs Institute http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/letter-from-a-supporter-of-the-springs-instit http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/letter-from-a-supporter-of-the-springs-instit

Thanks for your efforts to keep water in the Florida Aquifer.  I've been interested in springs and aquifers since I took Dr. Spangler's groundwater class back at UF.  At the time, many of my classmates were cave divers, and the graduate student office walls were covered with cave maps from the Santa Fe drainage.  Although I never personally dove beyond the spring basins, reading the dye tracer and radiochemical studies made me feel like I was right there in the cave. 

Like Todd Kincaid, I'm a Gator transplanted to the West.  As a westerner, I've become keenly aware of the limited nature of aquifers and the importance of only using groundwater sustainably.  I personally feel that deliberate groundwater mining is a profoundly immoral act.  Reading Todd's conclusions that the Spring Creek reversals indicated a consistent overdraft of the aquifer, I was horrified to think that the Upper Floridan would go the way of the Ogallala.  Since I don't live and vote in Florida, I want to do all I can to support those who do and who are trying to prevent the loss of Florida's springs.

Thanks for your efforts and good luck!

Best Wishes,

Anonymous Donor

 

The Springs Institute is entriely funded through the generosity of private donors and awarded grants. This support is necessary to continue the work we do for the environment. 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1045028/FSI_logo_color_smalledit2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKd1qEhBZl1M floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:20:00 -0800 Silver Springs Restoration Alliance Meeting 1/18/2012 http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/silver-springs-restoration-alliance-meeting-1 http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/silver-springs-restoration-alliance-meeting-1

ALERT: Florida Citizen Meeting- January 18 at the Marion County Public Library (2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd. [US 40] Ocala 352-671-8551) from 6 pm to 7:45 in Ocala.  The purpose of this meeting is to provide citizens with an update on the condition and threats to Silver Springs, and to help organize a group of private citizens who wish to help influence all decisions, government and private, that may affect the health of the springs into the future. 

 Silver Springs and the Silver River are under mounting threats from agricultural and urban development pressures in their 1,100 square mile springshed. Two state actions intended to protect Silver Springs, development of a nitrate Total Maximum Daily Load and Minimum Flows and Levels, are currently underway. Unfortunately for the future of Silver Springs, both of these activities are expected to take a long time to accomplish positive results. Also, if not monitored and directed by an informed and active public interested in the ultimate restoration of Silver Springs, one or both of these governmental activities could allow current conditions in the aquifer and springs to get worse.

 
Because of these dangers to the health of Silver Springs and to the Marion County economy that depends on a healthy Silver Springs and groundwater aquifer, I would like to invite you to a meeting on January 18 at the Marion County Public Library from 6  pm to 7:45 (meeting room C).  The purpose of this meeting is to provide you with an update on the condition and threats to Silver Springs, and to help organize a group of private citizens who wish to help influence all decisions, government and private, that may affect the health of the springs into the future. It is intended that this group will eventually become a non-profit corporation, free of any public or political influence, with officers, a board of directors, a charter, and an active membership allied for the ultimate restoration and protection of Silver Springs. As a preliminary suggestion of its mission, the group might be called the "Silver Springs Restoration and Protection Alliance". Initially, this group needs to organize to actively track and comment on permitting and regulatory activities underway by the St. Johns River Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Ultimately, this group will be able to work with other springs watch-dog organizations throughout the state (e.g., the Rainbow River Conservation, Wakulla Springs Alliance, Friends of the Wekiva River, Our Santa Fe, Save Our Suwannee, etc.) to collectively accomplish springs restoration and protection goals statewide.
  

 

Please pass this invitation on to anyone you feel might be interested in participating in this proposed organization. Also, please seriously consider if you will be able to volunteer on behalf of the future of Silver Springs. 

 

Silver_Springs_Restoration_Alliance_011812.pdf Download this file

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1045028/FSI_logo_color_smalledit2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKd1qEhBZl1M floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute Wed, 14 Dec 2011 07:16:00 -0800 Alachua County's Gainesville Sun http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/alachua-countys-gainesville-sun http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/alachua-countys-gainesville-sun

Dr. Knight was featured in the December 11th Gainesville Sun. Read "The Signs of Water Distress" here.

Billboard

photo thanks to John Moran

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1045028/FSI_logo_color_smalledit2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKd1qEhBZl1M floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute Wed, 09 Nov 2011 07:58:00 -0800 Dr. Knight Featured in Audubon and The Fine Print http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/dr-knight-featured-in-audubon-and-the-fine-pr http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/dr-knight-featured-in-audubon-and-the-fine-pr

 

Florida’s Special Places: Silver Springs in Ocala

posted on November 4, 2011 in FL Special Places

The latest update toFlorida’s Special Places comes from Bob Knight of the Florida Springs Institute. He has nominated Silver Springs, a unique aquatic wonder in Ocala, Florida. Have you ever visited Silver Springs or one of Florida’s other one-of-a-kind springs? Let us know in the comment section below or on the Florida’s Special Places Facebook Page! Enjoy:

I first visited Silver Springs in August 1953. I was only five years old and little did I know that a three-year landmark ecological study was underway under the direction of a new, young professor at the University of Florida namedHoward T. Odum. I remember the crystal clear waters, giant catfish, and beautiful underwater “grasses”. I took away an almost dream-like memory of Silver Springs that has stayed with me since that day.

Fast forward to my last undergraduate semester at theUniversity of North Carolina, during the spring of 1970. On the advice of a friend I signed up for Systems Ecology being taught by the same Dr. H.T. Odum. The course inspired me to pursue a career in environmental science and aquatic ecology.  I also had my first exposure to Dr. Odum’s acclaimed work at Silver Springs from the 1950s, a 57-page monograph that was known world-wide as one of the most complete and intuitive descriptions of any aquatic ecosystem in the world. I learned that the Silver Springs that I remembered from my childhood was renowned in science and as a tourist attraction that was synonymous with sunny Florida.

In 1977 I renewed my contact with Dr. Odum and came to the University of Florida to earn a doctorate degree. In his most famous publication, Dr. Odum noted how constant Silver Springs had been throughout recorded history (about 100 years) and probably over the past 10,000+ years that people had lived next to the springs. This consistency of extremely high flow (nearly 500 million gallons per day), water clarity unrivaled in any other natural aquatic environment in the world, and rich and abundant biological productivity.  I couldn’t have been more excitedwhen Dr. Odum suggested I restudy Silver Springs, with the intention of repeating many of the measures he had made about 25 years previously. In his seven years back in Florida he had already seen that Silver Springs was changing. My two years of graduate research found that this giant of springs was still highly productive and relatively resilient to the more intensely developed surroundings.  But disturbingly I also found that the fish community at Silver Springs had declined by 78% during the intervening 25 years and the changes were linked in time to the construction of Rodman Reservoir downstream on the Ocklawaha River.

Much later in my career I once again was offered a chance to work at Silver Springs. With funding from the Florida Springs Initiative and collaboration with the St. Johns River Water Management District and UF faculty I spent another year (2004-2005) conducting field work and helped prepare a 50-year retrospective evaluation of the ecological health of Silver Springs. What I saw in the springs and what our data showed was alarming and did not bode well for Silver Springs’ future. Fish populations had continued to decline (an estimated 92% reduction in their biomass over 50 years), nitrate nitrogen concentrations had increased by 200%, great masses of filamentous algae were now covering the sand and limerock bottom, flows were lower, water clarity had declined, dissolved oxygen in the river was lower, and overall ecosystem productivity was reduced by 27%. All of the old timers I spoke to at Silver Springs had been lamenting visible changes for years. Now the impacted conditions in the spring were confirmed with scientific data.

The recent Silver Springs study also forecasted the condition of Silver Springs 50 years in the future (2055) as a result of continuing development in Marion County. These estimates predict an additional 84% increase of nitrate concentrations, an 18% additional decrease in flows, and further degradation of the biological community in Silver Springs.

The three Silver Springs studies described above ended with numerous conclusions and recommendations, one of which was to continue to collect more quantitative ecological data in order to track the changing health of this complex and unique ecosystem. Even more importantly, these studies found that immediate action needed to be taken to stop the rate of decline of this living masterpiece while knowledge caught up. Those recommended emergency actions include the adoption of local land use restrictions in the immediate springshed to reverse the alarming trends of increasing nitrates in the spring, re-evaluation of permitted consumptive water uses in the vicinity of the spring to preserve spring inflows from the aquifer, and accelerated evaluations of removing the Kirkpatrick Dam downstream on the Ocklawaha River to re-enable the free passage of fish and aquatic wildlife such as manatees between Silver Springs, the St. Johns River, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Most of us have experienced an utter sense of frustration upon entering an emergency room in a hospital with what we think is a serious injury and with the apparent inaction of the staff. That has been my feeling over the past four years since this report was published. Some may think that there is not enough science to move forward with actions critically needed to begin to restore Silver Springs to its previously pristine condition. Do we really know that the social costs of land use changes such as reduced fertilizer use, restricted wastewater disposal practices, capping of consumptive uses, and restoration of a prime fishing lake are really worth an attempt to save the life of this spring? What if we rush to make those changes and find that we have not returned Silver Springs to its former state of near perfection? Should we wait until there is more science, more people living and recreating near and in the spring, and more degradation?

Sometimes when we have to make a difficult and possibly expensive medical decision concerning our own health we may be tempted to gather more evidence of the severity of the condition and putting off treatment or major life-style changes. But when that patient is our child or other loved one and the possible consequence of inaction is permanent disability or death, we are not likely to wait for more evidence when there are obvious remedies we can start taking now to avoid disaster. Silver Springs is a dream of unspoiled nature to hundreds of thousands of people, in Florida and throughout the entire world. Are we really going to take a wait-and-see approach to curing and ultimately protecting this loved one?

 

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1045028/FSI_logo_color_smalledit2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKd1qEhBZl1M floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:03:00 -0700 Wakulla Spring Adaptive Management Strategy http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/wakulla-spring-adaptive-management-strategy http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/wakulla-spring-adaptive-management-strategy

Wakulla Spring Adaptive Management Strategy

Wetland Solutions, Inc. recently completed the first year of a proposed three-year project funded by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to coordinate meetings of the Wakulla Spring Working Group and to prepare a draft Wakulla Spring Restoration Plan. The deliverable for that project was provided to FDEP as an interim draft and can be obtained by request from Rick Hicks [Richard.W.Hicks@dep.state.fl.us].  Unfortunately, the project was not funded for the final two years. FDEP has no plans to continue to support the working group or finalization of the Wakulla Spring Restoration Plan. 

In an effort to assist with continuation of the recovery process at Wakulla Spring, the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute (FSI) has decided to  revise and reissue the preliminary WSI report . It is hoped that the availability of this revised report will serve as a springboard to regain the momentum for Wakulla Spring restoration and protection. Please click on the cover below to view the full FSI Wakulla Spring Adaptive Management Strategy. 

 

Full Report: 

   

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1045028/FSI_logo_color_smalledit2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKd1qEhBZl1M floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:02:00 -0700 High Springs & Alachua: The Santa Fe River Edition http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/high-springs-alachua-the-santa-fe-river-editi-92103 http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/high-springs-alachua-the-santa-fe-river-editi-92103

Click below to see the entire publication featuring advisory panel member Lars Andresen as well as our friends in Our Satnta Fe River. Also featuring our Director Dr. Knight's discussion on flow declines in North Florida's springs.

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1045028/FSI_logo_color_smalledit2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKd1qEhBZl1M floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute Mon, 08 Aug 2011 09:02:00 -0700 Dr. Knight presents on Florida's Springs- The Original Native Plant Community http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/dr-knight-presents-on-floridas-springs-the-or http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/dr-knight-presents-on-floridas-springs-the-or

Tuesday, August 9th,

Dr. Robert Knight, Director of the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute, will be making a presentation to the Nature Coast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society titled: Florida’s Springs- The Original Native Plant Community. The presentation is free to the public at the St. Marks Presbyterian Church at 7922 SR 52 in Hudson, FL at 7:30 PM. Guests are asked to please come to the meeting room at the back of the church.

 

Dscf2208

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1045028/FSI_logo_color_smalledit2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKd1qEhBZl1M floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute Sun, 12 Jun 2011 11:20:00 -0700 The First Year of the Institute http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/the-first-year-of-the-institute http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/the-first-year-of-the-institute

Our first year has gone by so quickly. Posted below is Director Dr. Bob Knight's letter to the advisory board discussing this year's accomplishments

Year_1_Letter_to_the_Board_060911.pdf Download this file

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1045028/FSI_logo_color_smalledit2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKd1qEhBZl1M floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute Thu, 02 Jun 2011 13:37:00 -0700 The Florida Springs Initiative- The End of an Era http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/the-florida-springs-initiative-the-end-of-an http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/the-florida-springs-initiative-the-end-of-an

On June 1 the Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced the end of ten years of focused state funding for springs science and protection. The Florida Springs Initiative was first funded in 2002 with about $2.6 million dollars by the Florida legislature. The Springs Initiative was a program recommended by the Florida Springs Task Force to increase information about the plight of Florida’s threatened springs and to provide a technical basis for restoring these priceless natural resources. The Florida Springs Initiative supported dozens of projects that highlighted the impacts that springs have experienced due to Florida’s development and increasing human population and helped to educate thousands of concerned citizens about the steps necessary to restore and protect springs. Sadly, the funding for the Springs Initiative has been declining for the past three years to $0.5 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011, and was totally eliminated by the current legislature and governor.

Our springs and their importance for a healthy Florida economy have never needed more public support. Blue Spring in Volusia County had over 500,000 visitors in the past year, a new attendance record in response to the rapidly increasing manatee population utilizing the spring run. Visitation at Alexander, Ichetucknee, Ginnie, Homosassa, Silver Glen, Wakulla, Weeki Wachee and dozens of other springs continues to be high, confirming the undeniable desire by Floridians to enjoy their state’s natural environments. The future economic health of Florida is dependent upon healthy springs and clean and abundant groundwater.

Work funded by the Florida Springs Initiative documented how the condition of our springs and our drinking water supply is continuing to decline due to society’s wasteful practices. The end of funding for the Florida Springs Initiative indicates that we cannot expect help from our elected officials in Tallahassee to protect one of our state’s most unique and valuable resources – our groundwater and the springs that are dependent on that water. It appears that the only hope for springs is an educated and vocal public who takes responsibility for springs protection into their own hands.

The Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute was founded one year ago to augment the efforts of the Florida Springs Initiative. With the demise of the state’s springs program, the Florida Springs Institute is now more important than ever. The Florida Springs Institute is the only organization focused on springs monitoring, research, education, restoration, and protection in Florida. The Springs Institute is reaching out to environmental organizations, universities, local governments, and the water management districts to collaborate on springs restoration and protection.  The Florida Springs Institute provides a rallying point for citizens who want to halt the continuing worsening condition of our springs and to restore the best of those springs to some semblance of their historic glory.

The Florida Springs Institute is a non-profit organization that is funded solely by grants and donations. If you wish to make a difference for springs, you may want to make a charitable contribution or educate your neighbors about the importance of and need to protect our springs and our groundwater. 

 

The FDEP letter announcing the cessation of funding can be read below:

Working_Group_Letter.pdf Download this file

 

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1045028/FSI_logo_color_smalledit2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKd1qEhBZl1M floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute Tue, 03 May 2011 10:41:00 -0700 WATER WORLD - It's All Connected, May 6th http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/51703728 http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/51703728

Dr. Robert L Knight, Director of the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute, will be the keynote speaker at Hernando County's WATER WORLD- It's All Connected workshop this coming Friday, May 6th, from 8 am to 3:30 pm. Dr. Knight will be making a presentation titled: Springs and the Floridan Aquifer: Connecting Man and Nature. There are still seats available by contacting Alys Brockway, Water Conservation Division, Hernando Co. Utilities at abrockway@co.hernando.fl.us. Please reserve your seat and free lunch no later than close-of-business tomorrow, May 4th.

www.floridaspringsinstitute.org

Hernando County's WATER WORLD It's all connected

Friday, May 6, 2011 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Sand Hill Scout Reservation

11210 Cortez Boulevard Brooksville, FL 34608 

 

 

8:00–8:30 a.m. REGISTRATION AND REFRESHMENTS  

8:30 a.m. WELCOME  

Presented by: Alys Brockway, Water Conservation Division, Hernando County Utilities Department, and Tommy Bronson, Hernando County   Groundwater Guardian Committee   

8:45–9:30 a.m. SEEING GREEN? EPA’S Numeric Nutrient Criteria Water quality standards are established to protect public health, enhance the quality of water and serve the purposes of the Clean   Water Act. The US Environmental Protection Agency has set numeric   criteria that limit nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) pollution entering   lakes, springs and streams in Florida.   

 Presented by: Veronica Craw, Southwest Florida Water Management District   

9:30–10:30 a.m. THE WATERSHED PUZZLE 20 Pieces, More Than 1 County Hernando County is divided into 20 named watersheds. Half of these extend beyond the county boundary. Each watershed is different and has its own unique conditions. The watershed management program gives us tools to understand, manage and improve these hydrologic areas.   

Presented by: Gene Altman, Southwest Florida Water Management District, and John Burnett, Hernando County Utilities Department   

10:30–10:45 a.m. BREAK: Network, View Educational Displays  

10:45–11:45 a.m. GREEN LAWNS NOT GREEN LAKES! Learn the best management practices of environmentally friendly lawn care! Proper fertilizer selection, application and pest control practices will help you maintain a nice Florida lawn while protecting our water resources.   

Presented by: Dr. Laurie Trenholm, Associate Professor/Extension Turfgrass Specialist, University of Florida   

11:45–12:45 p.m. SPRINGS AND THE FLORIDAN AQUIFER: CONNECTING MAN AND NATURE

Presented by: Dr. Bob Knight, Florida Springs Institute

12:45–1:30 p.m. LUNCH View Educational Displays, Meet and Greet Speakers and Special Guests

1:30–3:30 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS You may only participate in one of the following sessions so please attend the session you had indicated on your RSVP card.

1:30 p.m. SESSION A: Rain Barrel Workshop Learn the how to’s and why’s of incorporating these water catchments to offset your outdoor water needs.

Presented by: John Korycki, FFL Coordinator, Hernando County Utilities Department

1:30 p.m. SESSION B: Micro-Irrigation Workshop Learn how to retrofit your standard irrigation system to a more water-conserving micro-irrigation system.

Presented by: Jim Davis, FYN Extension Agent, Sumter County

1:30 p.m. SESSION C: A Guided Trip to the Diepolder Sink Water quality, karst and their connection to the aquifer.

Presented by: David DeWitt and Chris Zajac, Southwest Florida Water Management District

water_world_agenda.pdf Download this file

Hernando County’s Groundwater Guardian Committee, which is supported by the Hernando County Utilities Department, consists of interested citizens who promote grass-roots efforts that preserve the quality and quantity of our fresh groundwater. Members include representatives from the following interests: manufacturing, development, power industry, mining, agriculture, city government, county government, state/regional government, public water and sewer industry, education, and citizens. This workshop is sponsored by Cardno TBE; Leggette, Brashears & Graham, Inc.; Malcolm Pirnie, the Water Division of ARCADIS; GPI Southeast, Inc.; Water Resource Associates; Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority; Hernando County Utilities Department; Hernando County Groundwater Guardians; and a grant from the Coastal Rivers and Withlacoochee River basin boards of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1045028/FSI_logo_color_smalledit2.jpg http://posterous.com/users/hdKd1qEhBZl1M floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute floridaspringsinstitute Tue, 05 Apr 2011 07:23:00 -0700 Kayak Trip Down the Silver River http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/kayak-trip-down-the-silver-river http://floridaspringsinstitute.org/kayak-trip-down-the-silver-river
The Florida Springs Institute supports public management and restoration of Silver Springs. One thing that we are doing to promote this idea is leading a series of kayaking trips on the river with Lars Andersen to illustrate the importance of the resource.  Our next trip is scheduled for April 13 (next Wednesday) and I would like to invite you to join us.   Also, please send this invitation on to others interested in restoration of Silver Springs. I think a grass-roots effort by community leaders and passionate citizens will be the best impetus to support plans by Marion County or the Florida Park Service to restore Silver Springs.

Next week--on Wednesday, April 13, we will be doing a very special paddle on Silver River with Dr. Bob Knight, Director of the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute (
www.floridaspringsinstitute.org ). Dr. Knight is a leading authority on springs research and ecology. Much of his cutting edge research has been done at Silver Springs and Silver River.

On this trip, Dr. Knight will tell us about the goals of the Springs Institute and will  give us the most up-to-date information about the ecology of Florida’s springs. He’ll also update us on the mounting threats to Florida’s aquifers and spring systems and the status of efforts to protect them. This will be a shorter version of the Silver River trip we usually do. We'll launch from the State Park hand-launch ramp (where we usually stop for lunch on longer trips--about 2/3 of the way up the river) and then head upstream for a round trip paddle up to the head springs and back. It will be abouit a 3 hour paddle. This special trip is likely to fill quick, so I recommend you reserve early.

- Wednesday, April 13:  SILVER RIVER with Guest presenter Dr. Bob Knight

 

 This river is about 1 hour south of Gainesville and 10 minutes east of Ocala. We'll be meeting there at 10:00 A.M. The cost is $45 or $30 for those who bring their own boat. The $5 Park fee has been waived.

Description

This will be a shorter paddle than we usually do on Silver River. Launching from the State Park ramp 2/3 of the way upstream from Rays Landing (usually our lunch stop), we'll do a round-trip paddle upstream to the headspring and then back to the launch site. I'm expecting us to be on the water about 3 hours.  

As we make our way upstream, we are treated to an unbroken panorama of cypress, ash, gum, red maple and an assortment of other trees and plants associated with the Ocklawaha river basin, of which this is an important part. There are always plenty of water birds, especially near the head spring. There are also turtles, gators and and other reptiles to keep things interesting, as well as my personal favorites - the otters. 

At the distal point of our up-and-back route, we'll arrive at the Silver Springs group. The main vent--Mammoth Spring--is one of the largest springs (in average flow rate) in the world. This area is within the private Silver Springs theme park. The main river channel within the park is a public waterway, so we have free access. Even so, please be very respectful of the tour boats by staying off to the side when they pass.  

The most popular animals on this trip are the Rhesus macaques(see below). Even though these exotic primates are an unwelcome addition of the local ecology, it's hard to dislike seeing such interesting and entertaining creatures in this wild setting. It's not their fault they wound up here.

What really sets Silver River apart from other waterways is it's water. Crystal clear and relatively deep (averaging about 6 - 8 feet), few waterways rival the diversity and numbers of species that you find on Silver. Put down your paddle and float with the current (save this for the downstream part of the trip!) and you'll soon find a crowd of small fish (mostly bream) drifting along in the shade of your boat. Feel free to bring a bathing suit and snorkeling gear if you think you might be inclined to jump in and meet the river inhabitants face to mask.

Highlights
 
The most popular animals on this trip, and the most unusual for any of our trips, are the monkeys. Earlier in this century a number of Rhesus monkeys (actually macaques) escaped into the wild from Silver Springs Park. The most prevalent story is that they escaped from sets of the old Tarzan movies which were filmed near the springs. But, in reality, their presence can be credited to (blamed on!) Col. Tooey, a concessionaire at Silver Springs park in the 1930's. To add some tropical flavour to his "jungle cruise," he released some of the monkeys on a small island in the middle of the river. He didn't realize they could swim. Today, they are well established in the bottomland forest along the Silver and a bit of the Ocklawaha Rivers. 
If you do see any (I'd say about 4 out of 5 paddlers will spot at least one), be sure to keep a safe distance - and DON'T FEED them. They are fun to watch, but they can be aggressive and will bite if you get too close.

Difficulty

The first half of this trip is a 1 - 1.5 hour upstream paddle against a moderate current, which can be exhausting for some people. The return trip is very easy--riding the current about an hour back to the launch site. The shorter route on today's trip should not be a problem for anyone in moderately good condition. 

More information about this trip can be found at: http://www.adventureoutpost.net/ToursO-Z.htm#Silver%20river

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED for all trips! You can make a reservation any time before 5 PM the afternoon before the trip. HOWEVER, there's no guarantee that - a.) you will be able to contact us, b.) that there will still be spaces available, c.) we have not already left the store with the boats. The earlier you call, the more likely you are to secure a spot.

If you'd like to join us, you can either reply to this note or call us at Adventure Outpost (386) 454-0611. We'll get your payment information and give you trip specifics.

CANCELLATIONS: Please let me know at least 24 hours before the trip if you need to cancel. That will give me time to contact someone on the standby list (if there is one) and get them signed on.  

Thanks,

Lars Andersen

Adventure Outpost
18238 NW Hwy 441
High Springs, FL 32643

(386) 454-0611

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See the full gallery on Posterous

 

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Cynthia Barnett's compelling article A Water Ethic For Florida discusses alternative behaviors for water use.  She uses the example of Queensland, Australia to illustrate some measures that can be taken to reduce future water consumption.  Click HERE to read the report .

"Water is the defining element – the essential elixir – of 

the good life here in Florida. That makes it easier to find 

common ground. Especially when it’s the high ground."

-Cynthia Barnett

 

 

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Click on the painting below to read Dr. Robert Knight's contribution to Margaret Ross Tolbert's book Aquiferious (2010).

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About Florida’s Springs 

Florida has one of the largest concentrations of springs in the world. There are over 700 recorded artesian springs in Florida discharging more than 9 billion gallons per day of groundwater from the Floridan aquifer, the primary drinking water supply for the state of Florida. This flow of clear groundwater in combination with Florida’s sub-temperate climate results in extremely high primary productivity in springs, supporting complex and large populations of fish and other wildlife. The extreme clarity of the groundwater feeding many of Florida’s springs has been described as one of the hydrological wonders of the world and has created a wide-spread appreciation for these natural aquatic environments. Florida springs used for recreation alone are estimated to generate over $300,000,000 per year in direct income to surrounding communities. Springs form part of the head waters and provide essential dry weather flows to many of Florida’s major rivers, including the St. Johns, Suwannee, Withlacoochee, Crystal, Homosassa, Weeki Wachee, and Hillsboro. 

The ecological health of Florida’s springs and spring-fed rivers are in peril due to the side effects of human population expansion and activities in Florida. Land use changes from forested to agricultural and urban have greatly increased the levels of nitrate nitrogen in the majority of Florida’s springs. Nitrate is a plant growth nutrient that stimulates growth of opportunistic plant species and is implicated in the wide-spread increase in the presence of filamentous algae and invasive plants in Florida’s springs. Flow rates in some springs are declining as a result of groundwater pumping and consumption by humans. Flow in some significant springs has ceased, resulting in stagnant sinkholes where rich biological communities previously existed. Other springs and rivers that were traditionally clear during normal climatic conditions are now receiving greater flows of highly colored surface waters, possibly in response to declining clear groundwater inflows. The ecology of some springs has been significantly altered due to other human activities, including especially high recreational use, invasion of exotic species and subsequent control efforts, structural modifications including seawalls and dams, and excessive fishing, hunting, and boating.

There is hope for the eventual recovery and future protection of Florida’s springs. Many of the largest springs in Florida are directly protected within state and county parks. Restoration planning and implementation is underway at a growing number of Florida’s impacted springs. Springs are well adapted to recover from historic impacts due to their ability to self cleanse when provided with clean and abundant groundwater. Springs restoration and protection is synonymous with protecting Florida’s most precious natural resource – abundant and easily available groundwater.

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Just getting to know this new website.  I am trying to move our information to a new place where I can work with it more intimately and create what we need to have. More to come soon...

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