Read more about the article The People’s Plan
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The People’s Plan

FSI is currently restudying Silver Springs System. In light of the changes we are seeing, we are re-publishing the following op-ed written by Dr. Knight, originally printed in the Gainesville Sun in August 2015. Staff at the Florida Springs Institute (FSI) have been active in the scientific study of Silver Springs since the 1970s. FSI’s efforts, as well as research conducted by the State of Florida have demonstrated severe biological impairments at Silver Springs as a result of reduced…

Continue ReadingThe People’s Plan

North Florida, South Florida vie to be most-polluted region

By Dr. Robert Knight. Published in the Florida Specifier April/May 2023. Given the Environmental disaster that has continued to engulf the estuaries and beaches on both sides of the state, South Florida's guacamole-filled coastal waters are receiving the state and national press they deserve. But thanks to on-going releases of nutrient-laden water from sugar plantations, ranches, and other intensive agricultural operations; toxic floating algae, starving manatees, and rafts of dead fish continue to slime the once-blue waters,…

Continue ReadingNorth Florida, South Florida vie to be most-polluted region

The death of North Florida’s springs

By Robert Knight. Published in Orlando Sentinel, January 28, 2023. Once compared to the greatest hydrological wonders of North America, including Niagara Falls and the Mississippi River, North Florida’s springs in the 1850s were praised for their extreme water clarity and complex ecology. Like the Everglades in South Florida, artesian springs in North Florida continue to delight millions. Increasingly “discovered” by tourists and recreationalists from Florida and beyond, healthy springs provide waders and swimmers with the cool…

Continue ReadingThe death of North Florida’s springs

Meet Florida Springs Institute’s new Outreach Intern!

Danielle Jordan is a Georgia native who grew up vacationing and traveling around Florida. She is excited for the opportunity to contribute to the work of the Florida Springs Institute this summer while learning more about the unique ecology of Florida’s springs. She is currently a PhD student and graduate assistant in the University of Florida Department of English where she studies the environmental humanities, critical theory, and speculative fiction and film. In her teaching and her…

Continue ReadingMeet Florida Springs Institute’s new Outreach Intern!

Re-evaluation of Minimum Flows and Levels for the Santa Fe and Ichetucknee

It is not in the public’s best interest to dry up or pollute any of Florida’s artesian springs.  Healthy springs support a vast and abundant assemblage of charismatic and endangered wildlife, nourish our many rivers and lakes during droughts, and are the sought-after playground for tens of millions of visitors each year. Springs are essential for our local ecology and economy. Governmental agencies responsible for protecting Florida’s environmental prosperity would be reckless and irresponsible to allow priceless…

Continue ReadingRe-evaluation of Minimum Flows and Levels for the Santa Fe and Ichetucknee