The death of North Florida’s springs

Post author:flspringsinst
Post published:February 2, 2023
Post category:Bob Knight Education Health Op-ed Springs Science
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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…

FDEP offers mid-year’s resolution for Florida’s Springs

Post author:flspringsinst
Post published:July 5, 2022
Post category:Bob Knight Op-ed Publications Springs Science
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By Dr. Robert Knight. Published in The Florida Specifier June/July 2022 edition. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship and is tasked to protect the state’s air, water, and land. Reading from FDEP’s website, its vision is “… to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources, and enhance its ecosystems.” (www.floridadep.gov) Headquartered in Tallahassee, but with staff state-wide, FDEP has about 3,000 employees and an annual…

Trouble in the Garden of Eden

Post author:Haley Moody
Post published:February 26, 2021
Post category:Bob Knight Op-ed Publications Springs Science
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Bob Knight. Published in the Gainesville Sun on February 19, 2021 It was Voltaire’s “Candide” that reminded us to tend to one’s own garden. Whether he meant taking care of the Garden of Eden, or the small portion of the world that is closest and dearest to each of us, we are drawn to the importance of helping to make the world healthier and safer in our relatively small local area of personal influence. In that regard,…

Santa Fe River Project Phase 2 of 3 is Complete!

Post author:Haley Moody
Post published:June 19, 2020
Post category:Springs Science
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As of May 5th, Florida Springs Institute staff and interns completed Phase 2 of the Santa Fe River and Springs Environmental Analysis, which evaluated the environmental health of the river and springs aquatic ecosystem through regular monitoring and data collection. Phase 2 of the Santa Fe River Project began in April 2018. Sampling was conducted at 62 sampling stations along the Santa Fe River, including stations at the river's major tributaries: the Ichetucknee River, Olustee Creek, and…

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

Post author:Haley Moody
Post published:February 3, 2020
Post category:Bob Knight Drinking Water Education Publications Springs Science
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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…