By Trimmel Gomes, Florida News Connection
The Florida Legislature’s failure to pass a budget before adjourning has left key environmental projects in limbo, including a Senate-approved proposal to restore the Ocklawaha River by dismantling the Rodman Reservoir dam.
For residents like Samuel Carr, president of the Bartram Trail Society who fished the river before the dam’s 1971 construction, the more than $6 million project represents a chance to revive what he called a “free-running wild river” from what he said he believes turned into “a mud hole.”
“Since they put that dam in, 150 million gallons of fresh water doesn’t come into the St. Johns River now per day, as it did before 1971,” said Carr. “So, the restoration would literally turn the faucet back on to get that cool, clear water to the St. Johns River.”
Carr noted the dam blocks 20 springs and forces periodic pollution releases into the St. Johns, which he said has suffered catastrophic algae blooms and lost critical eelgrass.
Lawmakers will reconvene sometime after June 2 to resume budget talks. The Senate has already approved the funding, but House approval remains uncertain amid broader disputes over tax cuts.
A Florida Atlantic University study projects the restoration would deliver a 214% return on investment, yielding over $15 million a year in recreation revenue and 340 jobs.
Former Putnam County Commissioner Linda Myers framed restoration as an economic imperative for rural Florida.
“This area of northeast Florida has so many rivers that connect to the St. Johns and this specific structure, the dam, has actually eliminated some of that connectedness,” said Myers. “So, opening that up would just give the opportunities – and here in Florida, we know the tourism dollars, we know how important they are.”
Myers said she believes the project aligns with lawmakers’ stated priorities of water quality, conservation and leveraging Florida’s tourism industry.
The study also shows restoring the Ocklawaha River would reconnect 213 river miles for fish migration, revive 20 submerged springs, and reduce algal bloom risk by 63% by restoring natural water flow.
Florida News Connection is a bureau of the Public News Service. Support for this reporting was provided by The Pew Charitable Trusts. Banner photo: Kirkpatrick Dam at the Rodman Reservoir (Florida State Parks).
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