Painting of Ichetucknee by Margaret Ross Tolbert
After six months of working (mostly) on organization and planning, the Ichetucknee Alliance is up and running with the stated vision of “a healthy Ichetucknee River System that is preserved and protected for future generations” and a goal “to ensure the restoration, preservation, and protection for future generations of the ecosystems along the full 5.5 mile length of the Ichetucknee River, including all its associated springs.”
Restoration: The Alliance has taken a strong stand on the minimum flow & level (MFL) for the Ichetucknee that is now in the process of being set by the Suwannee River Water Management District. We submitted a public comment requesting an MFL of no less than the river’s historical flow of 350 cubic feet per second (cfs).
Preservation: To fill in scientific data gaps, members of the Alliance are now actively involved in a “Springs Watch” program that conducts monthly water monitoring in the lower part of the Ichetucknee River that lies outside the state park.
Protection: With partners throughout our area, we worked to convince Florida Power & Light to route its proposed natural gas pipeline away from the Ichetucknee River.
The Alliance is now ready to embark on an “adopt a problem” approach that will enable us to focus on specific problems within the Ichetucknee Springshed that have been identified in the Ichetucknee Springs & River Restoration Action Plan prepared by the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute. First up: Tackling the problem of water pollution that is caused by fertilizer use and the spreading of biosolids within the springshed.
If you live in our area…swim or dive in the springs…tube the river…or even if you simply have fond memories of doing those things at some time in the past…and if you want future generations of Floridians and visitors to be able to enjoy those same experiences…then know that is exactly what the Ichetucknee Alliance is working (maybe even fighting) for.
Please take a few minutes to explore our website, where you will find information about our mission, goals, and our work to restore, protect and preserve the Ichetucknee River and its springs. Then, please consider joining the Alliance or making a contribution; click the “Get Involved” tab at the top of our home page. And please share this information with anyone you know who might be interested!
Remember: Our springs and rivers cannot speak, so we have to speak for them–and in order for the Ichetucknee Alliance to be a strong voice on behalf of our waters, we need a strong base of members who will add their names in support of our work.