The following video is from the Florida Springs Council. It depicts the heartbreaking scene of reality of North Florida Springs.
I began diving these springs in 1977 and I can attest that this was not the situation back then. I have heard water board members and others say that the springs look really good, implying that they are fine and nothing needs to be done for them. This is the attitude of fools who pass off the problem as nonexistent and have no interest in learning more.
It is also the attitude of our DEP, the Suwannee River Water Management District and the other four water districts. There are people in these agencies that do, indeed, know that our springs are dying, but they do nothing to reverse this.
The springs can be restored by reducing excess fertilizers, septic tanks, and over-pumping of the aquifer. All the water scientists know this.
The State of Florida prefers to aid the polluters and water-pumpers who are killing the springs.
If this is not changes, all our major springs will die. The process is well on the way.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
jim.tatum@oursantaferiver.org
– A river is like a life: once taken,
it cannot be brought back © Jim Tatum
I lived in High Spring first in 1957, lived at Poe Springs over the river and spent thousands of hours on the Santa Fe and springs. Did lots of cave diving and camping. Santa Fe is my most favorite river, Just moved back to Florida from New Mexico and going to visit friends in High Spring this weekend. My goal is to return to High Springs and live in the river. Very interested in your organization.
Barry McAlister
Welcome back Barry. Please join us as we focus on the Santa Fe River and Springs.