Hopefully a federal designation would help protect the areas around the springs from those who would continue to destroy our unique water resources.
Threats are presented by irrigators, water bottlers, septic tanks, some farm practices, developers and our so called “protection agencies” which allow and encourage harmful pumping and excessive fertilizer applications.
The following article appeared in the Sunday, June 2, 2024 edition of the Tampa Bay Times.
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 am very interested in learning more about comments I just read that were stated by William McQuilkin, Ret. U.S. Navy Admiral. He said: “One way we can help protect Florida’s Springs for generations and our
cultural heritage along the way is by establishing a FLORIDA SPRINGS NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA.
Establishing the Florida Springs region as a National Heritage Area will not only help to preserve and protect our world-class springs, it also has real potential to improve economic opportunities for our local and regional communities.” As William McQuilkin recommended, I will look forward to expressing my views to the Florida Springs Institute on this brilliant proposal.
Thank you, Our Santa Fe River organization for bringing this important information to my attention!