We are looking forward to getting on the water in October, and experiencing the magic of the Suwannee River. This year, we are staging the 2nd annual Santa Fe Springs Celebration (also in October), so you can enjoy warmer weather to experience the springs. To learn more about our upcoming season please click the link below. We are visiting the Peace River in November (with a side trip to Fisheating Creek), staging a base-camp Keys trip in January, a first time visit to the Indian River Lagoon in February, a final visit to the Chipola River in March and a grand finale at our Suwannee River Paddling Festival in April! We hope to see you there.

Included in this issue are: "America's 10 most endangered rivers 2023: See which waterways are most at-risk" by Saleen Martin; "The Water State, a film which illustrates how Florida’s governmental protections have failed to protect the state’s precious freshwater springs, which are now facing imminent extinction" by Project Paradise; “Why Florida’s Lower Suwannee Is an Outdoor Lover’s Paradise”, and “Safety Guidelines from Florida Paddling Trails Association”.

Thanks to everyone who has supported our mission! Our partners, vendors, speakers and musicians. Our board, volunteers and staff. For those who came on trips, who donated to our cause and to those who volunteered with us! YOU make a difference and enable us to continue our mission of protecting Florida’s waterways!

Climate change and development projects have put many of America's rivers at risk, but some face greater danger than others, according to a new ranking.

American Rivers, an advocacy group based in Washington D.C. that works with communities to reduce river pollution and create policies that promote clean water and reduce flood risks, compiles a yearly list of the country's most endangered rivers…

Last on the list is the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia and Florida.

Since 2019, a company called Twin Pines Minerals, LLC has sought permits to mine titanium less than 3 miles from the edge of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, reported the Savannah Morning News, part of the USA TODAY Network.… [Read More…]

The nonprofit conservation organization Project Paradise has released a film, “The Water State,” that documents threats to Florida’s freshwater springs.

The short documentary explores the approval of water-withdrawal permits by Florida’s state-controlled water management districts. The permits cost $115 and are rarely denied.

The film profiles the story of a controversial permit that allows nearly 1 million gallons of water per day to be pumped out of Ginnie Springs. It also covers a lawsuit that the Florida Springs Council initiated over the permit…. [Read more…]

Photo credit: Project Paradise

In the floodplain wetlands, wading shorebirds and endangered salt marsh vole peek out from the brush, while pine flatwoods hide gopher tortoises, whitetail deer, foxes, and black bears. On the water, you may see a prehistoric Gulf sturgeon, a primitive fish group dating to the dinosaur era 200 million years ago. Dusk and dawn afford the best opportunity to spot wildlife... [Read More …]

Get your very own Camp Coffee Mug! $20 to help support our environmentally friendly dish program

How To: Safety Guidelines from Florida Paddling Trails Association

Click here for the article.