Following the press release and public speaking at the Suwannee River Water Management District on Dec. 10, a large group went to the banks of the Santa Fe River a short distance upstream of Rum Island spring and launched their kayaks and canoes.
None of the participants paid a penny for the vessels rental nor the shuttle. Jim Wood of Canoe Outpost and Merrillee and Doug Jipson of Rum 138 provided equipment at reduced rates and OSFR picked up the tab. Our thanks to these great outfitters for their assistance.
Conceived and coordinated by OSFR board member Merrillee, this first Kayativism turned out to be a huge success as our enthusiasm and exhibitionism garnered us press which furthered OSFR’s mission of education.
Many people who love the river are unaware of the crisis we have in our backyard, with a local family who runs a popular campground and dive center also involved in pumping water from our springs and river and selling it to whom some call the “Devil Encarnate” or Nestle. Nestle and Seven Springs claim the river is sustainable, but proof that it is not is the fact that the water management district has deemed it to be in recovery, since it is below its minimum flows.
Toni MacIntosh Danny Arnold, Orlando
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
-A river is like a life: once taken, it cannot be brought back-
What a beautiful little river! And people!–I profoundly appreciate your activism!!!!!!
NO!!!