OSFR President Mike Roth appeared before the Gilchrist County Commission on April 2, 2018, requesting protection for the native hardwood forest adjacent to the new park extension just south of the Santa Fe River, east of Hwy 47.
This is the area where Dr. Colette Jacono led the educational plant hike during the RiverFest activities in March. The land was recently acquired by the county from the Suwannee River Water Management District.
The commissioners and county manager seemed amenable to this suggestion, and mentioned that sufficient funds remained in the project to erect a fence along the park.
OSFR commends Dr. Jacono for bringing this to our attention, and also the county for its willingness to help preserve what is left of the forest. Thanks also to Cindy Noel and Kristin Ruben for attending in support.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
-A river is like a life: once taken, it cannot be brought back-
