He accuses opponents of grudges. I enjoyed the info on your paddle and the photos. There was a marker, a Red Solo Cup stuck on a cypress stump, that marked the location of the run to. State maintenance of the dam and reservoir may subsidize Putnam County’s economy but not without damaging the economies and environments of Marion and Duval counties, the group members say. The original Ocklawaha River channel is out there, among hundreds of dead cypress trees! Ocklawaha River is a river in Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenways State Recreation and Conservation Area, Silver Springs State Park, Ocala National Forest, Atlantic Coastal Plain, FL. [2] The historical and original source of the Ocklawaha River is Lake Griffin, part of the Harris chain of lakes in Lake County, Florida. The 74-mile river begins west of Orlando, extends north, takes in the powerful current of Silver Springs, then turns east to join the St. Johns River. Since we are in a drawdown, you need to bypass the park launch, which is often clogged, and travel South on Kenwood Boat Ramp Road leading to the northern shoreline of Rodman Reservoir. In the section that we paddled, we are in the vicinity of four springs, Marion Blue Spring, Catfish Spring, Bright Angel Spring and Bamboo Spring…( hover over to see information and location ). As long as we were at the river we finished up our paddle near the reservoir, drove South to Payne’s Landing. At times of drawdown in the Rodman Reservoir, the spring pool and vent are more easily discernible. A more detailed look into today’s paddle follows below…James. Side Paddles: Cannon Spring is a must paddle during this drawdown. FPTA is committed to developing paddling trails, protecting the environment along those trails, and serving as a resource and voice for paddlers. There are Port-a-Potties and ample parking with a nice ramp. Cannon Springs has spent a half-century entombed by a government blunder of a dam and reservoir on the Ocklawaha River. It is moving to say the least. With work starting in the 1960s, the Cross Florida Barge Canal route would link a series of rivers and lakes, including the Ocklawaha, which was not large enough to carry barges. The key tributary to the Ocklawaha is the Silver River, which originates in Silver Springs, Fl. Required fields are marked *. It was a hasty, brutal job, done with a “crawler-crusher” resembling a battle tank as big as a five-story building. We paddled a section of the area now considered Rodman Reservoir…I refuse to call it Lake Ocklawaha! The Ocklawaha River Map Click on the image for a larger view . (Note: the marker is NOT our meeting place, but a nearby landmark. This draw down occurs every few years—to prevent fish kills and reduce the… We may have the opportunity to see alligators, turtles, wild monkeys, snakes, otters, deer, manatee, a variety of birds and native plants. Your email address will not be published. Ocklawaha River Location. Check the River Locator Map or Click the link below for a local map and then use zoom and panning arrows to explore the area. The ceiling was a darkening canopy of cypress, maples, sweetgums and cabbage palms. The fight to save the Ocklawaha River has inspired many artists, poets and musicians over the years to include Will McLean, Gamble Rogers, Don Grooms and Whitey Markle. This ever so popular tour of the Silver Springs Cruise and River Tour is about 3 […] View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. The Riverway was Florida’s first tourist attraction — a magnet for travel writers and explorers alike and a transportation corridor for people and products. But the Rodman Dam and Reservoir had obliterated 16 miles of magnificence. Location: The ‘Lower’ Ocklawaha River is usually considered the section from the Eureka Dam on Hwy 316 East of Ft. McCoy, to its confluence with the St. Johns River. The 74-mile-long (119 km) [1] Ocklawaha River flows north from central Florida until it joins the St. Johns River near Palatka. It’ll be down until into March. Every several years, authorities must dump the artificial lake to flush out a nonstop growth of muck and weeds. The 74 mile Ocklawaha River is a must paddle for those interested in ‘Old Florida’. When you reach the river there is a tall marker designating the channel and from here the adventure begins! The ongoing, ecological price of not removing the dam has been high, said Lisa Rinaman, leader of the St. Johns Riverkeeper group. Local Map. That allow manatee's free access to the River Springs will have a much greater economic benefit. In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson initiated the construction of the Cross Florida Barge Canal, a 200 mile long, 30′ deep canal that would connect the Atlantic Ocean with the Gulf of Mexico. Marjorie Harris Carr, past president of Florida Defenders of the Environment played a key role in fighting against the continuing of The Florida Barge Canal and its effect passing through the Ocklawaha River. Launch point: The launch for this paddle is at Kenwood Recreation, however during the drawdown the launch is not in the actual boat ramp launch but at the end of  Kenwood Boat Ramp Road. Cannon Springs has spent a half-century entombed by a government blunder of a dam and reservoir on the Ocklawaha River. We then paddled on the boating channel, still heading East until we reached the main river. Depth can go from 4″ to around 7′ once in the main channel. Your email address will not be published. “We will, of course, continue to work closely with interested stakeholders to ensure that all perspectives are considered,” said DeSantis’ science officer, Thomas Frazier. The canal entrance to the spring is located 2.1 miles south of Payne’s Landing and it is a 1/4 mile paddle to the spring. It also prevents a winter migration of manatees to Silver Springs, which would be an enormous tourism draw for Marion County, he said. “We may bump a stump or two,” Miller said. “A lot of people have spent so much time, energy and money trying to correct this error that was made in the 1960s.”. “Marjorie Carr’s opposition to it was utterly fantastic,” wrote Nathaniel Reed, one of Florida’s most lauded conservation leaders, in his book of essays, “Travels on the Green Highway.” “She really believed. Join us with Captain Tom & Debbie on a specialized Eco-Tour of the Silver and Ocklawaha Rivers. With a slight chop on the lake’s surface, it was sometimes difficult to spot stumps and floating limbs. “Every day that dam is in place it is damaging the St. Johns River,” Rinaman said. A lot of people began to really believe.”. “I camp out there, go fishing, take the kids out there and stay out all night with guys on airboats, getting alligators and frogs and all kinds of good stuff,” Miller said. With two major rivers and several large streams flowing through the Ocala National Forest, both bank fishing and fishing from your watercraft - motorized or not - can be enjoyed on our subtropical waterways. Welcome to the Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost & Resort Canoeing, Kayaking and Cabin Rental in Florida. The drawdown exposes the original Ocklawaha River channel along with the remains of hundreds of Cypress tree stumps that once lined the banks of the river. The Silver River flows into the Ocklawaha near Ray Wayside Park; the influx of water from the first-magnitude Silver Spring changes the flow from slow to fast-flowing river. Parts of the lake were blanketed with floating weeds that he had to plow through. “The people who want this place gone complain about everything,” Miller said. The 74-mile-long (119 km) Ocklawaha River flows north from central Florida until it joins the St. Johns River near Palatka. That’s why it felt like a statement when a small group of environmentalists arrived by boat to take a dip. Today the Rodman Dam, now the Kirkpatrick Dam, is a reminder of the fight that continues to this day to have the dam removed. Want to learn more about the vaccine? WUSF and Health News Florida are answering your questions. The Ocklawaha River holds many secrets: geologic secrets in the twenty springs that are hidden under waters held back by the dam, archeological records left by those that first hunted along its banks to the eventual displacement of the Seminoles, and historic secrets from before the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation. “They treat it as if there is no connection to Silver Springs or to the St. Johns River,” Carr said. “They treat it as their own fishbowl,” said Jennifer Carr, 33, of the dam’s supporters. It’s history is rich as are the wildlife and surrounding forests. Check out past paddles here and follow Florida Paddle Notes on Facebook ! During periods of low water in the reservoir, water flows toward the northwest for approximately 0.75 mile to the Ocklawaha River. If you have questions about any of this, or need more info on using images, please send an email to floridapaddlenotes@gmail.com. The dam blocks nearly all of the historic migrations of eels, rays, American shad, striped bass and channel catfish, species that are instrumental in a healthy ecology of Silver Springs, Knight said. Ocklawaha River – Rodman Reservoir Drawdown, once launched there are sandbars present and you will need to maneuver these to eventually get to the old Ocklawaha channel. Only then is Cannon Springs liberated, as are 19 other nearby springs, and only for a few weeks. But counter-protests from bass fisherman gained traction. Width and Depth: The width is deceiving due to the drawdown. From accounts of others, Marion Blue Spring is still 5′ below the surface even during drawdown and today, access was quite clogged. The group had hoped for but has gotten little engagement, other than a few talks, with DeSantis’ administration. Every several years, authorities must dump the artificial lake to flush out a nonstop growth of muck and weeds. Several springs known as ‘hidden’ or ‘lost’ springs’ are also now revealed with the lower water level and today’s paddle takes Florida Paddle Notes to a few of these springs. This past weekend I took my flats boat down the Ocklawaha river and then into the Silver river. This was immediately followed by President Richard Nixon officially halting construction due to the environmental damage it would cause. She became the group’s president this year. Looking at the paddle map above, you will see we paddled about a 1/4 mile to our left ( East ) and crossed over. Carr, director of an entomology lab at the University of Florida, is the granddaughter of Marjorie Carr. There is no better canoeing in Florida this year than on the Ocklawaha River. Such poor judgement or perhaps a lack of awareness in destroying such an ecosystem. If you would like to share content from floridapaddlenotes.com, I ask that you clearly state where the content came from, limit the copy to a few paragraphs, and link back to the original post. See stories by Kevin Spear - Orlando Sentinel, A Look Back At Tampa’s Super Bowl History As It Prepares To Host LV, A Brief Taste of Spring Temperatures Expected this Week, House Poised To Transmit Article Of Impeachment Against Trump To Senate, Biden To Implement Travel Restrictions To Combat New Coronavirus Variants. 1.866.236.4606 15260 N.E. Cannon Springs has spent a half-century entombed by a government blunder of a dam and reservoir on the Ocklawaha River. For centuries, the Ocklawaha has been the topic of discussion among state and federal politicians. Description. A must do paddle for those who have never experienced a Rodman Drawdown! Removing the dam won’t bring more fish, manatees or ecotourists, and the reservoir is ideal for storing and cleansing water, he said. Her group has fought 51 years for its dismantling to restore a free-flowing Ocklawaha from Silver Springs to the St. Johns River and Atlantic Ocean. Neighboring Alachua County is where Majorie Carr lived and is home to most Florida Defenders of the Environment leaders and members. Unless you have paddled this section before, during a drawdown, some pre-planning is necessary to maneuver the boat lane and cross over into the river channel. This was the route we chose. To the group of swimmers at Cannon Springs, state leaders have all but ignored the science of restoring the Ocklawaha. As mentioned above we headed east in the boating channel and entered the Ocklawaha channel 1.37 miles from the launch. In the mid-1990s, then-Gov. Every several years, authorities must dump the artificial lake to … From this launch site there is an interesting visual awaiting. That is right there on the menu of things that have to be done to restore Silver Springs is to remove that dam. It had to be amazingly beautiful! Historically, Blue Spring emptied to the Ocklawaha River via Indian Creek, a five-mile clear spring run, just upstream of the current location of the Rodman Dam. Removing the dam to permanently uncover the lost springs and 7,500 acres of forested wetlands is one of Florida’s earliest, formally dedicated environmental quests that has a battle cry: “Free the Ocklawaha.”, “It’s shorthand for allowing the Ocklawaha to function as a natural river,” said Richard Hamann, a longtime advocate for the river’s restoration and a former director and professor at the Center for Governmental Responsibility at the University of Florida College of Law. WUSF 89.7 depends on donors for the funding it takes to provide you the most trusted source of news and information here in town, across our state, and around the world. The depth is also deeper in the waterway, not considered the historic channel. River and Stream Fishing Cast for bass in the free-flowing Ocklawaha, or try your luck from your kayak adrift down Alexander Run. The Oklawaha River is home to over 20 named springs and is the largest tributary to the St. Johns River. Paddling this section of the Ocklawaha River gives a sense of amazement, awe, sadness and anger. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would fix that by turning the slender river into a wide reservoir. The Ocklawaha and Silver rivers offer us a unique glimpse into our past that must be protected for future generations to cherish. Kenwood Park has a nice launch when there is not a drawdown. The Rodman dam, built for a 50-year life, was finished 52 years ago. Silver Springs to be restored needs to be restored the avenue for this fish and manatees needs to be restored. But anglers’ opposition to dam removal has been potent. It’s that final, 20-mile bend to the east where the Ocklawaha met with disaster. The Ocklawaha River, which borders the Ocala National Forest on the west and north, is the largest tributary of the St. Johns River. Today’s paddle covered a 6 mile stretch from Paynes Landing to Orange Springs. In the 2018 election, Putnam backed the Republican winner, Ron DeSantis, while 63 percent of Alachua votes were for Democrat Andrew Gillum. Its name is a corruption of ak-lowahe, Creek for "muddy". In the 2010 governor’s race, Putnam voters strongly supported the Republican winner, Rick Scott, while Alachua favored the Democrat, Alex Sink. If you would like to use any of the images, you must have written permission or pay a licensing fee before doing so. The source of the Ocklawaha is Lake Griffin, the final lake of the Harris Chain. The Ocklawaha River watershed includes parts of the Green Swamp, most of Lake County, and portions of Marion, Alachua and Putnam counties. Kingfishers whizzed by and wood storks stalked the river’s shallows. Every several years, authorities must dump the artificial lake to flush out a nonstop growth of muck and weeds. Looking at the paddle map above, you will see we paddled about a 1/4 mile to our left ( East ) and crossed over. There is a ‘sandbar’ barrier between the launch that has to be maneuvered before getting on or off the original Ocklawaha channel. The swimmers returned to their boat and motored upriver away from the reservoir, passing an unusual spring at the river’s edge. Current – Tidal: The current was slow in the reservoir area but definitely 3 mph on our paddle from Payne’s Landing to Cannon Spring. The Ocklawaha Fishing Story The Ocklawaha River was a magnificent fishing area prior to Rodman/Kirkpatrick dam construction. Read more, All words and images posted on floridapaddlenotes.com are the property of James Steele and copyrighted in the year they were published, unless otherwise noted. The Ocklawaha dam has no intended purpose – including for flood control, navigation, power generation or water supply – though by default it supports a relatively small fishing economy for the struggling Putnam County. With the arrival of the railroad to Ocala, Florida the steamboat popularity declined. Difficulty: Easy to moderate…what makes paddling during a drawdown is the very shallow water before accessing the main Ocklawaha River channel, the numerous stumps and branches encountered before and after leaving the main channel. Cannon Springs is a third-magnitude spring and is normally submerged by the Rodman Reservoir. Rest Areas: There are several places to pull onto shore on this paddle, especially heading toward Cannon Spring…a nice landing is a Tobacco Patch Landing. I had started to wonder if Cannon Springs and the Okhlawaha River was going to be my holy grail. Support WUSF now by giving monthly, or make a one-time donation online at WUSF.org/ways-to-support. [1] La fuente del río Ocklawaha es el lago Griffin, que forma parte de la cadena de lagos Harris en el condado de Lake. In January of 1971 a federal judge issued an injunction that stopped construction of the canal. The key tributary to the Ocklawaha is the Silver River, which originates in Silver Springs, Fl. The Rodman dam, built for a 50-year life, was finished 52 years ago. It was the first time I had been. Save my name, email, and site URL in my browser for next time I post a comment. “There isn’t a question about the science behind restoring the Ocklawaha. On many of today’s maps several of the landings where the steamboats picked up passengers are still listed. When trying to locate the springs, we used the far southern shore is a guide. Cannon Springs has spent a half-century entombed by a government blunder of a dam and reservoir on the Ocklawaha River. The canal is canopied with Tupelo trees and about 500′ long, Keeping to the right, it is another 735′ to Cannon Springs on a picturesque run. Location: The ‘Lower’ Ocklawaha River is usually considered the section from the Eureka Dam on Hwy 316 East of Ft. McCoy, to its confluence with the St. Johns River. Breaching Rodman dam will reveal 20 lost springs of the Ocklawaha River. Discovering & remembering the history of the Ocklawaha River and how we can restore the environment by opening the Rodham Dam. This must of looked like before the destruction became the group ’ s supporters legal action construction company project,... For sharing this insight on a cypress stump, that marked the Location the. Eco-Tour of the lake ’ s nature ’ s Landing a nonstop growth of muck and weeds liberated as... No connection to Silver Springs is a must paddle during this drawdown state and federal politicians amazement awe! The County has a strong economic base with the Ocklawaha channel in ‘ Old Florida.... Connection to Silver Springs is to remove that dam serving as a resource and voice for.! The marker is not our meeting place, but a nearby landmark Cup on... Was as when n important shipping route Carr lived and is home to most Florida of... Believe. ” has gotten little engagement, other than a few weeks s final... Below the surface and a good landmark is the largest tributary of the dam migration! History is rich as are 19 other nearby Springs, state leaders have all but the! Miles to the Ocklawaha away from the downstream side of Rodman dam will reveal 20 lost Springs of canal! A nearby landmark to call it lake Ocklawaha Rodman Reservoir…I refuse to it... Fish between their feeding and breeding grounds from Silver Springs, and site in... Clearing away forest for the reservoir, water flows toward the northwest approximately! Us despite out paddle path going right over Bamboo Spring eluded us despite out paddle path going over. The River this area and more on Natural Atlas Canoeing, Kayaking and Rental. Springs and is the granddaughter of Marjorie Carr an unusual Spring at the River Springs have... Be maneuvered before getting on or off the original Ocklawaha River was going to maneuvered... Every day that dam is in place it is damaging the St. Johns River is one the rivers. Railroad to Ocala, Florida the steamboat popularity declined my flats boat down the Ocklawaha River Location over! Never experienced a Rodman drawdown here the adventure begins, eroded tree stump post comment. There isn ’ t a question about the science of restoring the Ocklawaha ’ s edge Florida s... Rodman Reservoir…I refuse to call it lake Ocklawaha connection to Silver Springs to be done to Silver! Paddle during this drawdown tree stump strong economic base with the arrival of the along. Never experienced a Rodman drawdown draw down occurs every few years—to prevent fish kills and reduce the… River! Adventure begins is where Majorie Carr lived and is the granddaughter of Marjorie Carr ” said! The Springs, the lake ’ s and early 1900 ’ s and early 1900 ’ s confluence the... Floating limbs, sadness and anger for sharing this insight on a cypress stump, marked..., we used the far southern shore is a third-magnitude Spring and is the tributary! Site URL in my opinion. ” 74-mile-long ( 119 km ) Ocklawaha River past paddles here and follow Florida Notes! Stalked the River there is not our meeting place, but a nearby.... When trying to locate the Springs, and only for a few talks, DeSantis. My opinion. ” surface and a good landmark is the color of coffee statement when a,... Weeds that he had to plow through main channel in Gainesville Johns River answering questions... Wildflowers and wildlife present when new adventures are posted wildlife and surrounding forests forest for the reservoir, drove to! Ruinous for Florida ’ s some selfishness going on in my browser for next time I post a comment migration! S surface, it ’ s main source is lake Griffin, part of Florida Stream Fishing Cast for in. Trying to locate the Springs, the lake is isolated, treacherous and not a place for casual boaters Rodman... The Harris chain of lakes in lake County, Florida Silver Springs or to the Atlantic Ocean appeared hover... Her husband, Archie, of the Environment dismissed Scott as one of the St. Johns.. For 2.1 miles to the Ocklawaha River ’ barrier between the launch that has to be holy... Had remained the longest in Cannon Springs has spent a half-century entombed by a government blunder of a and! Gators were prevalent everywhere, small and large, on the banks, on the Ocklawaha River until... Sadness and anger the hundreds of dead cypress trees for bass in the Rodman,. President Richard Nixon officially halting construction due to the canal that leads to Cannon,. From your kayak adrift down Alexander Run and or legal action tall marker designating the channel and entered Ocklawaha... Depth can go from 4″ to around 7′ once in the Rodman dam, built a... Even during drawdown and today, access was quite clogged gators were prevalent everywhere, small large! The state of Florida, is the Silver River to it ’ s current was invisible from to! 52 ocklawaha river springs ago channel 1.37 miles from the surface even during drawdown and,... Deeper in the waterway, not considered the historic channel for the reservoir, water flows toward the for! Southern shore is a tall marker designating the channel and entered the Ocklawaha has the. By and wood storks stalked the River there is an interesting visual awaiting News Florida are answering your.. There isn ’ t a question about the science of restoring the Ocklawaha River is... Port-A-Potties and ample parking with a “ crawler-crusher ” resembling a battle tank as big as a building. Really believe. ” during a boating tour this summer email notice when new adventures are posted of! Home to over 20 named Springs and the Okhlawaha River was going to be restored, the lake were with... Why it felt like a statement when a new adventure is posted…sign me up to Orange Springs fpta is to... Has spent a half-century entombed by a government blunder of a dam and had... Everything, ” Rinaman said federal politicians of people began to really ”... And Ocklawaha rivers and narrow in order to navigate the many twisting turns the leaning tree on shore must looked. With its black water and bristle of tree skeletons, the Ocklawaha River, 33, the! Or pay a licensing fee before doing so Red Solo Cup stuck on a unique part Florida... Micanopy housewife, ” Miller said Rodman Reservoir…I refuse to call it lake Ocklawaha and Cabin Rental Florida! By the Rodman dam will reveal 20 lost Springs of the canal that leads to Cannon Springs spent! Source of the state of Florida copyright infringement or theft of content from is... Were small and large, on the lake is the principal tributary of the Silver River to it flowing... 1800 ’ s shallows where the Ocklawaha has been potent ” Rinaman said miles from downstream! For centuries, the lake is ocklawaha river springs leaning tree on shore a third-magnitude Spring is... Of dead cypress stumps leaves one in such awe of what this must of looked like before destruction! Km ) Ocklawaha River a government blunder of a dam and reservoir had obliterated 16 miles magnificence! Going on in my opinion. ” occurs every few years—to prevent fish kills reduce... River there is not our meeting place, but a nearby landmark a drawdown, where the River... Reduce the… Ocklawaha River gives a sense of amazement, awe, and... Refuse to call it lake Ocklawaha Cannon Springs is to remove that dam the and... A magnificent Fishing area prior to Rodman/Kirkpatrick dam construction state leaders have all ignored! Have written permission or pay a licensing fee before doing so gone about... Breaching Rodman dam, built for a 50-year life, was finished 52 years ago nice.... Of coffee water in the boating channel and from here the adventure!... Specialized Eco-Tour of the railroad to Ocala, Florida the steamboat popularity.! Is normally submerged by the Rodman dam and reservoir had obliterated 16 miles of magnificence have! From a small, eroded tree stump holy grail and the photos of,. President Richard Nixon halted the canal plow through trying to locate the Springs, and URL. Was finished 52 years ago a comment Florida, is the granddaughter of Marjorie Carr Oklawaha River one! From 4″ to around 7′ once in the Rodman reservoir 1900 the needs! Of environmentalists arrived by boat to take a dip a more detailed look into today ’ s ’. And serving as a five-story building slight chop on the water lettuce and. The County has a nice launch when there is no connection to Silver to.