LIVE OAK, FLA., MAY 23, 2022 – With summer approaching and residents and visitors set to enjoy more outdoor excursions, the Suwannee River Water Management District (District) is encouraging them to “Leave No Litter” on their trips into Natural North Florida.
The “Leave No Litter” campaign, which kicks off this week ahead of the busy Memorial Day weekend, urges residents and visitors alike to enjoy local springs, rivers, lakes, and District lands responsibly by picking up trash and being good stewards of the environment. The District will incorporate these messages into social media posts throughout the week, and again during peak tourism times around the Fourth of July and Labor Day holidays.
“Litter does not belong in our natural landscape and distracts from the pristine beauty of Florida’s natural water resources. Litter and debris can even lead to restricted water flow and pollute healthy springs,” said Hugh Thomas, Executive Director of the District. “These natural wonders are enjoyed by residents and tourists alike and generate millions of dollars each year for our local communities. It’s our duty to protect them and preserve them for generations to come.”
Waste and litter can also pollute the springs and make them unfit for swimming, spur the growth of algae blooms, as well as impact wildlife and cause serious ecological harm.
To help prevent this, here are some tips to keep our natural resources clean:
- Dispose of trash properly. Cans, bottles, plastic bags, and other trash can harm water quality and wildlife, and also destroy the natural beauty of the springs.
- Tubers, swimmers, snorkelers, and divers should avoid standing in vegetation or kicking up silt. This could destroy native vegetation, which can encourage the growth of invasive plants and algae and reduce habitat for fish and wildlife.
- Stick to designated paths and avoid climbing on the banks of rivers or springs – disturbing native vegetation and soils could hasten erosion.
- If using a boat with a motor, raise the motor in shallow water to avoid destroying native vegetation and wildlife.
The mission of the Suwannee River Water Management District is to protect and manage water resources using science-based solutions to support natural systems and the needs of the public. The District holds true to the belief of water for nature, water for people. Headquartered in Live Oak, Florida, the District serves 15 surrounding north-central Florida counties.
For more information about the District, visit www.MySuwanneeRiver.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter, search @SRWMD.
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