LIVE OAK, FLA., AUGUST 29, 2022 – Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and as many residents will flock to natural water resources to celebrate, the Suwannee River Water Management District (District) is encouraging them to “Leave No Litter” during their visits.
The “Leave No Litter” campaign 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. While the District encourages residents to be responsible year-round, the District utilizes “Leave No Litter” around times of the year that are typically peak tourism periods for our local springs and rivers, when littering is more prominent.
The District will incorporate these messages into social media posts throughout the week as a reminder.
“Litter isn’t just unsightly, it can cause extreme harm to Florida’s natural water resources,” said Hugh Thomas, Executive Director of the District. “Litter and debris can even lead to restricted water flow and pollute healthy springs. This is why we remind residents and visitors alike that it’s our duty to protect water resources 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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