Survey shows strong support for Ocklawaha River restoration


The Ocklawaha River Bridge on East State Road 40 spans the Ocklawaha River on the Cross Florida Greenway in Silver Springs, Fla.

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Posted November 8, 2021 |

The Ocklawaha River Bridge on East State Road 40 spans the Ocklawaha River on the Cross Florida Greenway in Silver Springs, Fla. [File Photo]

An online public survey conducted by the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) regarding the future of the Kirkpatrick Dam and Rodman Reservoir resulted in 10,482 responses. Those surveyed show overwhelming support for restoration of a free-flowing Ocklawaha River, with 86.5% in favor with only 5.9% in favor of retaining the dam and reservoir.

“In addition to the extremely positive pro-restoration responses survey-wide, we were very pleased to see the strong pro-restoration results from Marion and Putnam counties, two counties bordering the Rodman Reservoir and Ocklawaha River,” said Margaret Spontak, Free the Ocklawaha River Coalition for Everyone.

A short video briefing on the preliminary survey results and legislative plans for the coalition will be posted at FreetheOcklawaha.com by 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 9.

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