Ocklawaha River - Reunite the Rivers

Written By Ryan Worthington

CURRENT ISSUE:

For over 50 years, the Ocklawaha River has been obstructed by the Rodman (Kirkpatrick) Dam, built for a project that never fully materialized. The dam submerged roughly 7,500 acres of floodplain forest, drowned more than 20 springs, and disrupted the natural flow of 16 miles of river.

This obstruction has led to severe ecological decline, including degraded water quality, stressed wetlands, collapsing fish migrations, and diminished habitat for species like manatees and migratory fish.

This year, we have a historic opportunity to remove the dam and restore the Ocklawaha to a free-flowing river. Doing so would reconnect it to Silver Springs and the St. Johns River, revive submerged springs, improve downstream water conditions, and reestablish vital habitat corridors for wildlife.

WHY IS THIS BAD?

  • Flooded Forests and Drowned Springs – More than 7,500 acres of forested wetlands and over 20 freshwater springs remain underwater, destroying critical habitats and reducing water clarity.

  • Blocked Water Flow – The dam disrupts the natural connection between the Ocklawaha, Silver Springs, and the St. Johns River, trapping pollution and cutting off vital freshwater movement.

  • Declining Water Quality – Stagnant reservoir conditions have increased algae growth, decreased oxygen levels, and degraded the overall health of the river system.

  • Loss of Wildlife Habitat – Manatees, migratory fish, and other aquatic species have lost access to the springs and waterways they depend on for survival.

  • Economic and Recreational Impacts – The dam has limited natural recreation opportunities like paddling, fishing, and eco-tourism that thrive along healthy, free-flowing rivers.

  • Costly Maintenance with No Purpose – The Rodman Dam was built for a canal project that was never completed, yet taxpayers continue to fund the upkeep of a structure that harms Florida’s environment.

TAKE ACTION: 

Join the movement at Reunite the Rivers and urge lawmakers to restore the Ocklawaha by removing the dam by signing the pledge.

Attend your delegation meetings to speak directly with legislators about the importance of restoration.

Spread the word on social media to help rally your community behind this critical effort. Every voice counts, and now is the time to act.

For more information on reuniting the rivers, go to https://reunitetherivers.com/

Ryan Worthington
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