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. We paddled a section of the area now considered Rodman Reservoir…I refuse to call it Lake Ocklawaha! Location: The ‘Lower’ Ocklawaha River is usually considered the section from the Eureka Dam on Hwy 316 East of Ft. It’s history is rich as are the wildlife and surrounding forests. The 74 mile Ocklawaha River is a must paddle for those interested in ‘Old Florida’. 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. Today the Rodman Dam, now the Kirkpatrick Dam, is a reminder of the fight that continues to this day to have the dam removed. This was immediately followed by President Richard Nixon officially halting construction due to the environmental damage it would cause. In January of 1971 a federal judge issued an injunction that stopped construction of the canal.
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. This environmentally hazardous project was protest vehemently! 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. On many of today’s maps several of the landings where the steamboats picked up passengers are still listed. With the arrival of the railroad to Ocala, Florida the steamboat popularity declined. The Hart Line was the most popular, as was Lucas Line as well. These boats were small and narrow in order to navigate the many twisting turns. Metamora Steamboat – Ocklawaha Riverĭuring the 1800’s and early 1900’s, steamboats populated the winding river, bringing folks from Palatka to Silver Springs. The key tributary to the Ocklawaha is the Silver River, which originates in Silver Springs, Fl. The Ocklawaha River watershed includes parts of the Green Swamp, most of Lake County, and portions of Marion, Alachua and Putnam counties. It’s main source is Lake Griffin, part of the Harris chain of lakes in Lake County, Florida. The Ocklawaha River is the principal tributary of the St. 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.Ī more detailed look into today’s paddle follows below…James 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. Rodman Reservoir is currently in a drawdown, where the water level goes from an average of 18′ – 20′ down to approximately 11′. Ocklawaha River – Rodman Reservoir Drawdown
0 kommentar(er)
