Highlights
- Tidally influenced Kings Bay is the headwater of Crystal River
- Hydrologically unique springs system comprised of more than 30 springs
- Designated an Outstanding Florida Water
- Located in Citrus County
- 364-square-mile watershed
- Kings Bay forms the largest, natural warm-water refuge for the Florida Manatee in the United States.
Challenges
Two main challenges exist in the Crystal River/Kings Bay watershed:
- Reduction in water clarity
- Increase and spreading of undesirable aquatic vegetation that causes habitat destruction and recreational impairment
Strategies
Through cooperation with other government agencies, these challenges are met by:
- Stabilizing or removing sediment from areas which have been demonstrated to contribute to reduced water clarity
- Improving stormwater systems to remove sediment and debris from runoff
- Revegetating with desirable submerged aquatic vegetation
- Restoring vital habitat
View Crystal River/Kings Bay Watershed
Success Indicators
Successful project implementation is indicated by:
- Improved water clarity
- A decrease in nuisance plants and increases in desirable submerged aquatic vegetation
Future goals are then developed through an adaptive management process, always striving to help restore Florida’s natural ecosystems.