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 To learn how to better manage the Withlacoochee River watershed, the District studied how a variety of natural environments and man-made alterations have affected the river’s behavior as well as the effects of extreme high and low water levels in the river caused by natural fluctuations in rainfall and groundwater.Years of intense research have helped scientists at the District develop a comprehensive computer model of the entire river. The model has been used to test…

The "Southwest Florida Water Management District(Southwest Florida Water Management District)":/ will be treating water lettuce on the Rainbow River during the week of Jan. 10–14.District workers will treat scattered infestations on the river from the head spring to the Withlacoochee River.Workers will apply the aquatic herbicide Knockout and post warning signs in the treatment areas noting treatment dates and water use restrictions. Treated river water should not be used…

Natural Communities The Withlacoochee River watershed is comprised of a variety of natural communities, which form an extensive and diverse ecosystem. As the river begins in the Green Swamp, there are river floodplain forests, cypress domes, pine flatwoods and sandhills. The middle watershed contains extensive lake systems and marshes. Salt marsh is found as the river empties into the Withlacoochee Bay near Yankeetown. The watershed’s diverse ecosystem supports nearly…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District will be treating water lettuce on the Rainbow River in Marion County Dec. 4-7. Water lettuce infestations will be treated from the headspring to the Withlacoochee River.Water lettuce will be spot treated with the aquatic herbicide Reward. Treatment areas will be posted with warning signs displaying treatment dates and applicable water use restrictions. Water use restrictions in areas treated with Reward include no livestock…

An equipment failure prevented the "Southwest Florida Water Management District":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/ from completing the hydrilla treatment scheduled on part of the Rainbow River on March 4-8. The treatment has been rescheduled for March 18-21 on the section of river upstream of the County Road 484 bridge.Workers will apply the aquatic herbicide Aquathol Super K and post informational signs in the treatment areas noting treatment dates and applicable water use…

The "Southwest Florida Water Management District":http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/ will be treating hydrilla and water lettuce on the Rainbow River in Marion County during the period of Feb. 2-5.District workers will apply the aquatic herbicide Aquathol Super K to treat hydrilla on the section of the river downstream of the County Road 484 bridge. The aquatic herbicide Tribune will be applied to scattered infestations of water lettuce throughout the river.Informational signs…

Your Questions Answered November 2022 Q: What is the SWIM Program? A: The Surface Water Improvement and Management or SWIM Program evaluates priority water bodies, identifies issues and drivers, and implements projects to improve water quality and habitat. In 1987, the Florida Legislature established the SWIM Act to protect, maintain, and restore Florida's surface water bodies. The Act required the five water…

Moving southwest you will find Crystal River, which is in Citrus County and runs from the town of Crystal River west for seven miles towards the Gulf of America. Crystal River’s headwaters is an area known as Kings Bay, which has more than 70 springs. Crystal River/Kings Bay is the second largest springs group in Florida, the first being Wakulla Springs in northern Florida near Tallahassee.Many of the river's springs are 20 to 30 feet deep, and the water discharging from…

The Withlacoochee River is one of Florida’s wondrous waterways, one of the few rivers in the world flowing south to north. It is 160 miles long, starting in the Green Swamp and winding through eight different counties before discharging into the Gulf of America.

 The name Withlacoochee is derived from a Creek Indian word meaning Little Big Water, a likely description of the high and low fluctuations the river naturally experiences.As you travel…

It’s morning on the Peace River. Life comes to the river, and the river comes to life... One may hear the cry of a limpkin or see little blue herons wade with outstretched wings. Slider turtles balance on a tree snag, while alligators creep nearby. It’s a scene repeated daily. The river is of importance to more than wildlife too. People have used the river for thousands of years. The Native Americans…

Your Questions Answered March 2021During the past year, we’ve come to appreciate the recreational opportunities of natural Florida like never before. The Weeki Wachee River is one of those breath-taking jewels people love to visit. This river flows about 7 miles from the headspring to where it meets the Gulf of America at Bayport in Hernando County. It’s a popular spot for kayaking and boating, but a recent study found certain recreational activities…

Take a journey down the Alafia River. Spanish explorers called it the Hunting River. Mocoso Indians called it River of Fire. It’s a historic water body with a prehistoric name that spans 25 miles long in west-central Florida. Let's get started on our excursion

 With nearly 30 percent of the watershed being conservation lands, there are many opportunities for recreation throughout the Withlacoochee River watershed. Many people enjoy visiting public conservation lands obtained by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and its partners to protect Florida’s water resources. The lands are open to the public for family activities such as hiking, bicycling, hunting, horseback riding, fishing, camping, nature study, paddling…

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) invites the public to a workshop on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 4:30 p.m. at Dunnellon City Hall, located at 20750 River Drive in Dunnellon. The purpose of the workshop is to allow for public comment on the proposed minimum flow for the Rainbow River System in Marion County. The Florida Legislature requires the District to set minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for priority water bodies within the District. A minimum flow or…

What is a spring? A spring is a natural opening in the ground where water flows directly from the aquifer to the earth’s surface. The source of this fresh water is from seasonal rainfall that soaks into the ground, which is referred to as groundwater. Springs form when groundwater is under pressure and flows up through an opening called a spring vent, supplying flow to a river or other water body. A spring can occur individually or as a group of many springs. The most…

Overview Minimum flows are limits established by the District’s Governing Board for surface water courses that are intended to prevent significant harm to the water resources or ecology of an area that may be caused by water withdrawals. The District is developing new minimum flow standards for the Upper Peace River.  The Upper Peace River, the northernmost section of the Peace River, begins at the confluence of Saddle Creek and the…

With more than 70 springs, Crystal River/Kings Bay is the largest natural winter refuge for manatees on the Florida Gulf Coast. About the SpringsCrystal River/Kings Bay is a first-magnitude spring system that originates in Citrus County. Kings Bay is a 600-acre bay at the headwaters of the Crystal River, which is a…

The District is evaluating the established strategy needed to recover minimum flows adopted for the Lower Hillsborough River. Minimum flows are established to help protect the system from significant harm caused by ground and surface water withdrawals. OverviewMinimum flows are limits established by the District’s Governing Board for surface watercourses that are intended to prevent significant harm to the water resources or ecology of an area that may…

March 2023 Q: Why is it important to use best practices when visiting rivers and springs? A:  The District has found direct links between river recreational use and environmental damage. For example, visitors leaving kayaks while on the river have trampled vegetation and eroded riverbanks and sand point bars. Also, numerous trees have been damaged from climbing and rope swinging. Over time, these actions can have negative long-term…

Project OverviewIt removed accumulated sediments from targeted areas of the river to re-establish historic river depths where these sediments had covered natural habitats. Sedimentation alters the river channel structure, reducing passage for manatees and other animals. It can also smother beneficial submerged aquatic vegetation and other important habitats.  Accumulated sediments were removed using hand-dredging, which includes divers vacuuming sediments…