Numerous groups have urged the removal of the Kirkpatrick (formerly Rodman) Dam and restoration of Rodman Reservoir to the Ocklawaha River floodplain since the 1970s because of the impact of the reservoir on the Ocklawaha River and floodplain and associated ecosystems. VERY LOW COST and IS IT SOMETHING TO CONSIDER?

The Cross Florida Barge Canal in Rodman Reservoir with its 6-foot elevation bottom will basically become dry ground or a shallow wetland. Johns River basin - instead of depending on the State of South Carolina to provide Atlantic-race STRIPED BASS for stocking in Florida waters. Atlantic-race STRIPERS can reach 30 pounds or more - a great Florida-native (historically) gamefish that needs a suitable spawning habitat once again in the St. LARGEMOUTH BASS angling will continue to be outstanding in the riverine environment and there will be seasonable STRIPED BASS 'runs' as well up to Silver River or beyond. Johns River and the Ocklawaha River up as far as Silver River, Silver Springs, and Moss Bluff. But an open spillway will allow migratory fish species to once again be able to travel between the St. The vehicle bridge and roadway would still be usable along with the boat ramp and restrooms.įishing below 'Rodman Falls' from the present existing facilities will continue. Johns River.Īrtesian springs along the river would flow again and the massive evapotranspiration of the stagnant man-made impoundment would be greatly reduced - resulting in more freshwater flowing towards the St. The just above Rodman Dam segment of the Ocklawaha River would scour a channel over to the Rodman spillway and would use the existing tailrace channel downstream to flow towards the natural lower section of the Ocklawaha River and the St. Yes, for only a short time perhaps, there will be a man-made falls or shoals during periods of lower river flows - which could become a popular 'white water' tourist attraction (canoes and kayaks) for Putnam County, Florida.Īs a US Army veteran, I have complete trust that the Corps of Engineers has the equipment available that would allow them to modify parts or all of those four open 40-foot wide flowing channels with a 6-foot elevation concrete crest to allow for better navigation by both powerboats and manatees. Kirkpatrick Dam) spillway and let the 160-foot wide Ocklawaha River (in 4 channels) flow through it! Later on, maybe remove the four floodgates completely. Why do we not go ahead with the 3-year orderly drawdown of Rodman Reservoir that was envisioned by ' The Governor and Cabinet, sitting as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund' back in 1995? See the excerpted paragraphs further below in this web-page.Īt the end of the third year just open and/or lift the four 40-foot wide floodgates to their maximum height above the 6-foot elevation concrete crest of the Rodman Dam (a.k.a. Just a thought that I have had again lately - especially during drawdowns of Rodman Reservoir (a.k.a. WELL, MAYBE IT COULD BE DONE MUCH MORE CHEAPLY THAN PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT! SO AN ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE PERMIT (ERP) FOR OCKLAWAHA RIVER RESTORATION COULD PROBABLY BE APPROVED BY SJRWMD SOON - BUT WHAT ABOUT THE MONEY? Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, Florida is available at: Johns River Nutrient Supply and TMDL Target Compliance from the Restoration of a Free-Flowing Ocklawaha River. Johns River basin using measures and procedures known to SJRWMD. Johns River estuary by a free-flowing Ocklawaha River will be much less than previously predicted (by old 1999 science) and at these lower levels can probably be mitigated in other sections of the St. The findings of 'Technical Publication SJ2016-1' report that the potential downstream detrimental nutrient load to the St. Johns River (Florida's ONLY 'American Heritage River') basin.

Johns River harmful algal blooms) - best supporting that the restoration of the Ocklawaha River will be beneficial for the entire St. The SJRWMD 'Technical Publication SJ2016-1' by John Hendrickson contains the data - about DISSOLVED SILICA, NITROGEN, and PHOSPHORUS (and their combined effects on possible St. NOTE: Click-on individual photos to enlarge them! Rodman Dam Spillway with its four 40-foot wide floodgates above a 6-foot elevation concrete crestĪn Information, Opinion, Photos, & Sources Report

Rodman reservoir drawdown schedule