The problem with recreational impacts is that they can harm the healthy ecosystems that exist in our springs. Ichetucknee, in particular, has had an ongoing problem with damage to the submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) that is essential for spring health. Despite warning signs urging people to keep their feet off the bottom in the sensitive northern end of the river, the SAV has sustained so much damage that the Florida Park Service recently banned tubing on that section of the Ichetucknee (although people can still enjoy that part of the river from canoes and kayaks).

With an increasing population and the increasing popularity of our freshwater springs, we have to ask:  Could people be loving our springs to death?

For more information about tubing on the Ichetucknee, see:

https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ichetucknee-springs-state-park/tubing-information

In the image and video below, the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute provides excellent guidance about how to enjoy a spring without damaging its health.