Reunite the Rivers

Reunite the Rivers

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Three Rivers, Fifty Springs, One Solution

Sign the pledge to support and advocate for the restoration of the Ocklawaha River during the 2026 Florida Legislative Session. State decision makers need our support now more than ever to make Ocklawaha River restoration a reality in 2026. Your voice will make a difference.

Working together we can ensure that the Ocklawaha River is restored, and new recreational amenities and economic opportunities are created benefitting Silver Springs, the St. Johns River, fish, wildlife, manatees, and the people of Florida.

Three Rivers, Fifty Springs, One Solution

Sign the pledge to support and advocate for the restoration of the Ocklawaha River during the 2026 Florida Legislative Session. State decision makers need our support now more than ever to make Ocklawaha River restoration a reality in 2026. Your voice will make a difference.

Working together we can ensure that the Ocklawaha River is restored, and new recreational amenities and economic opportunities are created benefitting Silver Springs, the St. Johns River, fish, wildlife, manatees, and the people of Florida.

Pledge to Restore the Ocklawaha River

I pledge to support and advocate for the restoration of the Ocklawaha River during the 2026 Florida Legislative Session.

In recognition that:

  • 57 years ago the Ocklawaha River was dammed for the construction of the long-abandoned Cross Florida Barge Canal project. The Kirkpatrick Dam serves no formal purpose. 

  • The dam obstructs the Great Florida Riverway, a vast 217-mile aquatic system beginning at Lake Apopka and ending where the St. Johns River meets the Atlantic Ocean, destroying 7,500 acres of forested wetlands, suffocating 20 springs, and cutting off 16 miles of the Ocklawaha River.

  • The dam blocks the historic and natural route for manatees to essential warm water habitat, which is now critically needed in light of the mass die-off of seagrasses in the Indian River Lagoon and the looming loss of artificial warm water refuges created by power plants. 

  • Breaching the dam is a project of statewide and national significance that would reestablish a critical link in the Florida Wildlife Corridor by restoring currently flooded forested wetland habitat surrounding the Rodman pool. Restoration would help reconnect historically connected habitats and benefit iconic species, including the bald eagle, wild turkey, Florida panther, black bear, and Florida manatee.

  • Reuniting the Rivers will result in the most important springs restoration project in the country, benefiting Florida’s largest spring, Silver Springs, and recovering the 20 “lost springs” of the Ocklawaha River.

  • Decommissioning the dam would bring back historic migration paths for popular gamefish like the striped bass and channel and white catfish, increasing recreational fishing opportunities.

  • Restoration of clear water flows from the Ocklawaha River to the St. Johns River will help replenish submerged aquatic vegetation and boost the abundance of crabs, shrimp, oysters, and fish like largemouth bass. 

  • A free-flowing Ocklawaha River is an essential component of improving the ecological health of Silver Springs, one of the largest and most famous springs in the world that is currently suffering from excessive algae, reduced flows, and a tragic loss of biodiversity.

  • A restored Ocklawaha River would lead to new and improved recreational opportunities, increased tourism, and more local jobs.

  • Restoration would eliminate the risk of dam failure and associated loss of life and property impacts for the Town of Welaka, while bringing back 7,500 acres of natural flood protection.

  • Restoration can’t wait. Every year Florida waits to begin Ocklawaha Restoration is a year wasted in restoring manatee habitat, fisheries, aquatic vegetation, and recreational and economic opportunities.

Join individuals, organizations, and businesses in voicing support for state decisionmakers to take action to approve Ocklawaha River restoration in 2026.

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