How to help protect the Chassahowitzka River

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (water district), and other local and state partners (*below) launched the Chassahowitzka River Education Campaign to inform river visitors about the best recreational practices that will help protect the river and reduce ecological impacts.

Recreational activities can have a direct impact on the health of the river. Some examples of of these ad verse effects include kayakers eroding riverbanks and trampling vegetation, and trees being damaged from climbing and rope swinging.

A recent survey conducted by the water district found that fewer that a third of people understand the challenges of these ecological impacts. “Your actions can directly affect the health of the river, and a healthy river benefits us all,” said Dr. Madison Trowbridge, springs scientist. “Working together we can find the right balance of solutions.”

Follow these eight tips to help protect the Chassahowitzka River:
1 - Stay in the vessel when possible.
2 - If you have to leave the vessel, tie off in shallow waters.
3 - Avoid docking on riverbanks.
4 - Don't trample vegetation or kick up silt.
5 - Avoid climbing on banks.
6 - Don't climb trees or use rope swings.
7 - Don't throw out litter or leave anything behind.
8 - Trim boat motors to prevent propeller scarring.

To learn more about protecting the Chassahowitzka River, visit WaterMatters.org/ProtectChass.

*This education campaign is a partnership between the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Citrus County, Florida; Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and Discover Crystal River Florida.