Exploring the beautiful rivers, forests, and natural wonders of Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee, comes with a responsibility to help preserve them. Visitors and outdoor enthusiasts can embrace the mindset of ‘loving it like a local’ by following best practices for responsible recreation. Whether paddling, fishing, hiking, or off-roading, adhering to these guidelines ensures the preservation of these cherished outdoor spaces.
1. Protect the Water
Most delicate of all the environments in Hernando County is the Weeki Wachee River; this stunningly beautiful waterway is already facing peril due to erosion and heavy traffic along the banks of the river. In July 2023, the Weeki Wachee Springs Protection Zone was established on the river between the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park headspring and the boat ramp at Rogers Park. Within this section of the river, all paddlers and boaters are prohibited from anchoring, mooring, beaching, or grounding a vessel. Violators are subject to a $140 fine. Activities like swimming, snorkeling, and floating on a raft or tube are permitted. Visitors are encouraged to use best practices to help protect the river such as not trampling vegetation, climbing on banks or trees, or discarding litter.
Weeki Wachee River
2. Keep the Wildlife Wild
Recently, viral videos of raccoons snatching snacks and stealing items from kayaks have been widely shared. As cute as these moments may be, it is important to appreciate wildlife from a distance and avoid encouraging such behavior. Keeping snacks and food securely stored helps prevent unnecessary contact with animals. If a manatee is encountered in local waters, setting a positive example by refraining from touching them is essential. These gentle giants are naturally curious, but frequent interaction with people and boats increases their risk of harm or even death.
Manatees on the Weeki Wachee River
3. Make No Wake & Be Manatee Aware
No Wake zones exist to protect the shoreline as well as local wildlife, especially manatees. Boat strikes kill and injure hundreds of manatees every year; an occurrence so common that many manatees are identified using the propeller scars on their backs. Slowing down and wearing polarized sunglasses can improve visibility, making it easier to spot manatees while also enhancing wildlife viewing experiences. Respecting their natural behavior and following ‘Manatee Manners’ helps ensure their safety and long-term protection.
Paddling the Weeki Wachee River
4. Be Seagrass Safe
Seagrasses help maintain water clarity and provide food and shelter for many species of marine life. The seagrasses along Florida’s Adventure Coast are so essential in fact, that a new aquatic preserve aimed at protecting them was designated in 2020. The amount of light that can reach these plants limits them to shallow, coastal areas, where they are at risk of being damaged or “scarred” by boat propellers. Use navigational channels and become familiar with local nautical tide charts to avoid the shallow, seagrass areas.
Seagrass
5. Recycle Monofilament Fishing Line
When casting a line, retrieving all fishing lines is essential to prevent harm to wildlife. Discarded monofilament can entangle birds, fish, and other animals, posing a serious threat. Fishing line receptacles are available at all boat ramps and waterways throughout Florida’s Adventure Coast for proper disposal. These collection tubes are regularly emptied by dedicated citizen scientists, and the recycled monofilament is repurposed into new plastic products, helping to reduce waste and protect the environment.
6. Get Involved
Florida’s Adventure Coast offers a stunning and diverse landscape with countless opportunities to explore beyond the usual paths. For those looking to make a meaningful impact, participating in local conservation efforts is a great way to give back. The annual Coastal Cleanup, volunteering with the Friends of Weeki Wachee, or joining a Florida SpringsWatch study trip on the Weeki Wachee River are excellent ways to contribute. Even small actions, such as setting a positive example, help preserve these natural spaces. Every effort supports the protection of this unique environment, ensuring it remains a destination to enjoy for generations to come.
For More Information: Visit Florida’s Adventure Coast Visitors Bureau website: floridasadventurecoast.com
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Company Name: Florida's Adventure Coast
Contact Person: Aline Gill
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Country: United States
Website: https://floridasadventurecoast.com/blog/
