As someone who loves sailing and kayaking and is thinking of moving to Jax, I was wondering if there are any sailing programs or clubs downtown on the St. John's river? I know Boston and Washington D.C. have programs on the Charles and Potomac rivers respectively. The programs are membership based and you can reserve boats to sail within view of the downtown buildings. The Boston program also offers kayaking.
For kayaking these are the guys to ask.
http://www.jaxkayakfishing.com/
http://www.kayakamelia.com/
For sailing there are programs at the various yatch clubs. I think the most active is at the Rudder Club near the Buckman Bridge.
http://www.rudderclub.com/
Florida Seminole Canoe and Kayak Club, founded 1918, chartered 1925,
fine clubhouse on the Ortega River
http://www.flsckc.com/
kayakamelia gives you the opportunity to explore the beautiful Ft. George/Talbot Island area
QuoteI was wondering if there are any sailing programs or clubs downtown on the St. John's river?
I have often wondered why there is no such thing downtown. It would be fun to rent a small Sunfish or kayak and sail or paddle in the river downtown. My guess is that the current
may be too swift in that area during tide changes.
Shameless plug here. I sit on the board of the North Florida Land Trust. As a way to raise money for the Trust's preservation activities it is sponsoring the EcoQuest Kayaking Adventure this April. See the following link for more information.
http://www.ecoquestadventure.com/ (http://www.ecoquestadventure.com/)
Thanks for all the great information.
Bridgetroll: Interesting point on the current downtown. It would be nice to be able to be on the water there though, as the river is very wide at that point.
Wouldn't it be great to be able to one day take a kayak down Hogans Creek to the Shipyards?
Springfield Yacht Club!
(http://www.kayakpittsburgh.org/KP/Photos/KP-downtown.jpg)
or
(http://www.alleghenyfront.org/img/contrib/kayak.jpg)
or
(http://sodexo.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/prologue-_-kayak_-abu-dhabi-downtown.jpg)
Quote from: willr25 on February 16, 2010, 02:05:51 PM...............It would be nice to be able to be on the water there though, as the river is very wide at that point............
It might seem that way except 1/4 mile wide down town vs 3.5 miles wide at the Buckman bridge makes it very narrow downtown.
There is a ramp at the base of the Acosta bridge near the marina and River City Brewery where you could launch. However kayaks, boat ramps and boats on trailers don't mix well. The rest of the down town area is hemmed in by sea walls and riverwalks making poor put in and take out places for canoes and kayaks. Besides there are so many other better places to go. The marina to the school board is on the inside of the turn with reduced current. You would not want to mix it up in the heavy current with the bigger boats and barges on the outside of the turn.
I think the marina at Doctor's Lake rents sailboats and perhaps the one at Julington Creek.
Give them www.sailjax.com (http://www.sailjax.com)
It will give them the calender of events for the races and crusing via sailboat on the st johns. It will also list the various clubs on the river.
I came down from Annapolis MD so the lower keyed sailing was a bit of a shock at first, but sailing the St Johns is fun and can be challenging. The Ocean isn't to far away to enjoy sailing it either.
EVERYWHERE is lower key about sailing than Annapolis! The whole Chesapeake Bay is one of the sailing centers of the world. 4th of July weekend you could walk across the Bay from deck to deck. (almost)
the backwaters intracoastal waterway is a great place for kayaking . . . very tranquil and relaxing, not to mention the water doesn't seem as dirty and smelly as the St. John's . . . and no algae blooms to worry about during the warmer water. Also you can eat the fish you catch without concern of growing an extra appendage. The stretch south of the palm valley bridge is probably the nicest.
Kayaking, much easyer to load and go spur of the moment then a sail boat.
guana river looks good
Strider and I have spent many hours sailing on the river. The races are fun. The annual Mug Race is a blast.
Quote
TheMugRace
GeneralInformation
The Mug Race is the world's longest river race and is open to sailboats of all sizes. There are two courses: the South course which starts in Palatka is for boats with masts under 44 feet, and the North course starting just South of the Buckmann bridge, is for boats with masts 44 feet and up. The race uses a Pursuit Start where each boat has a start time based on their rating, thus in essence giving slower boats an earlier start, and the faster boats chasing them, all pursuing to cross the finish line first! There are more than 100 trophies that will be awarded based on boat class and different categories including first all female crew to finish, first dingy monohull to finish, and even one for the last boat to finish. So get your boat ready, attend the pre-registration party, and then go racing!!!
I guess my thought was a kayak and small sailboat rental service downtown. Rent a kayak for two hours paddling between Acosta and Mathews bridges... same for small sailboats and no sailboats that would require Main Street bridge to raise and lower.
Quote from: BridgeTroll on February 17, 2010, 06:46:43 AM
I guess my thought was a kayak and small sailboat rental service downtown. Rent a kayak for two hours paddling between Acosta and Mathews bridges... same for small sailboats and no sailboats that would require Main Street bridge to raise and lower.
It's a great idea. Wouldn't it be nice to see the river filled with people playing in it?
Quote from: BridgeTroll on February 17, 2010, 06:46:43 AM
I guess my thought was a kayak and small sailboat rental service downtown. Rent a kayak for two hours paddling between Acosta and Mathews bridges... same for small sailboats and no sailboats that would require Main Street bridge to raise and lower.
I think the current prevents that from being a possibility...despite warnings from others, I once tried to put my kayak in the water downtown...bad idea!
One word for kayaking or sailing in the river downtown; DON'T!
That is what I suspected... the current is too fast in that narrow portion of the river for novice kayak renters and novice sailboaters...
Quote from: BridgeTroll on February 17, 2010, 08:50:15 AM...........novice sailboaters..........
Novice sailboaters often can't return up wind less up current. I remember often having to tow in some rental Wigeons that went down wind fine but couldn't handle the close hauled sailing.
Yep, the current downtown is pretty tricky to deal with. Docking can be .... interesting. The same issue seems to apply up at Metro Park.
The ramp located downtown is a bit different, however. It is in far enough that the current sort of misses it so once you are in that area, it isn't too bad. We regularly launch a trimaran there.
I guess downtown isn't the best place for novices. But I always felt that an organized sailing event downtown would be very cool and show off the river more.
It might be notable to mention that both Episcopal High School and Jacksonville University have crew rowing programs on the river across from downtown. But they also have better launching facilities for those programs and stay to the calmer water on their side of the river.
Boles also has a rowing program but not near downtown.
The current downtown is definately too swift for kayaking. While at the Landing one day, take a look at a piece of garbage that floats down the river. It would take you a good jog along the riverwalk to keep pace with how quickly that piece of trash floats through the river at that point. It is an intense current. One Fourth of July I foolishly took the bet to hop out of a boat and try to swim against the current. Long story short, I floated down to a nearby boat who all had a very curious and amused look on their faces as they pulled me out of the water. ;)
As mentioned the Rudder Club is execellent for sailing rentals/instructions/beer can races. If memory serves, they even used to have a weeklong summer camp to teach kids to learn to sail. Kayak Amelia is a great tour for kayaking.
If you are not interested in a guided tour, Hannah Park rents kayaks. Another option is Crazy Fish at the base of the intracoastal bridge on Beach Blvd. It is a restaurant(with very mixed reviews) where the old Marine Patrol building was adjacent to the public boat ramp. They rent kayaks that you can take out in the intracoastal(an easy ride to the Castaway Island Preserve).
Strider/Sheclown... what class do you participate in for the Mug Race?
Quote from: strider on February 17, 2010, 10:00:06 AM...........But I always felt that an organized sailing event downtown would be very cool and show off the river more............
They did have the tall ships event last year. That was not purest sailing but it did bring people to the river.
I've seen plenty of people kayaking downtown but imagine they're pretty much all well experienced paddlers.... I bet it'd be hard to get insurance as a business renting kayaks to the inexperienced.
Last time I stopped for lunch at the landing docking the boat I had to throttle up quite a bit just to fight the current.
The current there can be five knots easy.
River events don't seem to go real well there. For example the power boat races never came back after 1986 when that driver got killed infront of The Landing. The poker run comes by but it is a distance and speed thing and not a spectator thing.
Sail boat races there would be too confined for large boats and small boats would find the tidal current, boat traffic and wind shadows (from buildings) troublesome.
QuoteFor example the power boat races never came back after 1986 when that driver got killed infront of The Landing.
It sure doesnt stop em at Daytona...
Long time paddler and veteran of my own Hogan's Creek safari, I don't think there is a single thing wrong with the river downtown. Staying near one bank or the other, for protection from the wind, and it's a nice paddle. There are a couple of things I would consider, but YES, a rental should do really well.
1. There is no, ZERO, zip, nada, nunca, places to land or put in a canoe or kayak, short of bootleg landings on private property. Ideally canoes or kayak's should NEVER use boat ramps because of stability issues, scratching and getting your butt run slap over by some bass boat with the 588 HP Merc on the rear!
2. Never buy or use a canoe or kayak with an old style keel, because the keel will keep you tracking in a straight line and nearly helpless to spin or maneuver out of the way of something.
3. We have no place on the downtown waterfront that is canoe or kayak friendly.
In all cases the city should look at a sandy beach style put-in for paddle craft. Such a beach could be developed with a cut into the sea wall. Any such cut need only be a foot or so below mean low tide, so the wall remains but the beachette occupies a 100' segment.
We have only a few put-in's in downtown and most are hard if not impossible to get to...
Hogan's Creek off the East end of Beaver Street.
The River Walk under the Acosta Bridge.
The parks off the ends of the Grand Avenue Bridge.
Oriental Gardens site, creek just south of San Marco.
Pottsburg Creek at Beach Blvd.
last but not least...
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_bQsuhPJduqQ/S3w1qy3vUiI/AAAAAAAAB9c/JtEsWQJT0Zc/s400/JAXPORT%20097.JPG)
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bQsuhPJduqQ/S3w1rD-HpcI/AAAAAAAAB9g/n2fWwnRYKTc/s800/JAXPORT%20095.JPG)
Long Branch Creek near Evergreen, (AKA: "The Nile River" according to a JTA planner demonstrating why we could NOT build a streetcar bridge over that ditch!)
OCKLAWAHA
I have noticed a small sandy beach next to the little strip of park at Lake Marco.
It was probably formed by backfill sand leeching through the seawall.
Total area about 20 square feet. Big enough to make a nocturnal landfall land and hit the bars and restaurants of San Marco.
Quote from: BridgeTroll on February 17, 2010, 12:55:49 PM
QuoteFor example the power boat races never came back after 1986 when that driver got killed infront of The Landing.
It sure doesnt stop em at Daytona...
They're on the ocean, which is where offhosre boats belong. The power boats did come back(92-94?) after that tragic event in 86, but it was at Jax Beach(whose course layout was pretty awful btw).
who loves to jetskii btw? ;D
Quote from: billy on February 17, 2010, 01:41:41 PM
I have noticed a small sandy beach next to the little strip of park at Lake Marco.
It was probably formed by backfill sand leeching through the seawall.
Total area about 20 square feet. Big enough to make a nocturnal landfall land and hit the bars and restaurants of San Marco.
I'll have to check that out billy, these spots are few and far between. Even with the agressive ramp building program that swept through the state in the early 90's, they managed to completely ignore paddle craft. Weird thing is, many of the ramps we're mini-parks with plenty of room. The one in the north end of Lake Monroe is typical. Historic bridge as a pier and attraction, large boat ramps, trailer parking, hose bib's, trail, plenty of fishing parking, and a few tables. Beyond the concrete boat ramps on the North is highway 17 and to the south is a sea of water line shrubs and trees that completely block access. OCKLAWAHA
Has anyone ever tried putting a kayak in the creek/ditch in the park on the west side of Hendricks Avenue just south of River Oaks? I know this water goes to the river but not sure if it is navigable. If not, maybe the City could dredge part it at some point and make it another close to Downtown option.
In Mandarin, you can launch at Goodby's Creek, Mandarin Park (River/Julington Creek), Hood Landing (Julington Creek), and County Dock Road (River). County Dock is a very shallow launch, good for canoes and kayaks, not boats, is somewhat protected between Mandarin Point and Forest Point and there are a number of small tributaries you can explore from there.
In that part of the river (3+ miles wide) you need to stay within a couple of hundred feet of the dock line or go under the docks for the best kayaking. As you get out into the open river, aside from increased currents, the chop from even a light wind and the occasional speeding boater will wear out many of us. And, in the summer, you don't want to be caught too far offshore and unprotected in a thunderstorm with blinding rain, strobe-lightning, and 75+ mph downdrafts causing 4 to 5+ foot breakers.
Guana River and Timucan Preserve also are great experiences. You might also contact Blackcreek Oufitters. They have seasonal outings where they bring all the boats, gear, food, water, and guides. Call them for a schedule, pricing, and reservations.
I understand there is good sailing at the junction of the St. Johns and Julington Creek from my sailing friends.
Sounds like someone needs to set up a MetroJax kayaking excursion. I have two extra kayaks and paddles if it is a novice included trip and extras are needed.
If you launch near the river, isn't it pretty wide off of River Oaks?
Are you talking about Oriental Gardens? (what about bacteria count?)
Where the St. Johns is wide , it pretty much is a matter of wind direction.
You can be protected, or in the soup.
Quote from: Sportmotor on February 17, 2010, 05:42:42 PM
who loves to jetskii btw? ;D
[/quoteQuote from: Sportmotor on February 17, 2010, 05:42:42 PM
who loves to jetskii btw? ;D
I the jet skiers didn't intentionally f with the kayakers in the intracoastal, I would like them more.
In the right (or wrong) conditions, sailing in the St. Johns can be formidable.
Quote from: billy on February 17, 2010, 09:04:30 PM
If you launch near the river, isn't it pretty wide off of River Oaks?
Are you talking about Oriental Gardens? (what about bacteria count?)
Anything south of Downtown is "wide" by the standards of most rivers. I would guess as long as you hang within or close to the dock line in most parts of the river you could hold your own under fair conditions. By the way, below is an aerial of the River Oaks park/waterway. Looks like it has potential.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=jacksonville+florida&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=49.223579,79.013672&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Jacksonville,+Duval,+Florida&ll=30.295573,-81.651345&spn=0.006605,0.009645&t=h&z=17
As to bacteria, I would imagine at certain times of the year, particularly the very warm ones, that could be factor in many of our waterways and the river. I would never deliberately expose an open wound to area waters or swallow/drink any of it. Just a given. But, in a boat, I would take some chances. Some tributaries may have higher counts due to surrounding drainage or septic tank failures. I think DEP or the City tests area waterway quality as the T-U reports on results from time to time.
fieldafm, we normally sail the F24 tri (Actually belongs to a friend). In 2008 we also had an all women crew on the blue boat in my pic (sold last year). This year, either the F24 or perhaps the new i550, haven't decided.
We used to sail the old Capri 22 smack downtown on a regular basis a few years ago. About the right size for that sailing area and enough power to handle the current - though docking that thing at River City was very interesting! Often gave the diners a show. The new little i550's would be good for there as well, though I was more thinking tying up the boats at the landing and moving them to a racing area to the south between the bridges. Small enough area so that the event could be easily seen from the riverwalk yet large enough for the smaller 18 foot or so boats. Just a pipe dream of mine to see an event like that downtown.
Quote from: stjr on February 17, 2010, 09:22:05 PM
Quote from: billy on February 17, 2010, 09:04:30 PM
If you launch near the river, isn't it pretty wide off of River Oaks?
Are you talking about Oriental Gardens? (what about bacteria count?)
Anything south of Downtown is "wide" by the standards of most rivers. I would guess as long as you hang within or close to the dock line in most parts of the river you could hold your own under fair conditions. By the way, below is an aerial of the River Oaks park/waterway. Looks like it has potential.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=jacksonville+florida&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=49.223579,79.013672&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Jacksonville,+Duval,+Florida&ll=30.295573,-81.651345&spn=0.006605,0.009645&t=h&z=17
As to bacteria, I would imagine at certain times of the year, particularly the very warm ones, that could be factor in many of our waterways and the river. I would never deliberately expose an open wound to area waters or swallow/drink any of it. Just a given. But, in a boat, I would take some chances. Some tributaries may have higher counts due to surrounding drainage or septic tank failures. I think DEP or the City tests area waterway quality as the T-U reports on results from time to time.
I meant not the river itself , but the creek (?) off of River Oaks. A lot of smaller boats have moored there for many years.
If your in Florida waters you might as well ignore it or get a new sport. Some creeks are worse then others but all have UFO's in them (unidentified floating objects). I've paddled in Hogan's and will paddle McCoy's or Moncrief but that doesn't mean I'm going to swim in them! IE: Boat - DRY, Water - WET.
OCKLAWAHA
Arent there Alligators in Guna River? I'll stay in the car and watch you guys. :)
Keith, there are alligators in ALL waters in Florida. I've even seen small ones in the water hazard ponds on golf courses. They are mostly nocturnal and won't bother you anyway.
The greatest single concentration of alligators I've ever seen was in a water hazard pond in Flagler Beach.
Quote from: strider on February 17, 2010, 09:40:06 PM
fieldafm, we normally sail the F24 tri (Actually belongs to a friend). In 2008 we also had an all women crew on the blue boat in my pic (sold last year). This year, either the F24 or perhaps the new i550, haven't decided.
We used to sail the old Capri 22 smack downtown on a regular basis a few years ago. About the right size for that sailing area and enough power to handle the current - though docking that thing at River City was very interesting! Often gave the diners a show. The new little i550's would be good for there as well, though I was more thinking tying up the boats at the landing and moving them to a racing area to the south between the bridges. Small enough area so that the event could be easily seen from the riverwalk yet large enough for the smaller 18 foot or so boats. Just a pipe dream of mine to see an event like that downtown.
Nice
My dad just bought a new fixer upper as his retirement project. He's competed(although that term is used loosely) for a number of years. I think this year we'll be doing a father/son entry just for fun. Hope to see you out there!
Quote from: Keith-N-Jax on February 18, 2010, 12:28:31 AM
Arent there Alligators in Guna River? I'll stay in the car and watch you guys. :)
yes, and some of them can be quite large.
The Mug Race sounds like a lot of fun!
Is there any way to access the river out of Riverside? Maybe a launch could be put in at Memorial Park or the park behind St. Vincent's?
How about Stinson Park?
Quote from: willr25 on February 18, 2010, 12:48:23 PM
The Mug Race sounds like a lot of fun!
Is there any way to access the river out of Riverside? Maybe a launch could be put in at Memorial Park or the park behind St. Vincent's?
How about Stinson Park?
At Stinson there is a small beach area and also a floating dock. Both are great for launching a kayak.
Speaking of contaminates. Take a look at the DEP list of impaired water ways for the lower St Johns.
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/watersheds/assessment/docs/303d/group2/adopted/cycle2/lsjr-verified-c2.pdf
Also open this one up and look for the dotted lines with "submerged piles" and the word sewer on the charts for the St Johns. Zoom in. Go to shore line north of NAS Jax. Look for "Security Zone , 165.722 (See note A). Above that note is a typical sewer outfall. You can also find them periodically in other places around the river. I've come up on this particular one so I know it is active. I thought it was a bait boil on the water and was getting the cast net out..........However the water appears to be secondary treated and not the floater, stinker that a bad septic tank would provide.
http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/11492.shtml
I wouldn't go kayaking there without washing everything afterward.
Here is the link for the City of Jacksonville boat ramps. Most of them are built for trailer boats and single or double ramps. They are real busy each weekend in good weather. Some though are like County Dock or Alimaconti (sp) made for kayaks and canoes.
http://www.coj.net/Departments/Recreation+and+Community+Services/Waterfront+Management+and+Programming/Waterways+and+Boating/Boat+Ramps.htm
I understand that they have added a new kayak launch area(s) at Sisters Creek north side of the park over by the fishing peir. I havn't seen it yet can't confirm or denigh.
Saw this thread and how appropriate for what is being discussed in the upcoming Mayor and city council races. Especially the potential interpretation and application of 2010-856.
Agreed - this is a good thread. I'm glad to see so much enthusiasm for the non-motorized water activities.
I came across this article, "St. Johns River in the state spotlight, Waterways ready to assist St. Johns River Caucus" by Joe Wilhelm, Jr. of the Daily Record.
http://jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=532706&searchtext=waterways (http://jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=532706&searchtext=waterways)
Quote
Those hoping to see the St. Johns River receive the same level of attention as the Florida Everglades were encouraged when State Sen. John Thrasher convened the St. Johns River Caucus Tuesday.
The Jacksonville Waterways Commission, which met Wednesday, is ready to help at the local level.
“It’s a great step for the St. Johns River,†said John Crescimbeni, chair of the commission. “I commend Senator Thrasher for latching onto the St. Johns River and making it an issue.â€
The commission was formed in 1984 to study and make recommendations to the City Council with respect to the improvement, development and protection of the St. Johns River and all tidal waters in Duval County.
Thrasher pledged to gather politicians who represented areas along the St. Johns River for a St. Johns River Caucus to discuss ways to find funding for research and cleanup and also develop a vision for the preservation of one of 14 American Heritage Rivers in the United States.
Mark Middlebrook, executive director of the St. Johns River Alliance, reported to the commission that the first meeting of the caucus was organizational, but significant for the St. Johns River.
“Senator Thrasher has stepped up in an effort to put the St. Johns River on the same plane as the Everglades,†said Middlebrook.
“About 52 potential members, who were a mixture of senators and representatives, from areas along the main stem of the river attended the meeting. (Tuesday) was a significant day for the St. Johns River,†he said.
St. Johns Riverkeeper Neil Armingeon was pleased with what he witnessed in Tallahassee.
“Any time you get a group of people talking about the river, it’s a good thing,†said Armingeon. “He (Thrasher) is interested and wants to set up a forum to talk about solutions for the problems facing the river.â€
The progress report was well received, but the commission wanted to know how it could contribute to the effort.
The simple answer was to look for opportunities to support the members of the caucus.
“Senator (Evelyn) Lynn mentioned that she has a bill pending in the Senate that would put a surcharge on a bottle of water and one of the things she suggested was that the surcharge could be put into a fund to do something for the St. Johns River,†said Middlebrook.
“I would encourage the waterways commission, if that bill goes forward, to encourage her and that piece of legislation,†he said.
SB 78 is titled “Environmental Surcharge on Bottled Water†and it proposes to establish “a surcharge on bottled water sold at retail in this state. Requires that moneys collected from the surcharge be deposited into the Ecosystem Management and Restoration Trust Fund.â€
jwilhelm@baileypub.com
Soon after posting the above, I read Ron Littlepage’s latest blog and began to wonder how much if anything will actually happen.
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400601/ron-littlepage/2011-01-15/scotts-appointments-are-ominous-news-environment (http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400601/ron-littlepage/2011-01-15/scotts-appointments-are-ominous-news-environment)
As Ron suggests, I am nervous. But then considering that Scott won with less than 50% of the popular vote, I realize that most people don’t agree with him (otherwise he would have had at least 50% yes?). I find it amusing when people blame excessive government regulation for our economic woes when it can be argued equally as well that our economic woes have been caused by not enough government regulation in the mortgage industry. We know what happens when there is no pushback from goverment, just look at what happened in the financial industry when the government was promoting risky loans. Pure capitalism would work great if we weren't burdened with greed.
Personally, I believe the economy is subject to much greater forces than either of these. They are symptoms of a greater cycle that is occuring. I find it to be a very exciting time; an opportunity to be part of new technologies and new patterns of living. We will certainly be faced with those trying to keep the old ways on life support, but eventually those industries will fade away when nobody is buying their product and the money they have to influence politics begins to dry up.
The weather is warming up. Anyone want to kayak under the TU or Hogans Creek?
Elected officials and candidates for the spring election go to the front of the line.
Nervous! The people of Jacksonville should be scared to death if an amendment is not attached to 2010-856 to exempt the Waterways of the St. Johns River our American Heritage River.
Will there be another special committee meeting? Will the ordinance now move through the normal committee cycle?
Be concerned.
Keep score.
Noone, what are the tides looking like on Saturday morning? (next week). Would 90 minutes be enough? From 8:15 am to 9:45 am?
Quote from: dougskiles on January 16, 2011, 09:33:23 AM
Agreed - this is a good thread. I'm glad to see so much enthusiasm for the non-motorized water activities.
I came across this article, "St. Johns River in the state spotlight, Waterways ready to assist St. Johns River Caucus" by Joe Wilhelm, Jr. of the Daily Record.
http://jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=532706&searchtext=waterways (http://jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=532706&searchtext=waterways)
Quote
Those hoping to see the St. Johns River receive the same level of attention as the Florida Everglades were encouraged when State Sen. John Thrasher convened the St. Johns River Caucus Tuesday.
The Jacksonville Waterways Commission, which met Wednesday, is ready to help at the local level.
“It’s a great step for the St. Johns River,†said John Crescimbeni, chair of the commission. “I commend Senator Thrasher for latching onto the St. Johns River and making it an issue.â€
The commission was formed in 1984 to study and make recommendations to the City Council with respect to the improvement, development and protection of the St. Johns River and all tidal waters in Duval County.
Thrasher pledged to gather politicians who represented areas along the St. Johns River for a St. Johns River Caucus to discuss ways to find funding for research and cleanup and also develop a vision for the preservation of one of 14 American Heritage Rivers in the United States.
Mark Middlebrook, executive director of the St. Johns River Alliance, reported to the commission that the first meeting of the caucus was organizational, but significant for the St. Johns River.
“Senator Thrasher has stepped up in an effort to put the St. Johns River on the same plane as the Everglades,†said Middlebrook.
“About 52 potential members, who were a mixture of senators and representatives, from areas along the main stem of the river attended the meeting. (Tuesday) was a significant day for the St. Johns River,†he said.
St. Johns Riverkeeper Neil Armingeon was pleased with what he witnessed in Tallahassee.
“Any time you get a group of people talking about the river, it’s a good thing,†said Armingeon. “He (Thrasher) is interested and wants to set up a forum to talk about solutions for the problems facing the river.â€
The progress report was well received, but the commission wanted to know how it could contribute to the effort.
The simple answer was to look for opportunities to support the members of the caucus.
“Senator (Evelyn) Lynn mentioned that she has a bill pending in the Senate that would put a surcharge on a bottle of water and one of the things she suggested was that the surcharge could be put into a fund to do something for the St. Johns River,†said Middlebrook.
“I would encourage the waterways commission, if that bill goes forward, to encourage her and that piece of legislation,†he said.
SB 78 is titled “Environmental Surcharge on Bottled Water†and it proposes to establish “a surcharge on bottled water sold at retail in this state. Requires that moneys collected from the surcharge be deposited into the Ecosystem Management and Restoration Trust Fund.â€
jwilhelm@baileypub.com
***********************************************8
Truly applying "Everglades Style" approach will finally entail-demand- the restoration of the Ocklawaha River/Rodman Dam and other previously obscure elements.
So far Rodman been proven taboo within the the long established Jacksonville River Advocacy narrative.( Understand that the current profile of those in political office, some by the barest of margins is completely embedded within the River Advocacy narrative.....)The very nice sounding "River Alliance" ,composed of Regional County interests,has been a blockade to Rodman restoration.
The Caucus suggests a comming shift in the narrative.
The emerging narrative must also include effective embrace of the likes of McCoys,Hogans,Fishweir.
(celebration of hand launched self propelled craft has and will afford 'recreational' access and appreciation for many)
The "River" is a sum of it's parts: Get a good handle ( "latch on it"!!) on previously unheralded McCoys,Hogans,Fishweir.....and long languishing Rodman and then we know we are on the proper path.Anything else and we have yet again allowed our politics,an erroneous narrative, to get in the way of effective resource protection.
-Mike Webster
www.jacksonvillemarinamile.com
Quote from: dougskiles on January 16, 2011, 06:06:10 PM
Noone, what are the tides looking like on Saturday morning? (next week). Would 90 minutes be enough? From 8:15 am to 9:45 am?
I may be out of town Sat. but it will be a low incoming tide and if I may suggest for the tough Skiles team a more sportier, eye opening, pocket pier, floating dock launch, waterfront Public Access street end, historic district alternative, starting point. And the location is Palmer Terrace Park in St. Nicholas Dist.4. You have to feel so sorry for the constituents of District 4. Because it won't be happening for another 4 years if at all in that district for active recreational access to the St. Johns River our American Heritage River.
Yesterday I put the kayak in at Palmer Terrace Park and paddled over to observe the Martin Luther King Parade from the water. There was a steady rain but that didn't dampen the spirits of all those who participated. The conditions were perfect for paddling. I put in just around 10 and headed right toward the channel marker and a slight southerly track. There wasn't another boat out there. The river was a pleasent calm and a steady soft pelting of rain with the overcast clouds believe it or not allowed for a comfortable paddle over. I arrived at Metropolitan Park and then followed a few 100'up the shoreline to Hogans Creek.
Approaching Hogans Creek from this direction allowed a different perspective. As you paddled closer the sounds of the parade were getting louder. As I approached the concrete dock that serves as a bird roosting station and used by a variety of species exploded with an exodus as I approached and went by.
Entering Hogans Creek I positioned myself on the north side of Bay st. By the Maxwell house plant. The tide was turning and starting to head out. Did a small clean up while I was there. Basically catching stuff as it floated by me.
On my way back to the other side of the River as I was exiting the mouth of Hogans Creek I was just about parallel with the property end that was the failed Shipyards/Landmar I make a turn to the left and want to go back by the concrete dock with all the birds.
A glance of the river north and south didn't indicate even 1 boat on the water. I had seen two my whole time out there. So now I'm making a track to the concrete dock the rain has slacked to a sporadic foot or more drop pattern which is highlighted on the mirror calm conditions of the water.
I've got the whole river in my view I've made the track north out of Hogans Creek and I'm heading to the concrete dock and with two or three strokes I've got a direct line and then all of a sudden just 30- 40 feet right in front of me the emergence of a porpoise coming up for air and its slight curvature returning it back under the water to continue on its journey. I looked for it to re emerge and it did about 60 yards farther down in that straight line. How cool was that! Is anybody ready to say VISIT DOWNTOWN!
I was pleasantly pleased with the trip logistics. There are a number of factors that have to be considered for future trips.
So Who's next? Elected officials and those running for the spring elections go to the front of the line. It won't be happening in District 4 but Dist. 14, 5, 7, At-large, Sheriff, Mayor go to the front of the line.
Field and North Miami I'm still looking forward to meeting you guys and sharing some time on the water. The Public Trust has been crushed in this community and we are either going to have access and opportunity or we're not.
Continue to keep score and be concerned.
Quote from: Noone on January 18, 2011, 02:01:22 AM
Field and North Miami I'm still looking forward to meeting you guys and sharing some time on the water. The Public Trust has been crushed in this community and we are either going to have access and opportunity or we're not.
Continue to keep score and be concerned.
Hopefully we won't have to let the Flying Monkeys out.............
with a little help, there are few place around here that you can't kayak. I've covered miles and miles and never the same twice. There are creeks everywhere and they are all beautiful...some a little messy though. I put in anywhere i can get my yak in and go for a paddle. It's such a waisted activity for this area especially. I'd love kayaking and water safety at a downtown class for kids or some other projects..it just seems like a waist for the city. Kayaking the Timocuan reserve is a pleasure and a gem for our city and a natural jewel. When the weather is nice there is no better paddle.
As far as helping the river itself...well history of which we must learn our lessons has taught us that the leaders of this city and state have made decisions after decision that leans toward business and land owners rather than the health of the river and our water supply. Building permits and constructions permits are given out like candy. Industry that put chemicals into our system are greeting with open arms. And as far as the idiot Thrasher...where he goes ilk follows. Unless he's dying and saw god or something i don't believe he's going to support anything that's going to take money out of his pocket and the pockets of his supporters so that whole conversation in null for me.
GG, Lets go kayaking under the Times Union or Hogans Creek.