Navigating the Resiliency of the St. Johns River Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond

As Florida’s population burgeons, the St. Johns River confronts a tide of challenges. This vital waterway, which meanders through the heart of Jacksonville, is not just a picturesque backdrop but a lifeline for the region’s ecology, economy, and communities. However, the river’s health is at a crossroads, with environmental reports signaling both improvements and ongoing concerns.

The Pulse of the St. Johns River

Recent assessments, such as the 2023 State of the River Report, highlight a mix of positive strides and troubling trends. On the bright side, manatee populations remain stable, and efforts to reduce nitrogen levels have yielded some success. In fact, I had a conversation with Dr. Pinto of Jacksonville University to investigate the state of the river and inquire about his studies of the manatee population here in the City of Jacksonville. (Sorry for the delay on this article, Dr. Pinto. Life has been “life-ing” a little too hard lately.) His findings indicate that the population has seen increases over the last several years due to the resiliency of the city in conservation efforts indicating that the educational and conservation efforts have helped protect the manatees in most recent findings indicated by the data supporting their growth in population.

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Yet, the river’s tributaries are plagued by high levels of fecal bacteria and phosphorous, and the estuary’s total phosphorous continues to worsen. These pollutants fuel toxic algal blooms, exacerbated by climate change and nutrient pollution. So the question remains, what is being done to reduce these toxic pollutants?

The Impact of Florida’s Growth

Florida’s population growth has been on the incline for quite some time now. This information is no surprise to those of us who have always known the secrets of Florida with its keen advocacy for tourism, culture, and diversity that build the piece of heaven we Floridians have grown accustomed to while sharing it with the world over the many years. With our rich history that caters toward advancing the very revenue streams that build this great state, how can we expect the population to inherit the necessity for conservation as we grow?

Since WWII, our population has seen dramatic influxes of population where we are now just over 21 million in total population across the state.

Florida’s percentage gains since 1946 have been impressive: its 2022 population is just over 9 times its 1946 population of 2,440,000.

United States Census Bureau

This growth, much of it within the St. Johns River watershed, intensifies the strain on the river’s ecosystem. Development leads to habitat loss, while increased nutrient runoff from urban areas contributes to eutrophication—a process that depletes oxygen and harms aquatic life.

That said, the secret is out, don’t expect the state to slow its growth either. In fact, projected studies suggest that Florida’s population is projected to swell from 21.3 million to over 33.7 million by 2070 which would only intensify the already indicated areas of destruction and pollution to the state, as well as the iconic natural beauty of the St. John’s River.

Charting a Course for Conservation

As a product of the educational system that only exists here in the City of Jacksonville, I have been indoctrinated with the necessity to protect and conserve our river in ways that can only be found through the efforts of Duval County Public Schooling Education. If there is one thing that I gained from being raised in the River City, it’s that protecting the St. Johns River requires a multifaceted approach from everyone who lives in the City of Jacksonville and across the state of Florida. The course charted for conservation extends from the existing public school setting, all the way up to the political arms that protect the people.

Here are key strategies to safeguard its future:

Enhancing Natural Resilience

Wetland Restoration:

Wetlands act as natural filters, trapping pollutants before they reach the river. Restoring these areas is crucial for maintaining water quality and biodiversity. The City of Jacksonville has been actively involved in wetland restoration efforts to enhance resilience against rising sea levels and to provide numerous ecosystem services. In fact, restoration projects have included creating natural meanders, excavating and vegetating wetland floodplains, and improving water quality to reduce downstream flooding. St. Johns River Water Management District has been working on restoring over 112,000 acres of coastal wetlands, which include areas from the salt marshes near the mouth of the St. Johns River in Jacksonville to the mangrove swamps of the Indian River Lagoon. These wetlands provide significant benefits, such as habitat for wildlife, water quality improvement, and protection against severe weather by absorbing floodwater and dampening wave energy. The estimated value of the goods and services provided by coastal wetlands is over $115,000 per acre per year when adjusted for inflation from 2007 dollars.

These efforts not only aim to restore the natural function of the wetlands but also to ensure the persistence of these ecosystems and the many benefits they provide to the environment and the community. For more detailed information on specific projects and their impacts, you can explore the resources provided by the St. Johns River Water Management District.

Reducing Pollution

Nutrient Management: Implementing best management practices in agriculture and reducing fertilizer use can significantly lower nutrient runoff.

The JEA (Jacksonville Electric Authority) has been proactive in making treatment improvements at their regional wastewater treatment plants and retiring smaller, older technology treatment plants. This has resulted in a reduction of nitrogen discharge to the river by approximately 60% from its peak levels. Moreover, the implementation of the Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) has been instrumental in achieving these reductions in nutrient loadings from all sources as mandated by the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements. These proactive changes help reduce the toxicity of the waters by reducing the release of algae blooms from the river and save wildlife populations from consuming the vegetation which reduces the overall population loss of the marine life along the river.

Despite these actions, there are still worries about sewage impacting the river in the near future. There are things that you can do that may be given the community’s commitment to change for the betterment of our environment. Addressing failing septic systems is a part of the comprehensive strategy to protect the river and falls upon the people who live near the river’s banks. The cumulative impact of failing septic systems that are in close proximity to each other and to water bodies in environmentally sensitive areas need to be addressed at the regional or watershed level to prevent phosphorus contamination and other issues.

These efforts are not only about compliance with environmental regulations but also about taking responsibility for the stewardship of the river, which is often referred to as Jacksonville’s greatest asset. By investing in our water infrastructure, we can ensure that the St. Johns River remains a thriving ecosystem and continues to be a source of pride and enjoyment for the community.

Sustainable Development

• Smart Growth: Encouraging smart growth patterns that minimize environmental impact can help preserve the river’s health as the population grows.
• Public Engagement: Educating and engaging the public about the river’s importance and how to reduce their environmental footprint is vital for long-term conservation efforts.

The Call to Action

The St. Johns River’s story is one of resilience and vulnerability. As Florida’s population expands, the need for concerted action to protect this precious resource becomes ever more pressing. Through science-based management, community involvement, and a commitment to sustainable practices, we can ensure that the St. Johns River continues to thrive for generations to come.

In conclusion, the St. Johns River is a testament to the delicate balance between nature and human activity. With informed actions and dedicated stewardship, we can navigate the challenges ahead and preserve the river’s legacy as a source of life, recreation, and natural beauty.