Near Ocala in Marion County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Protective Perspective

Historic Florida Barge Canal Trail

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, February 13, 2021

1. Protective Perspective Marker

Inscription. "Even a shallow canal would pollute the aquifer because of the porosity of the underlying rock structure… barge traffic would jeopardize both surface and ground water with the threat of oil spills and leakage from vessels and the wash-off of herbicides, pesticides and wastes that would accompany industrial and residential development along the canal route… and thereafter the water quality of Silver Springs, Marion County's chief tourist attraction, as well as the wholesale destruction of the Oklawaha Valley."

Summary of an Environmental Impact Statement

Erected by Florida State Parks. (Marker Number 4.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 29° 6.203′ N, 82° 5.412′ W. Marker is near Ocala, Florida, in Marion County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Southeast 80th Street (County Road 328) and South Pine Avenue (U.S. 441), on the right when traveling east. Marker is located along the trail at "The Island" - Cross Florida Barge Canal Interpretive Park, just south of the Marion County Sheriff's Station. Touch for map

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. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3260 Southeast 80th Street, Ocala FL 34480, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Great Depression Public Works Project (here, next to this marker); Opposition to the Canal (here, next to this marker); A Beautiful Place (here, next to this marker); Environmental Victory Nears (here, next to this marker); Historical Perspective (here, next to this marker); Deliberate Strategy (here, next to this marker); Conclusive Federal Action (a few steps from this marker); Canal Stopping (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ocala.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Historic Florida Barge Canal Trail

Also see . . .
1. The Cross Florida Barge Canal. “As a result of a threat to the aquifer, issues of salt water intrusion, there will be a turn towards creating a barge canal, only 12-feet deep,” says David Tegeder, co-author of the book “Ditch of Dreams: The Cross Florida Barge Canal and the Struggle for Florida’s Future.” Environmental concerns stalled completion of the canal for several decades. (Submitted on February 16, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Lessons from the Cross Florida Barge Canal Project

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, February 13, 2021

2. Protective Perspective Marker

. A strange coalition of opponents, combining cranky fiscal conservatives, central Florida citrus and vegetable growers, port officials from Miami and Tampa, and conservation groups from around the state, organized to stop the canal. (Submitted on February 16, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, February 13, 2021

3. Protective Perspective Marker

(fourth of eight “Canal Story” markers in this series)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 138 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 16, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.