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

Environmental Victory Nears

Historic Florida Barge Canal Trail

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, February 13, 2021

1. Environmental Victory Nears Marker

Inscription. "In view of this unprecedented expression of opposition to continuing the Cross Florida Barge Canal by candidates for public office in Florida [petitions and resolutions] we respectfully call on you to implement a moratorium on construction of the project. We cannot equate continuation of this project with your administration's avowed concern for fiscal responsibility and/or conservation."

Florida Defenders of the Environment
Letter to President Richard Nixon (1970)

Erected by Florida State Parks. (Marker Number 6.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #37 Richard M. Nixon series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1970.

Location. 29° 6.201′ N, 82° 5.411′ 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. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3260 Southeast 80th Street, Ocala FL 34480, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Deliberate Strategy (here, next to this marker); Opposition to the Canal (here, next to this marker); Protective Perspective (here, next to this marker); Conclusive Federal Action (here, next to this marker); Great Depression Public Works Project (here, next to this marker); A Beautiful Place (here, next to this marker); Historical Perspective (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. Lessons from the Cross Florida Barge Canal Project. The dream of canal supporters seemed well on its way to reality until it ran up against a new generation of environmental activists determined to preserve the Ocklawaha River. Led by Marjorie Carr, these critics forged a movement centered around scientific expertise, citizen activism, and the use of the legal system that challenged a political and institutional juggernaut intent on completing the canal. (Submitted on February 17, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. History of the Cross Florida Greenway. Environmental criticism was strengthened by revived complaints about the canal’s cost and usefulness. Heading a group

Marker detail: Cross Florida Barge Canal Map image. Click for full size.

Courtesy Florida Memory

2. Marker detail: Cross Florida Barge Canal Map

This map shows the plans for the Cross Florida Barge Canal, and the portion of the project that was completed before construction was stopped in 1971.

called the Florida Defenders of the Environment, activist Marjorie Harris Carr appealed to President Richard Nixon and issued legal challenges to construction. Nixon stopped the project in 1971, ending a long-held but never-realized dream. (Submitted on February 17, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, February 13, 2021

3. Environmental Victory Nears Marker

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, February 13, 2021

4. Environmental Victory Nears Marker

(sixth 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 157 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 17, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.