The Ecology of the Blackwater River

The Ecology of the Blackwater River. . , The Blackwater River begins in Bradley, Alabama, and winds approximately 60 miles before reaching Blackwater Bay. Three major tributaries, Big Juniper Creek, Big Coldwater Creek, and Pond Creek, feed the river. The Florida Legislature designated the Blackwater River as an "Outstanding Florida Waterway" for its beauty and undisturbed nature. The sandy bottom, white sand bars, and water darkened by tannic acid gives the river its name. The slope of the river is quite steep, which results in a swiftness (2-3 miles per hour) that creates a dynamic system of shifting sands. Biodiversity is the river's strength. Aquatic plants include water fern, water lily, coontail and spatterdock. The fast-moving water keeps plants from growing in the stream itself. Algae are restricted to sunken logs and pilings. A number of trees live oak, sand live oak, pines, and Atlantic white cedar dominate the plant communities along the river. The river is a suitable habitat for many insects fish, and reptiles, as well as white-tailed deer, turkeys, hawks, crows, and herons. As the river approaches the Gulf of Mexico it widens, slows, and joins other water sources to form an extensive brackish (salt and freshwater) estuarine system Hurricanes Erin and Opal in 1995 changed the course of the river downstream from Deaton Bridge, making it no longer navigable by boat., Enjoying the Blackwater River , Thirty-one miles of the Blackwater River are navigable by canoe, kayak inner tube, or small boat. The area from Kennedy Bridge (near Munson) to Deaton Bridge (in Blackwater River State Park) is designated a Florida Canoe Trail. Many recreation opportunities exist for residents and tourists to enjoy Blackwater River. For more information, please visit floridasplayground.com. , "Water is the most critical resource issue of our lifetime and our children's lifetime. The health of our waters is the principal measure of how we live on the land." , , Luna Leopold, Captions: , Left, bottom: Blackwater River at sunset , Right, top: Accelerated erosion , Right, middle: Blackwater River , Right, bottom: Beggarticks on the riverbank