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St. Johns River Update
June 20, 2003
The St. Johns American Heritage River Initiative will enter a new phase with the launching of the St. Johns River Alliance, a non-profit organization headed by a Board of Directors that will replace the AHRI Steering Committee. This new organization has added several agencies and counties to its participant list, and will broaden its focus to include an integrated river restoration plan. In addition to the interest in trails and greenways, eco-tourism, economic development and river access, the St. Johns River Alliance will work on water quality and water quantity related issues. The Alliance will be initiated later this summer.
A Transportation Enhancement Act project proposal was submitted by participants in the St. Johns River AHRI to support the development of the St. Johns River Trail. If funded, the proposal would enable the organization to develop a trail comprehensive plan, and to continue developing the trail along the 310+ mile river corridor, on hiking, biking, canoeing and paved portions. Along with the land-based trail, the canoe trail would provide opportunities for people with all types of interest and access requirements to enjoy this beautiful river.
Several new activities were added to those held for many years to initiate the first Riverfest along the whole St. Johns River. Communities from one end to the other held seminars, fishing contests, musical events, festivals, sailing regattas and a tall ship event that brought hundreds of thousands of people to the river. Riverfest 2004 will begin being planned shortly, with an eye on increasing attention on river history, environmental awareness and recreation.
The original Chairman of the St. Johns American Heritage River Initiative, Mayor John A. Delaney of Jacksonville, will leave office at the end of June 2003 due to term limits. He was recently selected to become the president of the University of North Florida.
St. Johns River Navigator
Anne E. Keller
US EPA
701 San Marco Blvd.
Suite 7W
Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: 904-396-9141
keller.anne@epa.gov
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