Florida State Parks Participate in Paddle Florida

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service this week joined the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) to host the inaugural Paddle Florida river expedition along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. The paddlefest, which began March 20 at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, finishes today at Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland, Florida.

“Paddle Florida is an innovative new event that the Florida Park Service is pleased to join,” said Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. “The seven day event highlights the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail and the wealth of nature-based recreational opportunities Florida has to offer.”

The adventure, for all levels of paddlers, was created to encourage communities to experience the Suwannee River while highlighting the importance of protecting and restoring Florida’s river resources. More than 150 Paddle Florida participants from 16 states traveled the 123 miles of the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, making overnight stops at six river camps. The paddlers were able to experience …the Real Floridasm at overnight camps located in three state parks along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail.

In addition, campers enjoyed an interpretive program based on the Suwannee River State Park’s natural and cultural resources and, viewed the newly opened cabins at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park which are designated properties in the Florida Green Lodging Program, and were serenaded by the Florida Park Service Band at Fanning Springs State Park.

“The Suwannee River Water Management District encourages nature-based tourism on the river, especially as it provides clean economic development for the region,” said SRWMD Deputy Executive Director Charlie Houder. “Paddle Florida is an excellent example and a great opportunity to highlight the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail.”

Initiated in 2002, The Suwannee River Wilderness Trail is a partnership program between DEP, the Suwannee River Water Management District as well as businesses and communities along the river. The trail provides visitors an opportunity to navigate the world-famous Suwannee with convenient rest stops located at one-day intervals. From tents and cabins to motels, hotels and bed & breakfast inns, eight regional "hubs" with existing infrastructure and recreational opportunities offered various resting and lodging choices to Paddle Florida participants along the way.

“Paddle Florida is a great way to showcase the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail,” said Paddle Florida Coordinator Bill Richards. “Without the cooperation of the Florida Park Service and the Suwannee River Water Management District, this adventure would have never been possible.”

The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation’s best state park service, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 161 parks spanning almost 700,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach. From swimming and diving in Florida’s rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails, Florida’s state parks offer year-around outdoor activities for all ages. Battle reenactments and Native American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window into Florida’s cultural heritage.

For more information about Florida State Parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org. For more information about Paddle Florida, visit www.paddleflorida.org. For more information about the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, visit www.floridastateparks.org/wilderness/

This article originally published on March 27, 2008.