St. Johns River

Seminole County’s attempted grab for St. Johns River water struck a chord with League of Women Voters members at the group’s meeting April 10, at St. Augustine Beach City Hall.

Guest speaker Henry Warner’s assertion that the fight between Seminole County and Northeast Florida is only the first step in a dangerous “river draw” met with intense interest at the monthly gathering. Reducing river flow could affect fish, wildlife and water quality.

Warner, who is Supervisor of St. Johns Soil and Water Conservation District, said changing a river’s flow can result in sediment and algae buildups downstream. Also, salt water from fluctuating ocean tides will be drawn farther up river when flow is decreased.

On Jan. 12, a huge circle of people gathered by the St. Johns River at Marywood Retreat Center for what was an incredible, moving experience. Basil Brave Heart and his wife Charlotte travelled from their South Dakota reservation to bless the river. The group was "cleansed" with smoke from sage leaves, spread across each participant with an eagle feather. Good friend and St. Johns Riverkeeper Neil Armingeon offered participants water from the river to place upon their finger tips. With chants and drumbeats from fellow Native Americans and others participating in the ceremony each person in the circle placed their prayers in the form of tobacco on to prayer cloths.