On Monday, Linda Dicker “Weseman” forwarded this response from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, denying her proposal for an Ichetucknee Springs Protection Zone (SPZ).

About this sad news, she wrote, “To say this project was near and dear to my heart is an understatement. We had an incredible team step up and support this SPZ. From this, many new friendships formed that I cherish. We gave it a heck of a run and, honestly, I would not change a thing.”

She added, “I only hope it paves the way for success for future efforts to preserve the Ichetucknee and other spring runs.”

She is still leading this January 2026 WWALS outing: Ichetucknee Polar Plunge and Paddle to see SPZ 2026-01-10.
https://wwals.net/?p=68835

Bad news from FWC, about SPZ 2025-11-10, Denied: Ichetucknee Springs, Protection Zone

From: “Bryant, Rachel”
Date: November 10, 2025 at 12:32:10 PM EST
To: weseman.pe@gmail.com
Cc: “Atkins, Linville”, “Holcomb, William”, “Cook, Madison B.”
Subject: RE: Ichetucknee spring protection zone request

Ms. Weseman

On July 29, 2025, you submitted a request that the Commission consider the establishment of a Springs Protection Zone that creates a no wake zone as well as restricting the use of personal watercraft on the Ichetucknee from the boundary of Ichetucknee Springs State Park to the confluence at the Santa Fe River, the “lower Ichetucknee”. After review by subject matter experts from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Suwanee River Water Management District, it was determined the evidence did not demonstrate a Spring Protection Zone is necessary to protect and prevent the spring from the type of significant harm predominantly caused by vessels as identified in section 327.45, F.S.. Suwanee and Columbia counties were also consulted regarding this request.

Some of the review documents mention the possibility of a boating restricted area such as a slow speed zone. If you are interested in pursuing this as a possibility, section 327.46 F.S. details the process of requesting a boating restricted area.

Your request for the inclusive records regarding the responses of the reviewers are attached.

Captain Rachel Bryant
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Division of Law Enforcement
Boating and Waterways Section
Desk (850) 717-2124

I wonder if they actually listened to the Suwannee and Columbia County Commissions.

 -jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER®

You can help with clean, swimmable, fishable, drinkable, water in the 10,000-square-mile Suwannee River Basin in Florida and Georgia by becoming a WWALS member today!
https://wwals.net/donations/

Short Link: