Tag Archives: Suwannee River

Campfire Cooking at Griffis Fish Camp and Suwannee River paddle 2025-12-05-07

Cast-iron camping cooking is fun. You can also use steel, aluminum, or whatever you like. You don’t even have to cook: there will be plenty for everybody.

Plus a paddle from Stephen C. Foster State Park down the Suwannee River, through the Sill, out of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, back to Griffis.

When: Set up camp 4 PM, Friday, December 5, 2025
Gather 8:30 AM, launch 9:30 AM, paddle from Stephen C. Foster SP back to Griffis, Saturday, December 6, 2025
Wake up and leave when ready, Sunday, December 7, 2025

Camp At: Griffis Fish Camp, 10333 Ga Highway 177 Fargo, Georgia 31631. From Fargo, travel south on US 441 to CR 177; turn left and travel 10 miles northeast; Griffis Fish Camp is on left, in Clinch County.
We’ll have a fire Friday and Saturday nights so please bring a bundle of firewood if you can. Especially important for the cooks that know how to campfire cook and need plenty of coals on Saturday. Firewood has gotten pricey so if everybody pitches in it works out great.
Bring your own plates/bowls/utensils/drinks to help reduce waste.

Put In: Stephen C. Foster State Park Boat Ramp, 17515 GA-177, Fargo, GA 31631. From Fargo, travel south on US 441 to CR 177; turn left and travel to Stephen C. Foster State Park, in Charlton County.
Paddlers usually put in down the access road from the ramp.

GPS: 30.78246, -82.443594

[Campfire Cooking at Griffis Fish Camp 2025-12-05, Suwannee River paddle, Stephen C. Foster SP 2025-12-06]
Campfire Cooking at Griffis Fish Camp 2025-12-05, Suwannee River paddle, Stephen C. Foster SP 2025-12-06

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Borrow pits proposed within 5 miles of Suncoast Parkway Extension, upstream from Crystal River @ Citrus County Commission 2025-05-27

Update 2025-09-28: Southworth sold Citrus County sand mine site to state of Florida 2025-08-06.

We’ve helped stop the Suncoast Parkway from expanding north across the Suwannee River, all the way to Georgia. But if this Phase 3A Extension happens in Citrus County, northwards becomes likely again. So even if you don’t live there, you may want to help oppose FDEP’s request for the county to allow borrow pits within 5 miles of the parkway path for the duration of the project.

If you do live in Citrus County, such mining could affect your water or air quality, plus noise, traffic, and more development.

[Borrow pits proposed within 5 miles of Suncoast PKWY Ext., upstream from Crystal River @ Citrus BOCC 2025-05-27]
Borrow pits proposed within 5 miles of Suncoast PKWY Ext., upstream from Crystal River @ Citrus BOCC 2025-05-27

Most everything you need is here:
https://stopthesandminecc.wixsite.com/stopthesandmine

That site has email addresses for the County Commissioners and the Land Development Office, ideas on what to write, and how to get more involved.

See also the Stop the Sand Mine change.org petition:
https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-sand-mine

Developers talk to your elected officials all the time. If you want something else, you need to talk to them, too.

Tomorrow at 1:20 PM, the Citrus County Commissioners will consider tossing out their land development code within 5 miles of the Suncoast Parkway Extension for the duration of its construction.

If the Commissioners seriously entertain abdicating their local zoning power because the state of Florida asked them to, presumably they will have to schedule a vote at some later meeting.

Depending on how that goes, there may be a Special Master Hearing on Friday, June 27, 2025 about a Southworth Mine.

If you don’t want disturbance of water flow to Crystal River, noise, dust, unknown particulates, and rampant development, you may want to show up tomorrow, or write or call your County Commissioner, or help organize the opposition.

Citrus BOCC Agenda

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The Okefenokee: Charles R. Pendleton on The Trembling Earth, The Times, Valdosta, Ga. 1890-02-08

It was harder to get to Floyd’s Island in the Okfonok back then: several weeks bushwhacking, climbing on water lily roots, through bamboo briars (palmettos) and mosquitoes, on trails made by bears and wildcats.

The author’s tree-cutting camping method would not be allowed in the swamp these days, and his attitude towards native Americans was a product of his times. So was his urge to drain and “root” the swamp to turn it to “valuable account.”

[The Okefenokee: C.R. Pendleton on The Trembling Earth, The Times, Valdosta, Ga. 1890-02-08]
The Okefenokee: C.R. Pendleton on The Trembling Earth, The Times, Valdosta, Ga. 1890-02-08

The Times., VALDOSTA GA., FEB. 8, 1890, THE OKEFENOKEE: CHARLES R. PENDLETON ON “THE TREMBLING EARTH.”

Explanation of the Unknown Land of Georgia—The Constitution’s Hunting Party—Incidents Connected With the Swamp.

From the Atlanta Constitution,

VALDOSTA GA., Feb, 1.—I have been watching with a great deal of interest the discussion in regard to the sale of the Okefenokee Swamp. I have followed, step by step, all the developments in the case. The mistaken opinions of so many people, especially in middle and north Georgia, about this swamp surprises me more than anything else. Those who have written and spoken most seem to know least about it.

EARLY DAYS IN THE SWAMP.

A half dozen years of my boyhood were spent within an hour’s ride of the swamp, and I have sat by the hour and listened to the tales Continue reading →

Rachel Grubb Headlines Suwannee Riverkeeper Contest 2025

Hahira, Georgia May 22, 2025 — Rachel Grubb of Lake City, Florida, will sing her haunting encore from last year, as well as the song she won with, as Headliner for the 2025 Suwannee Riverkeeper Songwriting Contest.

[Rachel Grubb Headlines Suwannee Riverkeeper Contest 2025, Ghost of the Suwannee, Encore by 2024 First Prize winner Rachel Grubb]

Come hear the finalists this year, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Turner Center for the Arts, in Valdosta, Georgia. “Musicians, send in your own song!” said Gala Committee Chair and WWALS Board President Sara Squires Jones.
https://forms.gle/LfXFBVESipd231Dr7

The Contest is part of WWALS River Revue, which features food, drink, a silent auction, and speakers from Georgia and Florida. Rachel Grubb’s encore, “Ghost of the Suwannee,” will call you home.
https://youtu.be/IVKrUqiwXBk?si=EtZ3K8SsqbOyrhHP Continue reading →

Calloway Boat Ramp, Gilchrist County, FL, Suwannee River 2025-05-10

Ken Sulak points out a public boat ramp that was not on the WWALS map of the Suwannee River Water Trail (SRWT): Calloway Boat Ramp, a sand-covered concrete ramp owned by Gilchrist County, Florida. Plus a ferry and a cemetery.

Calloway Boat Ramp is downstream from Branford and 2.87 river miles from Sims Landing Ramp. It’s 0.73 miles upstream from Hurst Landing Ramp.

[Map: Calloway Boat Ramp]
Map: Calloway Boat Ramp in the WWALS map of the Suwannee River Water Trail (SRWT).

It’s at the west end of NW 57th Court, Bell, FL 32619. From Branford, go west on US 27, cross the Suwannee River, turn left on CR 349, left on CR 340, cross the Suwannee River again, left on NW 55th Ave., left on NW 55th St., right on NW 57th Ct., left to stay on NW 57th Ct. to the ramp. Gilchrist County.

Ken, who is an avid historian of bridges and ferries, says Continue reading →

Okefenokee Floyd’s Island Campout, Suwannee River, SCFSP, 2025-11-14-15

Update 2025-09-17: Shirley got a reservation for Friday and Saturday, November 14-15, 2025.

Paddle 9 miles upstream on the Suwannee River in the Okefenokee Swamp for primitive camping on Floyd’s Island. Paddle back the next day.

You must RSVP on meetup to get a spot (clicking Going on the facebook event does not count as an RSVP).

This is the farthest you can get from any road in Georgia, with very dark sky.

You can camp inside the century-old Hebard Cabin, or in your tent or hammock outside.

Yes, you will see gators, and probably other wildlife.

When: Gather 9 AM, launch 10 AM, end All Day, Friday, November 14, 2025
Launch 9 AM, End 1 PM, Saturday, November 15, 2025

Put In: Stephen C. Foster State Park Ramp, 17515 GA-177, Fargo, GA 31631. From Fargo, travel south on US 441 to CR 177; turn left and travel to Stephen C. Foster State Park, in Charlton County.

GPS: 30.826833, -82.361333

[Floyd's Island Campout, Okefenokee Swamp, Suwannee River, Friday & Saturday, 14-15 Nov. 2025]
Floyd’s Island Campout, Okefenokee Swamp, Suwannee River, Friday & Saturday, 14-15 Nov. 2025

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Turner Bridge to Cone Bridge Paddle, Suwannee River, 2025-07-05

Update 2025-07-11: Pictures: Turner Bridge to Cone Bridge Paddle, Suwannee River 2025-07-05.

Join us for an 11.2-mile paddle on the upper Suwannee River.

This is beautiful part of the river has one section of small shoals to paddle through. There can also be some tree debris in the river to work our way around.

Everyone must wear a PFD while on the river. Both ramps are on long dirt roads that are usually well maintained. Please come on time, the shuttle leaves promptly at 9:30.

When: Gather 9 AM, launch 10:15 AM, end 3:30 PM, Saturday, July 5, 2025

Put In: Turner Bridge Ramp, From White Springs, travel north on SE CR 135; cross over SE CR 6 onto NE 180 Boulevard (Woodpecker Route); travel north to NE 38 Trail; turn right and follow road to ramp, in Hamilton County.

GPS: 30.524333, -82.728167

[Turner Bridge to Cone Bridge Paddle, Suwannee River, July 5, 2025]
Turner Bridge to Cone Bridge Paddle, Suwannee River, July 5, 2025

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Waterkeeper Alliance advocates EPA and USACE restore longstanding protections for the nation’s waters 2025-04-23

Suwannee Riverkeeper, among 64 U.S. Waterkeepers, joined Waterkeeper Alliance and Environmental Integrity Project in asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to maintain and restore longstanding protections for the nation’s waters.

[Waterkeeper Alliance advocates EPA and USACE restore longstanding protections for the nation’s waters 2025-04-23]
Waterkeeper Alliance advocates EPA and USACE restore longstanding protections for the nation’s waters 2025-04-23

Most of this long comment letter is applicable to the Suwannee River Basin. For example, related to the ongoing Georgia attempts to define which rivers and creeks are navigable: “lUnder the agencies’ Pre-2015 Regulatory Definition, all tributaries to traditionally navigable waters, interstate waters, impoundments, and ‘other waters’ are categorically defined as ‘waters of the United States.’” For example, see Valdosta sewage into Sugar Creek and Quitman sewage and cattle manure into Okapilco Creek, both into the Withlacoochee River in Georgia, upstream from Florida and the Suwannee River.

The comment doesn’t mention the Floridan Aquifer, but there are mentions of “Large numbers of rivers and streams… that briefly flow subsurface and then reemerge as surface waters.” and river-connected “subsurface flows and springs” elsewhere. Subsurface flows are important in the Suwannee River Basin and the Floridan Aquifer.

The Florida Basin Managment Action Plans (BMAPs) supposedly intend to reduce by 85-95% the leaching of fertilizer nitrates through the soil and subsurface limestone into springs and rivers, causing algae blooms and crowding out native vegetation, to the detriment of manatees and other wildlife.

See also the Dead River Sink where the Alapaha River goes underground and comes back up in the Alapaha River Rise on the Suwannee River. Continue reading →

Site of Town of Ellaville and Hillman Bridge, Suwannee River 2025-04-22

Update 2025-04-26: Edwards Spring, Suwannee River 2025-04-22.

A reporter from WUFT and I took a stroll from the site of the Town of Ellaville in Madison County, Florida, onto the Historic Hillman Bridge, to Suwannee County. Also the US 90 Bridge, the CSX Railroad Bridge, and the Withlacoochee River Confluence.

For who the bridge is named after, the millionaire Turpentine King, Captain Winder Josephus Hillman (1857-1931), see previous post.
https://wwals.net/?p=67489

[Andrew Sheridan, WUFT News, 2025:04:22 09:57:39, 30.3866911, -83.1752520]
Andrew Sheridan, WUFT News, 2025:04:22 09:57:39, 30.3866911, -83.1752520

The sign says, according to The historical marker database, starting on the other side:

Drew Mansion Site

Located approximately one-half mile to the northwest is the site of the Drew Mansion, home of George F. Drew, governor of Florida during the difficult period of readjustment following Civil War Reconstruction, 1877-1881. Built in the late 1860’s, the two-story mansion with its beautiful color-matched oak parquet floors was surrounded by formal gardens and was one of the first homes in the area to have modern utilities. This once elegant landmark of Florida’s past was destroyed by fire in 1970.

And on the pictured side:

The Town of Ellaville

Closely related to the career of Governor George F. Drew was the sawmill and manufacturing complex of Ellaville, established by Drew in the mid-1860’s. The present Route 90 led through this town of several hundred people. The ruins of the sawmill are on the west bank of the Withlacoochee River near its confluence with the Suwannee. Ellaville flourished as long as the yellow pine lasted. It declined after 1900 and ceased to exist when the Post Office closed in 1942.

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Historic Hillman Bridge (old US 90) over the Suwannee River at Ellaville 2018-12-01

Update 2025-04-25: Site of Town of Ellaville and Hillman Bridge, Suwannee River 2025-04-22.

Built in 1925, abandoned in 1983 when an overweight truck damaged it, the historic Hillman Bridge still stands over the Suwannee River.

[Historic Hillman Bridge, Suwannee River, Ellaville, Florida, Withlacoochee River Confluence]
Historic Hillman Bridge, Suwannee River, Ellaville, Florida, Withlacoochee River Confluence

It has a storied past, starting with the millionaire Turpentine King, Captain Winder Josephus Hillman (1857-1931), who got his start in Live Oak and High Springs and “opened another camp in Inverness before expanding his operations throughout Central and South Florida before becoming a director of the Consolidated Naval Stores Company of Jacksonville, the largest naval stores trader in the United States.” See below for the source and more quotes.

Hillman Bridge is downstream of the CSX Railroad Bridge and the Withlacoochee River Confluence. Continue reading →