Editor, The Beacon:
As a lifelong resident of DeLand, I’ve spent countless days on the St. Johns River, fishing, boating, and simply enjoying the beauty of our slice of Florida. I genuinely believe that Volusia County has the best stretch of the St. Johns, with its winding channels, hidden coves and breathtaking sunsets. But over the years, something has changed.
The river I love isn’t the same. The bass population has plummeted, and the fishing just isn’t what it used to be. It’s not just the bass — other fish species are struggling too, and the once-thriving ecosystem seems to be fading before our eyes. Many of us who have spent our lives on the river can see it happening, but the question is: why?
One major issue is how we’ve been managing invasive aquatic plants. I understand the need to control species like hydrilla and water hyacinth, but the widespread use of herbicide spraying appears to be doing more harm than good. When these plants are sprayed, they die, sink and decay, creating thick muck on the river bottom and robbing the water of oxygen. I’ve personally seen fish killed after spraying events — dead fish floating in water that should be full of life.
This isn’t just my observation; many people in our community are concerned. That’s why I want to shine a light on Mighty River Recovery (www.mightyriverrecovery.org), a local organization dedicated to researching what’s really happening to our river and finding ways to restore it. They aren’t about politics or pushing an agenda — they’re about facts, science and solutions. They believe we can manage invasive plants in a way that doesn’t destroy the delicate balance of our ecosystem. They believe, like I do, that we can bring the river back.
If you care about the St. Johns River, if you’ve noticed the changes, and if you want to be part of the solution, I urge you to learn more. Talk to your neighbors, attend meetings, support this organization, and make your voice heard. The river has given us so much — now it’s time for us to give back and protect it for future generations.
Let’s work together to save the St. Johns.
Sincerely,
Tod Sutherland
DeLand
