Florida's Boating Rights Are Under Threat

On May 22, 2025, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will hold a critical meeting in Ocala to consider the creation of a Springs Protection Zone in Silver Glen Springs.

- Kristine Wake

This proposal would prohibit anchoring, mooring, beaching and grounding of vessels in the area.

While the goal of preserving eelgrass and spring ecosystems is shared by all, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that boaters are the primary cause of eelgrass degradation — not in Silver Glen, nor anywhere else in Florida. In fact, similar closures have already taken place in Weeki Wachee and Nichlos Spring, and yet there has been no measurable improvement in eelgrass growth or ecosystem restoration.