The Endangered Apalachiola--A National River Conference, March 14-16

Scientists, Citizens and Policy Experts Assemble for the Apalachicola

Conference focuses on exceptional Apalachicola River System

Tallahassee, FL, February 9, 2018– Conservation partners are convening in Tallahassee for a three-day conference, highlighting the ecologic uniqueness and future health of the Apalachicola River and Bay on March 14-16, at Florida State University. Attendees of The Endangered Apalachicola—A National River Conference, whether novice or expert, will further their understanding of the Apalachicola River and floodplain through presentations and panel discussions related to the protection and recovery of the Apalachicola River.



The event kicks off with a science-focused day on Wednesday, March 14. Topics on the following days emphasize policy, economics, and legal issues. Former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator, Bob Graham will be the keynote speaker during a dinner event on Thursday, March 15. The conference concludes with a scenic boat tour along the upper Apalachicola River near Chattahoochee, on Friday, March 16. Details on the conference can be found at www. apalachicolariverconference.com


Part of the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint river system with headwaters in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Apalachicola River is Florida’s biggest river in volume of flow. From Chattahoochee, Florida to the Gulf of Mexico, the Apalachicola River travels 107 miles where its nutrient-rich freshwater empties into the Apalachicola Bay, a state designated Aquatic Preserve.


While the Apalachicola River basin is widely recognized as one of North America’s greatest biological hotspots, the river system faces numerous challenges. The swamps in the Apalachicola River floodplain are drying out, according to Helen Light, researcher and conference speaker. Light said, “This has far reaching effects on the economic and cultural fabric of the region.”


The river’s freshwater flow has decreased due to upstream water use and development. This freshwater is connected to the health and productivity of Apalachicola Bay, an important estuary well-known for its oysters. David Kimbro of Northeastern University explained, “Ecological food webs are maintained by a delicate balance between important species interactions and the environment. When humans alter the environment, food webs can change in ways that lead to the loss of important natural resources.”


Kimbro and Light, along with other knowledgeable experts, will each present research findings at the Endangered Apalachicola River conference.


Conservation partners sponsoring the event include Apalachee Audubon, Tall Timbers, National Wildlife Federation, Florida Wildlife Federation, Apalachee Regional Planning Council, the Riparian County Stakeholder Coalition, Apalachicola Riverkeeper, Sierra Club, and the Florida Conservation Coalition.Conference sponsors have focused collaborative efforts on furthering the public’s awareness and knowledge of the ecologic significance of Apalachicola River and Bay. David Arnold, of Apalachee Audubon said, “participants in this conference will learn much about what makes this a very special place, a national treasure that should be protected.”


Conference details and registration can be found at www.apalachicolariverconference.com

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