Nov 7, 2018 –Our post hurricane ecological monitoring continued last week. UF’s restoration research project also continues. We spent three days on the water last week checking sites. Most evident is the wind-related tree destruction throughout the floodplain.
On Thursday, we launched at Bryant Landing on the Chipola River, checked out Douglas Slough and traveled just north of Sand Mountain. Low dissolved oxygen levels were noted (apx 60%) in the Chipola. Local resident (Lockey Lake Cir, Gulf County) told us of dead fish and sewage odor in days following Hurricane Michael. He also said sheriff checked on the area promptly following storm along with the Cajun Navy from Louisiana, who brought blankets and supplies to Gulf County.
Two days were then spent on the middle Apalachicola River checking on UF’s planting research sites. Drone footage of the area was also shot. We concluded Sunday’s work with a run north to Alum Bluff to share the scenario with international students working with Dr. Chen and Dr. Mossa on the UF project.
Thank you to boat support crew volunteers Roy Ogles and Rick Zelznak.
by Georgia Ackerman, Riverkeeper & Executive Director
 
 
