July 14, 2019—Today we conducted a visual survey of a section of Apalachicola River. We launched at Gaskin Landing in Wewahitchka (Gulf County) and traveled north to Estiffanulga Landing (Liberty County). While I didn’t capture a good picture, numerous Barbour’s map turtles and other turtle species were spotted basking on tree limbs near banks. Other pictures from the day are here.
We also planted more willow stakes on a point bar (sandbar) north of Wewahitchka, as part of a UF restoration research project. Thank you, AR volunteer, Rick Zelznak for planting work and gathering drone footage at this site on several occasions.
Of serious concern, presently seven proposed oil drilling applications are being considered by FL DEP in the Apalachicola River watershed between the Dead Lakes, Chipola River and Apalachicola River. Calhoun County (Cholla Petroleum applications) and Gulf County (Spooner Petroleum application) residents can also contact their county commission members regarding permitting process on land use for oil drilling. 
In visiting with a family fishing from the banks at Gaskin Landing, we were told there was a bass tournament in the area. If you know more on the results or have a personal fishing update, we’re interested in hearing about it. You can reach us at [email protected] or 850-653-8936
Georgia Ackerman is Riverkeeper and Executive Director of Apalachicola Riverkeeper, a member of Waterkeepers Florida and the international Waterkeeper Alliance.