Additonal Tips

More River Friendly Tips

Ways to Be River Friendly

Properly maintain your septic tank.
National Environmental Service Center – septic tanks information and maintenance tips

Get involved in local planning decisions.

In Florida, every county and municipality is required to develop and routinely update a Comprehensive Plan to guide local growth and development. Citizens are afforded several opportunities to challenge decisions that may be inconsistent with the Growth Management Act and local government comprehensive plans.

1000 Friends of Florida
A Guide to Florida’s Planning Process and Become a “Citizen Planner”

Use your voice and vote. It is up to us to elect politicians who will represent and look out for the best interests of our river. They need to hear our concerns, and they need our support when they take a courageous stand for the river.

Scoop the poop.
Your pet’s waste can wash into waterways and contribute to the fecal bacteria pollution problem.

Maintain your vehicles and boats.
Leaking fluids, like antifreeze, oil, and gas, can wash into our waterways. Keeping your vehicles and boat motors running efficiently reduces air pollution that can end up in our river.

Drive less.
Consolidate trips, carpool and use public transportation, when possible.  The less we use our vehicles, the less air pollution we create and the less fluids that leak and wash into our river.

Flush responsibly.
Don’t flush toxic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, or cooking oils down the drain. Wastewater treatment plants are not typically designed to remove medications and chemicals.   Pharmaceuticals introduced into waterways can result in increased bacterial resistance to antibiotics and interfere with growth and reproduction in aquatic organisms such as fish and frogs.  Greases and fats clog sewer pipes and lead to sewer overflows.  Paints, household cleaners, beauty products, and auto fluids can be toxic to aquatic organisms and pollute our river.

Buy local organic produce. 
Organic farmers use less synthetic fertilizers and toxic herbicides and pesticides that can run off into our river.

Use reusable shopping bags.  Buy products with less packaging. 
Using reusable bags and purchasing less packaging, results in less trash that can end up in our river and less pollution from the manufacturing of disposable materials.

Be a Florida Friendly Angler. 
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), UF/IFAS Extension and Florida Sea Grant have teamed up to develop the Florida Friendly Angler course. This free online course is for both new and experienced anglers looking to educate themselves on fisheries management and up their fishing game by learning skills and practices that help ensure fishing opportunities for the future. Learn more and sign up for this free course.