Why It Matters: Rodman Reservoir, constructed in 1968, is a 9,500-acre reservoir in Northeast Florida and is one of the foremost premiere largemouth bass fisheries in the world. For decades, there have been unfounded efforts by environmentalists to destroy Rodman Reservoir in favor of “restoring” the Ocklawaha River with no clearly defined goals or objectives, jeopardizing a staple of the recreational fishing community.
Highlights:
- Contained within Senate Bill 2500, which is the state’s budget bill, section 1525B would have appropriated $6.25 million to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to develop a plan to restore the Ocklawaha River, which includes the destruction of Rodman Reservoir.
- There was no accompanying authorizing legislation, and it was unclear as to how the proposed appropriation would have been spent and what the long-term goals of the provision hoped to achieve other than an unspecified goal of “partial restoration.”
- On June 18, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) submitted comments to Governor DeSantis’ office requesting a line-item veto of 1525B.
- On June 30, Governor DeSantis vetoed 1525B.
While Rodman Reservoir does control the flow of water in the Ocklawaha, it doesn’t shut the flow down completely, and the operation of the dam can ensure that historic, natural flows are maintained downstream. Destroying the dam would have killed a top bass fishing destination in Florida, but it would also likely would have required further taxpayer dollars to support long-term restoration efforts that likely would not achieve any appreciable environmental gains beyond the current functions of the reservoir.
Further, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, freshwater fishing in Florida has a $1.7 billion impact. Additionally, Florida’s anglers generate over $64 million in funding for conservation through the “user pays, public benefits” structure of the American System of Conservation Funding. Rodman Reservoir is a key piece of freshwater fishing in Florida, so removing it would result in not only a negative impact to the recreational fishing industry itself, but also state and local economies.
CSF’s letter to Governor DeSantis stated “Since its creation in 1968, Rodman Reservoir has become one of the nation’s most celebrated largemouth bass destinations. Frequently found on the list of “Hall of Fame Club” waterbodies producing 13-pound fish or larger in FWC’s TrophyCatch program, it stands as a jewel for anglers. Over its long history, the reservoir has provided countless families and outdoor enthusiasts with unforgettable experiences, whether from a kayak or a bass boat. Removing it would erase local heritage and well-established economic benefits to area businesses such as bait shops, hotels, rental properties, restaurants, and more.”
Rather than a vague plan, CSF encourages supporters of restoring the Ocklawaha River restoration to work with local constituents and governments to jointly develop a plan based on clearly defined goals and objectives that benefit the river and Rodman Reservoir. CSF thanks Governor DeSantis for protecting this important fishery.
