Crystal River, FL – After decades of decline, the Rainbow River’s rocky bottom is returning, thanks to a restoration project. The nearly six-mile river, which begins at Rainbow Springs and flows into the Withlacoochee River near the Dunnellon Trail Bridge, has been choked with invasive species of aquatic plant called hydrilla and black muck. Divers have been vacuuming away the accumulated material, exposing a hard sandy bottom that many people say they have not seen in decades.
The project, led by Deryck Langford, project manager for Sea & Shoreline, aims to remove the organic material, including hydrilla, that is choking out native grasses and live eelgrass from the river. The company is currently conducting a small test phase, and depending on the results, a larger project covering more of the river is possible in the future. The restoration project mirrors a muck-vacuuming plan in Kings Bay.
The project involves using a large, porous bag to collect water and organic material, which is then separated, and the water is returned to the Rainbow River. Jimmy Mason, Sea and Shoreline Aquatic Restoration land supervisor, uses a PVC pipe to dislodge material that is clogging the bag. The project is methodical, technical, and closer to operating a giant underwater vacuum cleaner than a dredging operation.
The restoration of the Rainbow River is a significant step towards preserving one of Florida’s most famous spring-fed systems. The river is a popular destination for kayakers and tourists, and its restoration will help to maintain its natural beauty and ecosystem.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
