As a lifelong Jacksonville resident and passionate sportsman, I understand the
deep connection between our waterways, local communities and economy.

For more than 50 years, the Kirkpatrick Dam — a remnant of the halted Cross Florida Barge
Canal — has undermined our local fishery. This has lead to the loss of submerged aquatic
vegetation and restricted the flow of freshwater and nutrients vital to the hundred-milelong St. Johns River estuary…