Barcelo & Company Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for Ocklawaha Restoration

Key Poll Findings

.1 Responders demonstrate a solid understanding of challenges facing the Ocklawaha and St. Johns rivers.

2. The initial survey question shows 77% general approval of restoring the flow of the Ocklawaha River. Those against was only 6% and no opinion 17%.

3, Responders ranked six statements regarding what would make them more or less likely to support restoration of the flow of the Ocklawaha River. Scores were high at 84%-76%.

Aging locks and dam result in catastrophic downstream flooding– 84%
Reduce herbicide spraying, muck build-up, and weed blockages– 82%
Benefit submerged grasses, improve water quality and fish habitat – 80%
Access to the Ocklawaha and Silver Springs for manatees – 79%
Provide essential habitat for manatees and historic fish populations – 78%
Expand recreation and tourism and improve economy – 76%

4. After benefits messages were ranked, responders’ general approval of restoring the flow of the Ocklawaha River rose from 77% to 81%.

The results come on the heels of a St. Johns River Water Management District fall survey where more than 85% of the nearly 10,000 state and national survey participants supported restoration of the Ocklawaha River by breaching the Rodman/Kirkpatrick Dam when asked - “What would you like to see happen with the Rodman Reservoir and Kirkpatrick Dam moving forward?” Only 5.9% were clearly in favor of retaining the Kirkpatrick Dam and Rodman Reservoir.

“Barcelo & Company’s findings provide a scientific poll that demonstrates wide-spread, bi-partisan support for one of the most significant restoration projects in Florida today. Where else do you see 77% agreement on any issue facing Floridians?”

Margaret Spontak, Chair,
Free the Ocklawaha River Coalition for Everyone

Note: Those responding to the poll include 54% Republicans, 34% Democrats and 11% no party affiliation.

For a copy of the report go to https://www.freetheocklawaha.com/pollfinal/

The Barcelo scientific poll validated the SJRWMD survey results and demonstrates that a majority of likely voters in Marion and Putnam counties, who have the most at stake, support restoration. Marion and Putnam counties, support a free-flowing Ocklawaha River. The Barcelo Ocklawaha Restoration Benchmark Poll was funded by The River Branch Foundation on behalf of the Free the Ocklawaha River Coalition for Everyone.