Dear Crystal River Resident,

Save Crystal River (SCR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit of dedicated local citizens that have received legislative funding to restore Kings Bay to the beautiful white sandy bottom and acres of seagrass that it used to be. We are starting our third season of cleaning the bay and restoring seagrass habitat. Visit KingsBayRestorationProject.com to learn all about this amazing process.  This year, we will be cleaning approximately 4 acres of canals in the Three Sister Springs area.

What’s Going On in Your Neighborhood?

You can expect to see a vacuum system removing the Lyngbya and muck off the bottom. This material is then transported to a filtration system where the water will be cleaned and then returned. After the canal is cleaned, you will see Sea & Shoreline planting native eel grasses. Some of the grass will be placed in cages for 1 year to prevent manatees from eating the plants before the roots are established. These cages will be monitored and cleaned monthly for the next year.

What to expect: Sea & Shoreline and Adams Construction will be using the property behind SunTrust bank and the lot will be restored upon conclusion of this project. We expect to begin vacuuming by June 14. You may be asked to move your boat so we can clean under your dock but you will be contacted ahead of time. If you have questions or concerns you can call Howard Miller with Adams Construction (727-692-3957) or Dr. Sivilich with Save Crystal River (352- 257-6359).

How You Can Help:  Remember SPRINGS

Save — Help protect the hard work and new eelgrass plants by avoiding the use of boat anchors and watch for prop damage in these grass beds.

Protect — Volunteer with SCR and help make a difference!

Research — Visit KingsBayRestorationProject.com and learn more.

Interest – Help us gain interest from local and state leaders. Write letters of support to your local newspaper and also send them to SCR!  We need all of the help and support we can get to raise awareness and receive additional funding for this project.

Never – Use fertilizer on your lawns that back up to the water. Algae grows when Nitrogen is plentiful in the water.

Give — Donate to SCR to help us reach our goal of a clean Kings Bay by 2023 – Crystal River’s 100th birthday.

Share — Talk to your friends and neighbors – Spread the word about protecting the seagrass & helping SCR. Like and Share our Facebook Page @SaveCrystalRiver.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.  A healthy ecosystem for all species and residents is on its way!

Sincerely,

Dr. Michelle Sivilich, Executive Director                                                                            Save Crystal River

Dr.MichelleSivilich@SaveCrystalRiver.com                                                                       P.O. Box 2258

(352) 257-6359                                                                                                                   Crystal River, FL 34423