To: The People of Florida, State and Local Authorities, and Environmental Agencies

 

We, the undersigned, call for the removal of outdated dams in Florida, such as the George Kirkpatrick Dam on the Ocklawaha River, to restore ecological balance, honor biblical stewardship of creation, and promote economic prosperity. These dams, while once serving a purpose, now hinder environmental health, waste taxpayer money, and conflict with our moral responsibility to care for God’s creation.

Biblical Mandate for Stewardship
The Bible teaches us to care for creation as stewards of God’s earth. Genesis 2:15 states that humanity is tasked to “work it and take care of it.” Theologians like N.T. Wright and Douglas Moo emphasize that environmental stewardship is central to Christian ethics. Dams that disrupt ecosystems and harm biodiversity violate this sacred duty. The Reformed tradition also highlights the importance of justice, including environmental justice, as part of God’s kingdom. By removing these dams, we fulfill our responsibility to restore rivers to their natural state, reflecting God’s design.

Ecological Benefits
1. Restoration of Natural Ecosystems: Removing dams like the Kirkpatrick Dam would allow rivers such as the Ocklawaha to flow freely again. This would improve water quality, reestablish natural sediment movement, and restore fish migration patterns critical for species like sturgeon and shad[1][5].
2. Wildlife Recovery: Dam removal supports the recovery of native aquatic species and reconnects fragmented habitats. For example, studies show that free-flowing rivers lead to healthier fish populations and improved biodiversity[5].
3. Climate Resilience: Stagnant reservoirs behind dams emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Removing these structures lowers water temperatures and improves oxygen levels, creating a more climate-resilient ecosystem[2].

Economic Advantages
1. Cost Savings: Maintaining aging dams is expensive. Removal is often 3–5 times cheaper than repair or ongoing maintenance[2]. For instance, removing the Kirkpatrick Dam would cost $20–25 million but eliminate future maintenance expenses[1].
2. Job Creation: Dam removal projects generate significant local economic activity. A study on California's Eel River found that every $1 million spent on dam removal created nine jobs in construction and related sectors[3]. Similar benefits could be realized in Florida.
3. Boosting Recreation and Tourism: Restored rivers attract anglers, kayakers, and eco-tourists. Free-flowing rivers like the Ocklawaha could become hubs for outdoor recreation, benefiting local economies in rural areas[2][4].

Case Study: The Southeast
The Southeast has seen successful dam removals that revitalized local economies and ecosystems:
- In North Carolina’s Little Tennessee River Basin, dam removal led to a resurgence in fish populations and increased tourism revenue.
- In Georgia’s Chattahoochee River system, dam removal improved water quality while reducing flood risks.

Florida can follow these examples by breaching outdated structures like the Kirkpatrick Dam to restore the Ocklawaha River from Silver Springs to the St. Johns River[4].

Call to Action
We urge Florida’s leaders to:
- Prioritize ecological restoration by deauthorizing outdated dams.
- Allocate resources for dam removal projects that generate long-term economic benefits.
- Honor our biblical mandate by caring for creation through responsible stewardship.

By signing this petition, we affirm our commitment to a healthier environment, a stronger economy, and a future aligned with our moral values.

Let us act now—for our rivers, our communities, and our shared responsibility as stewards of God’s creation.

Sincerely,

A Concerned Citizen 

Citations:
[1] https://www.enr.com/articles/41159-petition-boosts-push-to-remove-deauthorized-florida-dam
[2] https://oars3rivers.org/the-case-for-dam-removal/
[3] https://caltrout.org/news/new-study-shows-eel-river-dam-removal-would-benefit-local-economy
[4] https://sites.google.com/site/ocklawahamanpaulnoscareports/petition-free-the-ocklawaha-river-by-the-breaching-of-rodman-dam
[5] https://www.americanrivers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/EcologyOfDamRemovalcf24.pdf
[6] https://www.bayareaeconomy.org/files/pdf/BACEI-PotterValley-Feb2023-FINAL.pdf
[7] https://www.change.org/p/save-the-manatee-breach-the-rodman-kirkpatrick-dam-in-central-florida
[8] https://www.tighebond.com/ecological-benefits-of-dam-removal-flowing-water-healthier-streams/
[9] https://www.hrwc.org/wp-content/uploads/Headwaters_Economics-Summary-Dam-Removal-Case-Studies.pdf