A three-day conference on the Apalachicola River basin and its eco-system is underway at Florida State University.
The first day of the event (Wednesday, 3/14) focused on the many natural wonders unique to the area. Speakers included botanists, zoologists and hydrologists. All describing a delicately interlocked system of animals, plants and geology that can’t be found anywhere else. Tommy Thompson, a paddle sportsman who knows the Apalachicola well, was still impressed by what he heard.
“We just have to be aware of how important this entire eco-system is for the region, not just the river. People pay good money to do what we do every day here and live in this beautiful place,” he remarked during a conference break.
The conference wraps up Friday with an extended discussion of old and new threats to that eco-system that might be reduced by better decisions on the part of both the public and private sectors.
