MYAKKA River
State Park - Florida (South-west)
The Sunshine State of the United States is definitely one of the most popular places with a fast growing rate of inhabitants, snowbirds and tourists but now the settlement endangers the balance of nature that recreation parks and nature protection parks are necessary to protect the unique flora and wild animals. The Myacca River State Park in South West Florida is one of these areas where tourists can show up to learn and to understand wildlife and nature. (Interview with Jessica K. Sims, by D. Rowehl)
Autona: Many tourists from Germany visit South West Florida and don't know that much about the state parks. It's more about beaches and fun parks in Orlando. Can you introduce the Myakka River State Park in a couple of sentences?
MRSP: One of the oldest and largest state parks in Florida, Myakka River State Park protects one of the state’s most diverse natural areas. The Myakka River, designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, flows through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, hammocks and pinelands. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing from a boardwalk that stretches out over the Upper Myakka Lake, then take to the treetops with a stroll along the canopy walkway. The park’s river and two lakes provide ample opportunities for boating, freshwater fishing, canoeing and kayaking; a boat ramp provides access to Upper Myakka Lake. Hikers can explore trails that cross large expanses of rare Florida dry prairie. Full-facility campgrounds and primitive campsites are available. Five palm log cabins, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, have been modernized for comfortable lodging.
Autona: Especially in Florida the number of inhabitants is still rising. In which way does the population endanger the wild life?
MRSP: Florida’s native wildlife thrives within state parks, as demonstrated by 94 percent of Florida’s rarest species and communities represented on state park lands. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recently released a report analyzing the effects of population growth on Florida’s wildlife. To view the report, visit http://myfwc.com/CONSERVATION/FWC2060_index.htm#
Autona: You also offer camping and some events in the state park. Is this a way to teach people to be in accord with the nature?
MRSP: Part of the mission of the Florida Park Service is to interpret the state’s natural and cultural resources in order to educate visitors about the history of natural Florida and the significance of preserving it for future generations. At Myakka River State Park, scenic lake tours are offered daily on the world’s two largest airboats, safari tram tours of the park’s backcountry are offered from mid-December through May and other special events are held at various times throughout the year. Overnight guests are also invited to attend nature walks and night time ranger programs to learn what’s special about Myakka’s wild places.
Autona: What kind of events do you have?
MRSP: Myakka Wildlife Tours offers airboat tours on the Upper Myakka Lake and tram tours into the back country of the park; rangers present nature walks, park programs and birding classes during the winter season; and Myakka Friends provide special nature adventure classes January through May.
Autona: I read that the Myacca River is the home of many endangered birds and alligators? Are there also manatees in the river?
MRSP: Manatees swim in the lower portions of the wild and scenic Myakka River closer to Charlotte Harbor, but generally are not seen as far north as the state park boundaries.
Autona: What kind of programs do you arrange to save different species in the park? Do you also support the breeding of different animals?
MRSP: The Florida Park Service is committed to protecting, preserving and restoring representative portions of original Florida. Park personnel use active resource management tools like prescribed fire, restoration mowing, roller chopping and hydrological restoration while controlling exotic and invasive species. Caring for the land is the best way to ensure the health and survival of its inhabitants.
Redakteur: Dennis Rowehl
© 2009
