The Wekiva River System is located within central Florida, including parts of Lake, Orange, and Seminole counties. The river system is just north of Orlando, one of Florida’s principal metropolitan areas with a rapidly growing population. The system is unique with its second magnitude springs, blackwater streams, creeks, runs, and more. It is a riverine oasis in this urbanized area of central Florida.
The Wekiva River together with Wekiwa Springs Run, Rock Springs Run and Black Water Creek were designated by the United States Congress as a National Wild and Scenic River in October 2000. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act states that in order for a river to be eligible for designation it must be “free-flowing” and must possess one or more “outstandingly remarkable” values.
Sharing information about manatee sightings on the Wild and Scenic Wekiva River contributes to the conservation efforts for these gentle creatures. By reporting sightings, citizens help in tracking the manatee population, understanding their migration patterns, and identifying their most frequented habitats. This information is vital for researchers and conservationists in creating effective protection plans and ensuring safe environments for manatees.
The Wekiva River system is a nationally treasured landscape and outstanding scenic resource that offers many opportunities to experience a unique part of natural Florida. Please help us to enjoy and protect this resource with our local “Paddle Wekiva” guide to canoeing and kayaking opportunities all along our beautiful river system.
The Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System Management Plan serves as the basis for protecting a designated river’s values to ensure the river will be protected in perpetuity for future generations to enjoy. The Management Plan was developed by the Wekiva River System Advisory Management Committee (AMC) in collaboration with the National Park Service (NPS) to fulfill this enabling legislation requirement. Originally created in 2012, the plan was given a comprehensive update in 2023.
River Ambassadors fill critical roles on behalf of the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System Management Advisory Committee, providing essential visitor services and supporting an “on the water” stewardship program. These vounteer positions include:
Since 1999, Jaime has served as an Outdoor Recreation and Community Planner
for the National Park Service, Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) Program. As the
Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers Coordinator for the Region, she provides coordination, technical
support, and financial assistance administration to designated Rivers. In addition, she provides outreach and technical assistance to interested groups on the wild and scenic river partnership designation process and provides assistance on study rivers. She also serves as the Designated Federal Officer (DFO) for the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River System.
Prior to her work with the National Park Service, Jaime served as the Public Affairs Director and as a Project Manager for the Sarasota Bay National Estuary Program (SBNEP). She also worked for the state of Florida Coastal Management Program. Prior to the state, she worked for the Nature Conservancy
where she specialized in grassroots organizing and legislative issues. She began her career in
environmental resource management at the Collier Conservancy, in Naples, Florida, where she worked on land acquisition programs to restore hydrologic flow to the Everglades.
