Rocky River Watershed Project Quite A Success!
During 2009, the St. Joe County Conservation District completed the final year of a three year DEQ 319 grant called the Rocky River Watershed Implementation Project. We extend our gratitude to all of our local business and government partners who helped make the implementation of the Rocky River Watershed Management Plan such a success. Because we worked so cohesively well together, our last year’s efforts focused on real, hands on projects to improve the condition of the Rocky River. 
Null Road-Rocky River crossing -- Before Null Road-Rocky River crossing -- After
This past summer, we stabilized the Null Road-Rocky River crossing utilizing contemporary best management practices and a water conveyance system that maintained its use for recreational purposes. A complete renovation project at Scidmore Park Zoo included expanding pasture areas, digging ponds in each of the new paddocks, seeding the exposed hillside, installing gutters on the barn, moving the zoo animals away from the Rocky River, filling in the existing sediment basin, and creating a 4,600 square foot bioswale to intercept runoff and treat contaminated water.
Before: fecal matter leached into the Rocky River After: contaminants are contained
The Rocky River Watershed project brought St. Joe County $207,328 in grant funds from the State and federal government, along with $94,395.67 in local contributions. Thank you St. Joe county!