Paddle Florida Week-Long Excursion Highlights Suwannee River Wilderness Trail

WHITE SPRINGS ? Today marks the start of the fourth Paddle Florida river expedition along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Hosted by the Suwannee River Water Management District and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection?s (DEP) Florida Park Service, the week-long excursion, which begins today at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, allows outdoor enthusiasts to wind through 123 miles by canoe or kayak. The trip winds down on October 22 at Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland.

?This fourth paddlefest along the 170-mile Suwannee River Wilderness Trail is an excellent opportunity for Floridians and visitors to become emerged in natural Florida,? said Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock. ?We are pleased to partner with Paddle Florida and the Suwannee River Water Management District to take part in this event which fosters an appreciation for Florida?s natural and cultural resources and a desire to work toward a more sustainable future.?

The Paddle Florida adventure, which began in March 2008, encourages all levels of paddlers to experience the Suwannee River while highlighting the importance of protecting and restoring Florida?s river resources. Roughly 60 paddlers are participating in this river excursion, averaging 17 miles per day, and camping on the banks of Florida?s Suwannee River. Paddlers will experience ?the Real FloridaSM at stops located in four state parks along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, including:
? Suwannee River State Park
? Lafayette Blue Springs State Park
? Fanning Springs State park
? Manatee Springs State Park

?Paddle Florida wouldn't be possible without the support and generosity of the Florida Park Service,? said Paddle Florida coordinator Bill Richards. ?This is our second fall event. Each time the Suwannee river environment provides a different experience, and it just seems to get better with each event.?

The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation?s best state park service, Florida?s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 160 parks, which are open 365 days a year. Florida?s state parks, which span more than 700,000 acres and include 100 miles of sandy white beach, provide an affordable outing for people of all ages.

To learn more about Florida?s state parks, visit www.floridastateparks.org or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/FLStateParks. 

For more information about the Paddle Florida adventure, visit www.paddleflorida.org. For more information about the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, visit www.floridastateparks.org/wilderness/.