The Econlockhatchee River is a blackwater river located in Osceola, Orange and Seminole counties that is designated as an Outstanding Florida Water. Also known as the Econ, the river is the second largest tributary to the St. Johns River, and includes a watershed area of 173,143 acres. The mouth of the Econlockhatchee River is located at the extreme southern end of the middle St. Johns River, or in the northern-flowing St. Johns River where the river’s middle basin and the upper basin converge. Until the 1970s, grazing and agriculture, primarily citrus groves, were the main activities around the Econlockhatchee. Most of the development in the Econlockhatchee’s watershed began after the state’s water management districts put stormwater management rules in place.
However, the area around the Little Econlockhatchee River, a tributary of the Econlockhatchee, was developed prior to stormwater management rules and faces many water quality challenges. Much of the natural river’s floodplain was filled and paved, and many miles of the Little Econ River have been channelized, creating a network of ditches that convey runoff from metro Orlando. Water quality in the Little Econlockhatchee River degraded during the 1970s when more than 8 million gallons of treated wastewater were pumped into the river each day, a practice that has since ceased. Untreated storm water and runoff from intensive land uses continue to degrade the Econlockhatchee River today. In addition, the combination of poorly drained soils, flat terrain and densely packed development in the basin have created flooding concerns.
The related web page, contains more specific information in order to complete this EarthCache. It is not large but will be needed to answer the questions correctly along with making observations at the location.
Do not log this cache without first sending your answers or your find will unfortunately be deleted!
In order to log this as a find you must email the following answers to me at the email or message link above.
Major tributaries, or smaller streams and rivers that flow into the St. Johns River, include the Wekiva River, the Econlockhatchee River and the Ocklawaha River.
There is no right or wrong answer, the main function of this Earthcache is to learn something about the geology of this area. . Thank you for visiting my Earthcache.
1) Using your GPS, what is the elevation at this location?
2) Face north west from the GZ, there is a very unique natural item over the river. What do you believe is distance from the water surface to the bottom of that and what is that unique item?
3) Based on the provided reference, how do you believe this river was formed?
4) Through observation, throw a twig or grass into the river (please do not throw paper or trash) and note its direction. What direction does the river flow at this location?
5) Based on the reference how long is the Econlockhatchee river?
6) OPTIONAL Please post a picture of yourself or group with the river in the background.
Thank you for doing this EarthCache and lesson. I hope you enjoyed this effort.
