This month marks a major turning point for the future of the Rainbow River. After years of planning, scientific review, and regulatory scrutiny, One Rake at a Time, Inc. has officially received both Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) permits and from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Permits to move forward with the start of river restoration.
For those who have followed this project closely, this moment has been a long time coming. For others, it may seem like just another permit announcement. But in reality, these approvals represent something far greater: confidence from state and federal agencies that this restoration work is necessary, carefully designed, and environmentally responsible.
For years, One Rake at a Time has focused on manual hand-raking of invasive Hydrilla, removing massive amounts of plant material from the river. That work has made a visible difference. Sections of the river once choked with invasive growth have opened up, allowing water to flow more freely and sunlight to reach native plants. But hand-raking alone cannot solve the deeper problem.
Beneath the visible plants lies decades of accumulated displaced sediment — often referred to as “muck.” This nutrient-rich layer continues to fuel invasive growth, even after plants are removed. As long as that sediment remains, the river remains vulnerable.
The newly approved permits allow One Rake at a Time to finally address that root cause.
With these authorizations in place, the project can now incorporate diver-assisted vacuuming, a precise, low-impact method that gently removes displaced sediment from targeted areas of the river bottom. This work will be performed by Sea & Shoreline Aquatic Restoration, an experienced contractor specializing in environmentally sensitive aquatic restoration.
This is not dredging. It is not large-scale disturbance. It is a carefully controlled process carried out by trained divers using specialized equipment to remove sediment without harming surrounding habitat. The material is collected, processed, and removed from the river system — not redistributed downstream.
Receiving both DEP and Army Corps approvals means that the project has passed a rigorous review process. These agencies evaluate impacts to water quality, wildlife, submerged lands, and public resources. They impose strict conditions on how, when, and where work can occur. The fact that these permits were granted speaks volumes about the care and diligence behind the restoration plan.
Equally important are the environmental protections built into the project. Work is timed and monitored to protect fish, turtles, and other wildlife. Native vegetation is preserved, and restoration boundaries are clearly defined and regulated. Oversight and compliance are not optional — they are fundamental.
One Rake at a Time’s approach also reflects a broader philosophy: avoid chemical treatments whenever possible. While herbicides can kill invasive plants, they leave nutrients behind and contribute to additional organic buildup as dead material decomposes. Manual and diver-assisted methods physically remove both plants and sediment, addressing the problem at its source rather than masking symptoms.
This milestone did not happen overnight. It is the result of persistence, data collection, agency coordination, and the patience of a community that has repeatedly asked, “When will the next phase begin?” Now, at last, there is an answer.
The significance of these permits extends beyond a single project area. They represent a pathway toward long-term restoration — one that aims to reestablish native eelgrass, reduce reliance on chemical treatments, and create conditions where the river can sustain itself with minimal intervention.
As One Rake at a Time prepares to mobilize this phase, transparency and public education remain central priorities. Community members, volunteers, and stakeholders deserve to understand what is being done, why it matters, and how it is being responsibly managed. Stay tuned for some public meetings early in 2026.
The Rainbow River is a shared resource, and its protection requires collaboration, trust, and thoughtful action. This month’s permit approvals are more than a green light — they are a statement that careful, science-based restoration is not only possible, but supported.
After years of groundwork, the river can finally be restored all the way to the bottom.
Thank you,
Art Jones