The Sopchoppy River is the best protected river in the region. Its headwaters are the wetlands of the Apalachicola National Forest, and approximately 60 percent of this 47-mile-long river corridor is within the National Forest and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. This blackwater river has excellent water quality, and the state has designated it an Outstanding Florida Water to prevent its degradation. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture is considering designating the river as a National Wild and Scenic River, which will complement the federally designated Bradwell Bay Wilderness Area and St. Marks Wilderness Area in the National Forest and Refuge respectively. The river flows past about 100 residences and fish camps along a 10-mile stretch on either side of the town of Sopchoppy. More than two dozen archaeological sites are found along the river.

The Sopchoppy's wilderness setting and scenic qualities provide many opportunities for outdoor recreation. The river winds through a dense forest canopy, passes high sandy bluffs and limestone outcrops, and flows around white sandbars and huge bald cypress trees. It is a statedesignated canoe trail, and offers one of the few true wilderness canoeing experiences in the state. The Florida National Scenic Trail follows the rivers high sandy bluff for five miles between Oak Park Bridge and the Bradwell Bay Wilderness Area. This is one of the most popular and scenic sections of the national scenic trail in northern Florida. Swimming from the river's white sand bars is popular, as is fishing for bass, bream and catfish, especially in the lower river. Motorboats can use the river up to County Road 375 just west of the town of Sopchoppy. The area is also very popular for viewing wildlife and hunting deer, wild hog and turkey.

Growth and Development

Most of the Sopchoppy's watershed is encompassed by the public conservation lands of the Apalachicola National Forest and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Habitat fragmentation and nutrient pollution from septic systems are the biggest threats to the river. The area of most concern is the 10-mile segment above and below the town of Sopchoppy, which will continue to be a magnet for residential development.

Recommendations

Continue current land management practices in the Apalachicola National Forest and the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge which limit silvicultural and road building activities near the river.

Wakulla County and the town of Sopchoppy should consider adopting comprehensive planning policies to conserve the river's existing resources.

Pursue designation of the Sopchoppy River as a National Wild and Scenic River.

Limit the use of and control the siting of septic tanks and, in areas especially prone to pollution, limit land uses with high potential for water pollution.

RARE SPECIES FOUND ALONG THE SOPCHOPPY

The river and its corridor are home to many listed fish, wildlife and plant species including:

Animals:

Florida black bear
mole snake
Apalachicola common kingsnake
snowy egret
little blue heron
coal skink
one-toed amphiuma
tricolored heron
osprey (breeding area)
Mississippi kite (breeding area)
red-cockaded woodpecker (breeding area)

Plants:
Godfrey's blazing star
scareweed
mock pennyroyal
Venus hair fern
water sundew
green adders mouth