JU Prof. Oldakowski presents river poll results at Environmental Symposium

Dr. Ray Oldakowski, professor of geography at Jacksonville University, presented the findings of JU’s St. Johns River Poll at the City of Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board Environmental Symposium on Aug. 23 at the University of North Florida Adam Herbert University Center.

Conducted last November, the poll found that most Jacksonville residents do not get to enjoy the river for boating, fishing, and swimming. Oldakowski and co-principal investigator Dr. Quinton White, executive director of JU’s Marine Science Research Institute, are seeking funding to conduct the survey annually.

“We think a survey that gauges the opinions and behaviors of those who live along the St. Johns River should be a standard component of the annual river report. It will help the city to evaluate whether it is meeting the needs of residents in terms of providing access to the river,” Oldakowski said.