WMBB News 13 - The Panhandle's News LeaderRain Raises Rivers in Jackson Co.

The month of February is bringing some much needed rain to the Panhandle, and Jackson County is seeing the benefits.

"The drought that we had been in had all the local farm ponds, the streams, the rivers, even the Mill pond was down because we just had not had the local rain like we needed," explains Chuck Hatcher, the Director of Jackson County Parks and Recreation.

So far this year, the rainfall totals for Jackson County is right on track. Just last weekend the area received nearly five inches of rain, helping not only a previous deficit but the water levels as well.

"Locally we had any where from four to six inches of rain which helped the river levels. They've been low all year but this is going to help fill up all the streams and creeks and ponds," says Hatcher.

Last Thursday, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department reported levels of just over 6 feet for the Chipola River, which is actually its normal level. With this weekends rain, the river measured out to nearly ten feet on Tuesday.

"With the local rain, that will help the river levels getting higher, which will help easier passage down the Chipola River with canoes and even down Spring Creek," says Hatcher. "The water levels being higher is much easier. Last year it was kind of difficult navigating the river and the creek because it was so low."

And those who use the water for recreation say even the fish are biting. "It made it healthier to the fish. Because we've been catching quite [a lot] today," says Pyles.

With the Meritt's Mill Pond draw down, Chuck Hatcher says, this rain will help the water fill back up quicker. @