Board approves purchase of 4,900 acres to protect Silver Springs PALATKA, Fla., Sept. 8, 2015 -- The St. Johns River Water Management District's Governing Board on Sept. 8 approved the acquisition of nearly 4,900 acres in Marion County that will protect Silver Springs and the Silver and Ocklawaha rivers. The property, called Silver Springs Forest, is located directly north of Silver Continue Reading about Board approves purchase of 4,900 acres to protect Silver Springs