For example, there are many marine species which are impacted by the waters, sediments, and nutrients of the St. Also, federal designation will be less likely to be biased towards large developers and the agriculture. I would suggest you examine the recent recovery of the Bald Eagle. Additionally, most of the arguments against the river being designated a National Heritage Waterways reek of knee-jerk politics, and offer little substance. Besides, do you really think the nature of a federal beurocrat or politician is any different then at the state or local level.
Natural resources know no political boundaries.
In spite of the drainage basin being entirely within the state of Florida, the ecological consequences of a polluted St. Johns have much larger ramifications. For example, there are many marine species which are impacted by the waters, sediments, and nutrients of the St. Also, federal designation will be less likely to be biased towards large developers and the agriculture. I would suggest you examine the recent recovery of the Bald Eagle.