Some good news, some bad for St. Johns River

A new report says development and the spread of non-native wildlife are all increasing strains on the health of the St. Johns River, which runs through the north part of the state.

The report released Friday by researchers from Jacksonville University, the University of North Florida and Florida Southern College in Lakeland says that some changes are helping the river, such as lower levels in some areas of a chemical that feeds algae blooms. Falling amounts of metals in the St. Johns’ main stem and better oxygen levels in creeks that drain into the St. Johns were also positive changes.