BROOKSVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) — Today, the new Spring Protection Zone encompassing nearly 6 miles from Rogers Park to the Weeki Wachee Springs State Park headsprings goes into effect.

The Hernando County Government, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office installed signage outlining the zone at Roger’s Park in front of the news media.

The zone prohibits anchoring, beaching, grounding, and mooring vessels (not including most tubes and rafts).

The Springs Protection Zone is designed to protect the river’s ecology and does not impact activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and floating on a raft or tube, according to Hernando County officials.

The new zone law will be enforced by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and FWC and violators will be subject to a $140 fine.