Fanning Springs in Levy County is a second magnitude spring located in the Suwannee River Water Management District. It is designated as an Outstanding Florida Spring. Fanning was historically a first magnitude spring, but its discharge decreased to the second magnitude in the 1990s. The spring pool has steep sand and limestone banks and several small spring seeps flow into the pool from the banks. The shallow portions of the spring pool have native aquatic grass, and there is an abundance of ferns and moss on the slopes, pines and hardwoods on the higher grounds, and cypress and gum trees on both sides of the run. Some wildlife that can be spotted around the spring include white-tailed deer, red-shouldered hawks, pileated woodpecker, and barred owls. Aquatic life that has been present include musk turtles, bass, mullet, freshwater flounder, bowfin, and manatees. The spring ecosystem is seriously impaired due to elevated nitrate levels. Recreational opportunities that are available are boating, camping, fishing, hiking, paddling, swimming/snorkeling, and scuba diving at Fanning Springs State Park.