Reviving the River of Grass
On June 24, 2008, Governor Charlie Crist announced that the South Florida Water Management District will begin negotiating an agreement to acquire as much as 187,000 acres of agricultural land in the Everglades Agricultural Area. The vast tracts would be used to reestablish a part of the historic connection between Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades to protect Florida's coastal estuaries and revive, restore and preserve the fabled River of Grass... More information >
"The Everglades ecological system not only contributes to South Florida's water supply, flood control, and recreation, but serves as the habitat for diverse species of wildlife and plant life. The system is unique in the world and one of Florida's great treasures. The Everglades ecological system is endangered as a result of adverse changes in water quality, and in the quantity, distribution, and timing of flows, and, therefore, must be restored and protected."
"The Everglades ecosystem must be restored both in terms of water quality and water quantity and must be preserved and protected in a manner that is long term and comprehensive."
~ The Everglades Forever Act (Florida Statute No. 373.4922)
Federal legislation, beginning in 2000, created the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). Popularly known as "The Journey to Restore America's Everglades," this partnership of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Florida Water Management District and many other federal, state, local and tribal partners is working in concert with the state legislation.
In the time since these and other state and federal legislation were enacted, substantial progress has been made. Many projects have been completed -- on time and under budget -- leading to significant milestones in this huge restoration effort.
Local Contacts
SFWMD Service Centers (Okeechobee, Orlando, Ft. Myers, Naples, Martin/St. Lucie, Broward, Miami-Dade, Fl. Keys)
Northern Everglades
Reviving the River of Grass
