The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), as well as Acceler8 Everglades Now, a stepped-up series of projects, together represent an ambitious federal/state undertaking to restore and preserve South Florida's natural ecosystems, while enhancing water supplies and flood control. The CERP involves a review of the region's water management system known as the Central & Southern Florida, or CS&F, Project, first authorized by Congress in 1948, to provide many benefits to a growing region. Approximately 1,800 miles of canals and levees, primary water control structures, pumping stations, navigational locks and impounded water storage areas make up the C&SF Project. The purposes of the project include: flood control, water supply, water management, preservation of fish and wildlife, recreation, navigation and the prevention of saltwater intrusion. In short, this project makes it possible for close to seven million people to live and work here today, in the 18,000 square mile area which extends from south of Orlando to Florida Bay.
For decades the project has performed its authorized functions well. However, this huge man-made system has had unintended effects on the natural environment including the Everglades, Lake Okeechobee, the coastal estuaries and Florida Bay. When designed in the early 1950s, we knew much less about the environment than we do today. In addition, South Florida's population has grown larger than expected - straining the ability of the system to perform its intended functions. It's 50 years old now, and it's time to update our regional water-management system to serve us for the next 50 years.
CERP was commissioned to look at the environmental consequences of the original construction and to find alternatives to restore/protect some of the natural ecological systems. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the District are leading this effort. The Governor's Commission for a Sustainable South Florida along with many other state and federal agencies, the Seminole and Miccosukee Tribes, local governments, drainage districts, private interests and others are providing input to the plan's development. This restoration is crucial to Martin and St. Lucie counties, and to all those living along the east coast of Florida, as it will help protect and enhance the region's water supplies, enabling us to meet the needs of today's population as well as the millions of people expected to move here in the coming years.
Both the problems with declining ecosystem health and the solutions to Everglades restoration can be framed by four interrelated factors: quantity, quality, timing, and distribution of water. The principal goal of restoration is to deliver the right amount of water, of the right quality, to the right places, and at the right time. The natural environment will respond to these hydrologic improvements, and we will once again see a healthy Everglades ecosystem. The Comprehensive Plan consists of over 60 components that work together to accomplish this.
Big Cypress Basin
Projects
