Ecosystem Restoration

Estuaries, lakes, rivers and wetlands are all part of the greater Everglades system. Each ecosystem represents a unique management challenge.

Positive change in one system can have positive, or negative impacts on other systems -- because the waters of the region are interconnected and interdependent.

Why Restore Ecosystems?

Most of the more than six and a half million people now living and working in central and southern Florida are living atop lands that once were a part of that vast, sprawling and interconnected ecosystem; known as the greater Kissimmee-Okeecbobee-Everglades ecosystem. We all have had an impact on this system, which today is about half its original size, and is threatened by habitat loss and pollution, as well as by changes made in where, when and how water flows through the system.

The system's healthy functioning is viewed by many as essential to preserving a unique environmental legacy: plants and animals found in few other places which also is responsible for creating an environment beloved by people, and an abundance of clean water for all. That's why Florida and the federal government are committed to restoring and preserving ecosystems throughout the region.

Restoring Ecosystems: A Big & Complex Job

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is working to restore ecosystems all across the central and southern Florida region. A big part of these efforts falls under the umbrella of Florida's Everglades Forever Act (Florida Statute No. 373.4922) and the federal Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). CERP, also known as "The Journey to Restore America's Everglades," is being led by the SFWMD and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), in partnership with many other federal, state, local and tribal groups: all working together to realize the goals of state and federal legislation aimed at Everglades restoration.

In the time since these and other state and federal legislation were enacted, a great deal of progress has been made: in the long-term process of restoring ecosystems large and small, throughout the region. Restoration initiatives are targeting the Everglades, the Kissimmee River region, Lake Okeechobee, the Indian River Lagoon, Biscayne Bay and Florida Bay, and much more.

Watershed Management - includes information about major watersheds, including the Kissimmee, Okeechobee, Everglades/Florida Bay and Coastal Ecosystems.

Web Boards - scientific and technical peer reviews and discussions on topics associated with major SFWMD initiatives.

You'll find a long list of links to information about ecosystem restoration below. Many of these projects are well on their way, with initial work completed on time and under budget, leading to a wide variety of significant milestones.