A comprehensive effort is underway to protect and restore America’s Everglades – now and for future generations. New data demonstrates that restoration and resilience projects across our region are making a measurable difference for water quality and the ecological health of South Florida's natural resources.
Did you know more than 65 Everglades restoration and resilience projects have been completed, broken ground or hit a major milestone since January of 2019? Working together with our federal, state, and local partners, the South Florida Water Management District continues to accelerate key Everglades restoration projects that are improving the quantity, quality, timing and distribution of water to the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. Major progress continues on projects such as the EAA Reservoir Project, Caloosahatchee (C-43) Reservoir, the Picayune Strand Restoration Project and more.
Recent data shows these investments and momentum are working. Successes include:
- Proactive Lake Okeechobee Management. Lake Okeechobee management and weather patterns helped reduce harmful estuary discharges in 2022 and 2023 while maintaining water levels in the lake to support the environment, businesses and communities.
- Salinity Levels in Florida Bay Hit Goals. Record water flows and water depths in the Everglades coupled with rainfall demonstrated that restoration can support healthy salinity levels in Florida Bay. Balanced salinity supports sea grass and spawning fish.
- Record Hydration in the Everglades. End of the wet season water depths in two key locations, Shark River Slough and Taylor Slough, demonstrate that restoration projects and operations work well together to nourish the Everglades and send water south to support the health of Florida Bay.
Ensuring the health of the Everglades benefits all of us. The SFWMD is committed to protecting Florida’s natural resources and restoring, revitalizing and safeguarding our River of Grass.
Please visit SFWMD.gov/Restoration for more information and we encourage you to follow SFWMD on our social media channels for the latest news on Everglades restoration and updates on our continued progress.