The South Florida Environmental Report highlights another banner year of progress for Everglades restoration and water quality across Central and Southern Florida.
From historic progress on key restoration projects, to improved wading bird nesting, to record hydration in the Everglades, the annual report documents the continued momentum and success of Everglades projects throughout the South Florida Water Management District’s 16-county region.
Did you know the SFWMD makes it easy to access the extensive data and research included in the 2023 South Florida Environmental Report? The full report is available online and includes comprehensive information about scientific and engineering accomplishments in the Kissimmee Basin, Lake Okeechobee, Everglades and South Florida coastal areas.
Major successes and achievements highlighted in this year’s report include:
- Over 50 Everglades projects have been completed, broken ground or hit a major milestone over the past four years to improve water management for the benefit of more than 9 million residents in South Florida.
- New data demonstrate the success of Everglades projects across South Florida, proving recent investments and momentum are working to protect Florida’s precious natural resources, support our economy and restore America’s Everglades.
- The second highest wading bird nesting season on record was documented during the 2021 wading bird nesting season. Wading birds are one of the bellwether species used by scientists to gauge the overall health of the Everglades.
- Significant momentum continues for sending more water south and reducing harmful discharges. The EAA Reservoir groundbreaking was held on February 22, 2023, marking a defining moment in Everglades restoration and the culmination of decades of work to bring this project to life.
- Significant infrastructure adaptation investments continue to be made to ensure the resiliency of the region’s water resources and ecosystems.
We encourage you to visit SFWMD.gov/SFER and explore the data included in the 2023 South Florida Environmental Report and learn more about the science and research used to drive key water management decisions.