Ecosystem Restoration

Restoration Improves Water Quality and Quantity

A comprehensive effort is underway to protect and restore America’s Everglades – now and for future generations. Over 50 Everglades projects have been completed, broken ground or hit a major milestone since January of 2019. These projects are making a measurable difference for water quality and the ecological health of South Florida’s natural resources.

New data demonstrates the success of Everglades projects across South Florida - proving recent investments and momentum are working. On January 10, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order 23-06 (Achieving Even More Now for Florida’s Environment) to enhance ongoing efforts to expedite restoration projects and further advance the protection of Florida’s natural resources. The South Florida Water Management District is working to implement Executive Order 23-06 that will continue the historic momentum for Florida’s environment and bring additional resources to accelerate Everglades restoration and water quality projects. The Governor’s announcement came exactly four years to the day after he signed Executive Order 19-12 (Achieving More Now For Florida’s Environment) that resulted in record environmental funding, expedited Everglades projects, and water quality improvements.

Together with our partners at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Jacksonville District, the State of Florida will continue our significant efforts implementing Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) projects to improve the quantity, quality, timing and distribution with the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. Unprecedented State funding and momentum are making a real difference to protect Florida’s precious natural resources and improve water quality throughout South Florida.

Check out this Everglades Restoration is Working Flyer for more information.

Greater Everglades Ecosystem

The South Florida Water Management District works to protect and preserve four unique watersheds within the Greater Everglades Ecosystem: the Kissimmee Basin, Lake Okeechobee and its watershed, the Everglades and our region's coastal systems. Each is a vital part of the South Florida ecosystem.

We all benefit from a healthy Everglades. The South Florida Water Management District is working closely with federal, state and local partners to achieve restoration goals and protect this national treasure.

Lake Okeechobee is at the center of South Florida's regional water management system. The shallow, but massive, lake is 730 square miles, the second largest freshwater lake within the continental United States.

The Kissimmee River, with the Upper Chain of Lakes, forms the headwaters of the Everglades. The formerly channeled Kissimmee River was restored to a meandering river, making it one of the largest successful restoration projects in history.

In coastal areas, waters from rivers flow into bays, lagoons and estuaries brimming with biological diversity. Maintaining this diversity is a key part of maintaining the health of Florida's ecological systems and future resources.