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. New data demonstrates the success of restoration and resilience projects across our region - 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. Executive Order 23-06 was issued 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. We have celebrated 75 ribbon cuttings, ground breakings and major milestones on Everglades projects since January 2019.

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 of water within the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. Unprecedented State funding and momentum are making a real difference to protect Florida’s precious natural resources, support our economy and restore America’s Everglades.

Check out this Everglades Restoration Works 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.