What is the role of the Department of the Interior in CERP planning and implementation?
The proposed regulations recognize the unique expertise and experience of the Department of the Interior resulting from its role as steward of the Everglades National Park, the nation’s fish and wildlife resources, and the Federal government’s trust responsibilities with respect to Indian Tribes. The proposed regulations thus provide a strong role for the Department in every aspect of CERP planning and implementation. Specifically, concurrence by the Department is required on the detailed planning and implementation guidance memorandum and the establishment of the pre-CERP water baseline (as well as on the regulations themselves, as provided for by statute), the interim goals will be established by a formal agreement between the Department, the Corps of Engineers, and the Governor of Florida, the Department will sit on the Leadership Group of RECOVER, the Department, the Corps and the State will together establish the independent scientific review panel, and consultation with the Depar
