Why restore the Everglades and Lake Okeechobee?
The Everglades ecosystem, stretching from the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes to Lake Okeechobee then south through Florida Bay, requires care and attention. History shows that drainage and phosphorus loading in south Florida have taken a toll on this delicate ecosystem. In order to maintain the quality of life for south Floridians, protect natural wildlife and plants and provide flood control and water supply for a growing population, Florida has taken the lead implementing the largest environmental restoration project of its kind in the history of the world. The 30-year, $10.9 billion Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) is being funded, managed and implemented through an unprecedented 50-50 partnership between the state and federal governments to restore the famed River of Grass. The abundant media attention given to the restoration of the Everglades, including Lake Okeechobee, is a testament to the monumental nature of this bold endeavor. It is also a testament to the remarkab
The Everglades and Lake Okeechobee are ecosystems that require care and attention. History shows that the drainage and phosphorus loading in South Florida has taken a toll on the delicate ecosystem. In order to maintain the quality of life for South Floridians, protect natural wildlife and plants, provide flood control and water supply for a growing population, the State has developed the largest environmental restoration project of its kind in the history of the world. The 30-year, $13.5 billion Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) is being funded, managed and implemented through an unprecedented 50-50 partnership between the state and federal governments to restore the famed River of Grass. The media attention given to Everglades and Lake Okeechobee restoration is a testament to the monumental nature of this bold endeavor. It is also a testament to the remarkable union of highly diverse and bipartisan interests that have joined forces to make restoration possible. The age
