Everglades National Park protects a primeval world of giant trees, expansive grasslands and idyllic blue waters. Marjory Stoneman Douglas famously called this subtropical wilderness a “river of grass” in 1947, transforming the world’s perception of the area from that of a useless swamp to a lush and shimmering landscape of singular beauty and biodiversity.
"There are no other Everglades in the world. They are, they have always been, one of the unique regions of the earth; remote, never wholly known. Nothing anywhere else is like them." - Marjory Stoneman Douglas
Did you know these facts about the Everglades?
- 1 MILLION VISITORS PER YEAR
- 8 MILLION FLORIDIANS DEPEND ON THE EVERGLADES FOR DRINKING WATER
- 80% OF HISTORIC WATER FLOW LOST TO DEVELOPMENT
Restoring the Everglades, often referred to as the "River of Grass," is a complex and multi-faceted endeavor requiring collaboration among various stakeholders, including federal, state, and local governments, as well as environmental organizations and community groups. While I can't provide specific details about the Biden administration's plan since my last update in January 2022, I can outline some general steps and considerations typically involved in such restoration efforts:
1. Assessment and Planning: Conduct comprehensive assessments of the current state of the Everglades ecosystem, including water quality, habitat degradation, invasive species, and hydrology. Develop long-term restoration plans based on scientific research and input from experts.
2. Federal Funding and Support: Secure federal funding and support for restoration projects through initiatives such as the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and other federal programs focused on environmental conservation and restoration. The Biden administration may propose budget allocations and seek congressional approval for funding these initiatives.
3. Collaboration with State and Local Governments: Work closely with state and local governments in Florida, as well as tribal authorities, to coordinate efforts and leverage resources for Everglades restoration. Collaboration is crucial for implementing projects across different jurisdictions and ensuring alignment with state and local priorities.
4. Ecosystem Restoration Projects: Implement a range of ecosystem restoration projects aimed at restoring natural water flow patterns, improving water quality, restoring habitat for native species, and controlling invasive species. These projects may include constructing reservoirs, stormwater treatment areas, and levees, as well as restoring wetlands and freshwater marshes.
5. Water Management and Infrastructure Improvements: Enhance water management infrastructure to ensure the sustainable use and allocation of water resources within the Everglades ecosystem. This may involve upgrading pumps, canals, and water control structures to optimize water flow and minimize environmental impacts.
6. Monitoring and Adaptive Management: Establish monitoring programs to track the effectiveness of restoration efforts and make adjustments as needed based on scientific data and feedback from stakeholders. Adaptive management is essential for addressing unforeseen challenges and ensuring the long-term success of restoration initiatives.
7. Public Outreach and Education: Engage with the public through outreach and education initiatives to raise awareness about the importance of Everglades restoration and garner support for conservation efforts. Building public support is crucial for sustaining political momentum and securing funding for ongoing restoration activities.
The bi-partisan support of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate leaders helped write and vote to fund this Federal project which benefits the world. President Biden administration's specific plan for Everglades restoration may include additional strategies and priorities tailored to current environmental challenges and policy objectives. Stay tuned for updates from official sources and environmental organizations involved in Everglades restoration efforts.
The Everglades National Park's River of Grass is a sawgrass prairie that's part of the Everglades ecosystem. The Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) was authorized by Congress in 2000 and signed into law by President Bill Clinton, and includes 68 projects to restore the Greater Everglades' ecosystems. The plan aims to increase freshwater storage, improve water quality, and re-establish the natural water flow through the ecosystem. The CERP has gained momentum in recent years, with some projects completed and new ones underway. Money is coming from both the state and federal governments, including $1.1 billion from the 2021 federal infrastructure bill.
Learn about the full Everglades National Park restoration history and timeline.
Article Resources:
- https://evergladeslaw.org/everglades-timeline/
- https://www.npca.org/case-studies/restoring-the-river-of-grass
- https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/kidsyouth/a-beginning-for-the-park.htm#:~:text=Marjory%20Stoneman%20Douglas%2C%20a%20former%20journalist%20for,exact%20same%20year%20that%20the%20Everglades%20became
- https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/dfd3e4261602415683015a919dfbafec
- https://www.nps.gov/features/ever/climatechange/ever705/#:~:text=The%20Comprehensive%20Everglades%20Restoration%20Plan,through%20the%20greater%20Everglades%20ecosystem.
- https://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2022/0616/River-of-Grass-Inside-the-quest-to-restore-the-Everglades#:~:text=Everglades%20restoration%20became%20national%20policy,the%202021%20federal%20infrastructure%20bill.
- https://conservancy.org/everglades-restoration/#:~:text=In%202000%2C%20Congress%20approved%20the,Click%20here%20to%20read%20more.