Restoring the Everglades
Scroll to learn moreThe Comprehensive Plan
The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) is a multibillion dollar project authorized by Congress in the year 2000. This plan aspires to increase freshwater storage, improve water quality, and re-establish the natural water flow through the greater Everglades ecosystem. And it is likely southern Florida’s best strategy to adapt to climate change. If successful, these efforts will help protect subterranean aquifers from salt water intrusion, delay the impacts of sea level rise along the coast, and buy precious time for wildlife to adapt to their changing environment.
The National Park Service is working with the US Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District, who are managing this complex forty-year regional ecosystem restoration project.
Restoration and Sea Level Rise
See how the restoration of the Everglades will help us mitigate sea level rise.
Restoration Makes Sense
The economic benefits of this restoration effort justify its expense. A 2012 economic study reports that for every penny spent on the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, our local economy will reap at least four cents.
Restoration Benefits
Wading birds declined 90 percent after drainage canals were constructed in the 1930s. Restoring a more natural water flow means more clean water delivered to the right places at the right times of year. This is expected to restore the ecological health of the entire Everglades ecosystem; from periphyton to fish to wading birds.
The influx of fresh water will keep salt water at bay. These restoration efforts will help maintain the natural source of fresh water for drinking, farming and industry. We won’t need to desalinate our water, and water quality will improve!
Real estate values will be maintained, with the promise of a clean water source, even in the face of climate change.
This restoration effort will protect thousands of acres of open space that would otherwise be inaccessible to the public or be developed.
With more space and restored water flows, outdoor recreational activities in the Everglades will improve. As the ecosystem recovers, even more visitors will be drawn to the area.
As fish populations improve within the Everglades ecosystem of south Florida, commercial and recreational fishing will benefit.
Everglades restoration will result in healthier habitats that support more wildlife, like manatees, crocodiles, and birds. This makes for better wildlife viewing for all of us.