Florida Audubon 'State of the Everglades' Report Reflects Much Progress

Audubon of Florida perhaps surprised a few people this week when it released its largely positive State of the Everglades report. The report is a summary of the most important issues to emerge from the Greater Everglades during the first six months of 2011.

Audubon applauded a number of announcements including these:

1. The contract awarded in July to build part of the Indian River Lagoon Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) project marks what Audubon calls "the newest rung to be cleared on the Everglades progress ladder." The Army Corps of Engineers awarded the $32,420,192 contract to Phillips & Jordan Inc., to build the C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area (RSTA) component of the project, which will begin reducing nutrient loads and improving salinities downstream. The project is expected to break ground in October and this phase of construction is scheduled for completion in 2013.

   The St. Lucie Estuary and Indian River Lagoon are two of the most productive estuaries in the nation. Achieving the most ecologically sound balance of fresh and salt water in the estuary and lagoon, while improving water quality, will bring ecological and economic benefits to the region. Moving this project forward is the newest success in restoration, which also demonstrates the need for continued commitment while we are on the brink of demonstrable results.

2. U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack's pledge of$100 million to fund land conservation in Florida through the Wetlands Reserve Program. The funds will go toward compensating ranchers and other landowners who leave portions of their land in natural conditions, retaining water there while continuing their agricultural activities.
3. The January announcement of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, who proposed expanding the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge in the Western Everglades by at least 50,000 acres.
4. "The enduring push to remove portions of Tamiami Trail to restore more natural water flows into Everglades National Park continues to be an example of how, when Everglades advocates speak with a persistent, united voice, the rewards of restoration progress are bound to follow. The wave of progress that has accompanied these efforts continues."

   First, after 20 years of setbacks, interested parties came together to support construction of a 1-mile bridge, set to be completed in 2013, to begin reconnecting the habitat so critical for the endangered species that need these improvements for population recovery.

   Then, with the help of many Audubon activists, the National Park Service developed and approved plans for the additional bridging of 5.5 miles that will increase habitat connectivity by 500 percent, while providing economic benefits to Everglades National Park and Florida Bay.

Despite Audubon's call for greater water conservation and wildlife habitat protections during time of drought, Audubon of Florida's "State of the Everglades" report represents some of the most positive news in recent history in the struggle to restore a precious national treasure, the Florida Everglades. It was good news indeed.