Lessons Learned from Everglades Restoration
Julie A. HillEverglades Policy Associate
Natural System Managed System
68 Threatened & Endangered Species
Yikes!
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP)
WRDA 2000 codified CERP CERP provided for 68 separate restoration
components throughout the Everglades ecosystem
50/50 shared responsibility between the State of Florida (South Florida Water Management District) and federal partners (US Army Corps of Engineers)
Although CERP was passed 8 years ago, to date no construction projects have been completed
Federal funding has not met the levels of state funding
State has contributed at a level of 2 to 1 compared with the federal partner
The WRDA process for federal authorization is one cause of delays
New ideas Water Resources Restoration Act
Authorize comprehensive ecosystem restoration projects separately from navigation and flood control projects
Replicate the WRDA framework and build upon the environmental protection mission of the US Army Corps of Engineers
Lessons Learned
1. Most importantly, be FLEXIBLE, and look at substance over process
2. Prioritize projects by anticipated ecological benefits
3. Very important to show early up-front commitment from the local sponsor to entice federal commitment
Lessons Learned, Cont.
4. Agriculture is valuable and flood protection important
BUT “savings clause” caused more problems than anticipated
5. Adaptive Management should be used to achieve benefits- don’t wait until planning efforts are perfect
Lessons Learned, Cont.
6. Work within existing procedural structures at the same time as proposing new and improved procedures
7. Focus on land acquisition at the outset
8. Develop partnerships to advance ecosystem restoration efforts nationwide
New Developments US Sugar Purchase
187,000 acres State will pay approximately $1.75 billion Funding will come primarily from certificates
of participation Early benefits for water storage and water
treatment
Natural System Managed System
Implications of US Sugar The State of Florida will no longer be able to
take on the burden of funding the majority of projects
Some projects need to be expedited in order to achieve the best possible benefits from the US Sugar purchase
The purchase could change Everglades restoration plans dramatically, so reinforces the need to be flexible