This Biennial Report summarizes the progress made over the past two years
to restore the South Florida ecosystem. The report describes the range and complexity of
the ecosystem and sustainability efforts underway and the creative approaches being
developed to address critical issues. The report is illustrative, not all inclusive. It is
intended to demonstrate that measurable progress is being made and that funds targeted for
these projects are being spent in logical and accountable ways.
Water Resources Development Act of 1996
The passage of the 1996 Water Resources Development Act represents an ambitious
milestone in the goal of restoring a sustainable South Florida. The act charged the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to develop a comprehensive plan for restoring the
hydrology of South Florida (the Central and Southern Florida Project Restudy), and it
established a 50% federal cost-share for implementing the plan. The act also authorized
the Corps to appropriate $75 million to begin immediate implementation of restoration
projects deemed critical for restoring the South Florida ecosystem. The act formally
established a South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force (Task Force), with a
membership that includes tribal, federal, state, regional, and local governments, and
defined the Task Force’s mission.
The act stipulated that every two years the Task Force would report on the following Task
Force activities
» policies, strategies, plans, programs, projects, activities, and priorities planned,
developed, or implemented for South Florida ecosystem restoration
» progress made toward restoration
This is the first of the biennial reports required by the act.
Intended Audiences
This report is intended for four principal audiences, the
• United States Congress
• Florida Legislature
• Seminole Tribe of Florida
• Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida
Although the report is tailored to these entities, it is anticipated that others —
including state and federal agencies, local governments, regional agencies and industries,
private interest groups, and the public — also will be interested in this update.
Report Scope
Over 200 restoration and sustainability projects are identified in the Task
Force’s Integrated Financial Plan for Restoring the South Florida Ecosystem. This
large number of projects underscores the scope of the restoration and sustainability
efforts. The large number also precludes providing descriptions for each project. Instead,
this report illustrates the kinds of actions taking place and the types and nature of
accomplishments. Annual reports produced by agencies, such as the South Florida Water
Management District (Water District), provide greater details on individual projects. This
report paints the big picture. |
Index A Word from the Task Force
Purpose of this Report
The South Florida Ecosystem
Fixing the Problem
Progress Made
The Future
The Governor's Commission for a Sustainable South Florida
The South Florida Ecosystem Working Group
More Information |