The South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force and all the partners in restoration and sustainability efforts are committed to the long-term challenge of saving South Florida.
A strategic funding and communications plan is needed from the state and federal partners.

U.S. Congressional Action

The support received from Congress, in the form of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996, Farm Bill, and other key appropriations, has allowed us to make significant strides in regaining a sustainable South Florida. Your continued attention in the following areas will maintain the momentum of progress.

Funding. Adequate and consistent funding for the following projects will be crucial in getting the water right, restoring and enhancing the natural system, and transforming the built environment:

» ongoing restoration projects including the completion of the Kissimmee River Restoration Project, the Modified Water Deliveries Project, the C-111 Project, and the C-51/STA-1-East Project

» critical restoration projects initiated under the 1996 Water Resources Development Act authorities

» implementation of the Restudy Comprehensive Plan once it is authorized

» implementation of the Multi-species Recovery Plan

» continued acquisition of land needed for ecosystem restoration and sustainability projects such as the East Everglades Addition and the Water Preserve Areas

» continued implementation of water quality improvement projects in the Florida Keys to reduce impacts of wastewater and urban stormwater

» Critical Ecosystem Studies Initiative and other ecological research, monitoring, and modeling projects to provide the scientific basis for ecosystem restoration and management

Legislative and Legal Authorities. Sometimes money is not the issue, but having the legal authority to take action is.

» authorization of the C&SF Project Restudy Comprehensive Plan will be required

Communication and Involvement. The complexity of the South Florida ecosystem restoration and sustainability efforts calls for good communication and involvement at all levels. The problems are not simply local or regional issues. They have far-reaching implications that can affect a broad range of constituencies, here and around the world. To be successful we need to:

» develop better lines of communication and institutional relationships with elected and appointed officials at the tribal, state, regional, and local levels

» become better acquainted with ecosystem restoration and sustainability efforts through direct participation in workshops, field inspections, etc.

» convey to constituents and colleagues the need for, and value of, viewing ecosystem issues holistically and with a long-term perspective

Florida Legislative Action

The long list of environmental and community development legislation (see page 5) clearly demonstrates the commitment that the Florida Legislature has in addressing the issues facing South Florida. Continued attention in the following areas will help achieve our mutual restoration and sustainability goals.

Funding. State funding has always played a critical role in ecosystem restoration and sustainability efforts, and it will remain vital in the future. Here are some areas where continued funding will be needed:

» acquiring critical land parcels needed for implementing the Restudy Comprehensive Plan and other restoration and sustainability projects (e.g., Preservation 2000)

» completion of ongoing ecosystem restoration and sustainability projects

» operation and management of newly acquired lands

Legislative and State Support. Several key issues need your attention:

» authorize a successor program to Preservation 2000

» authorize state involvement in the Restudy Comprehensive Plan

» support an executive order to continue the Governor’s Commission for a Sustainable South Florida

Communication and Involvement. The Florida Legislature, as well as many state agencies and offices, plays a key role in oversight, planning, and direction of ecosystem restoration activities. To be successful we need to:

» develop better lines of communication and institutional relationships with elected and appointed officials at the federal, regional, and tribal levels

» become better acquainted with ecosystem restoration and sustainability efforts through direct participation in workshops, field inspections, etc.

» convey to constituents and colleagues the need for, and value of, viewing ecosystem issues holistically and with a long-term view

Tribal Action

The Miccosukee Tribe of Florida Indians and the Seminole Tribe of Florida are valued ecosystem partners, and each has unique needs and concerns. As sovereign nations with borders adjacent to state, federal, and private lands, restoration actions taken elsewhere can greatly affect tribal lands, and vice versa. For restoration and sustainability efforts to be successful, and equitable, tribal participation is important to:

» ensure that the Seminole and Miccosukee Tribes continue to be equal partners in planning and implementing restoration actions

» continue to seek ways to work together amicably to find resolution to joint problems and concerns

» continue to provide human and fiscal resources to restoration projects, especially critical projects on tribal lands

» continue to cooperate in ongoing programs (e.g., science and monitoring projects)

» share concepts of stewardship

Conclusion

The vision for South Florida is a sustainable and integrated ecosystem. Current successes show that restoring the ecosystem is possible, and the benefits are real. But restoring a healthy and sustainable South Florida is a massive undertaking that will take decades to complete and will require long-term commitments.

A conceptual blueprint is in hand, and we have made a productive start. Revitalizing urban core areas is creating new jobs. Reducing the levels of phosphorus in stormwater runoff is beginning to revive estuaries and coastal breeding grounds and is helping to maintain commercial and recreational fishing. Progress is being made, but much remains to be done.

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