1.1 What Is The South Florida Ecosystem?

Many people see the South Florida ecosystem as just the natural environment. But the South Florida Ecosystem is also home to humans and their built environment (cities, towns, and farms). Today we understand that all living beings, including humans, are interconnected. The South Florida Ecosystem is the natural environment – the plants, animals, wetlands, lakes, streams, – and the built environment.

1.12 Why is The South Florida Ecosystem Important?

The South Florida Ecosystem is a complex network extending from the Chain of Lakes south of Orlando to the coral reefs off the Florida Keys - over 18,000 square-miles of land and water. Within these boundaries is a wide array of upland, lowland, and marine habitats. The ecosystem supports thousands of species of plants and animals including 68 listed species as threatened or endangered.  Throughout the region are areas with special designations such as outstanding Florida waters, a national marine sanctuary, an international biosphere reserve, and numerous state and federal parks, refuges, and preserves - all of which are interconnected.

This natural ecosystem is a unique national treasure.  It can be found nowhere else in the world.

The built environment includes major sea and air transportation hubs, thriving tourism and agricultural industries, and national and international commerce. South Florida also possesses fine institutions of higher education and rich points of historical and architectural interest. Over 6.5 million residents and 37 million annual tourists rely on the region and its $200 billion economy for their livelihoods and well-being.

1.13 The Magnitude of the Problem

Disrupted Hydrology / Water Quality Degradation

Once water flowed unimpeded through the southern half of the state. Today flood control and water supply systems, agricul­ture, and development disrupt the region’s natural hydrological patterns. Runoff from cities and farms introduces high levels of phosphorus, nitrogen, and other contaminants, polluting many bodies of water. High discharges of stormwater into estuaries severely damage aquatic habitats that support seagrasses, oysters, and other species. Saltwater intrusion and pollutants threaten groundwater. These impacts have significantly stressed the natural system. The following underscore these problems:

Þ    Half of the original Everglades has been drained, and perhaps lost forever.

Þ    Two million acre-feet of water are lost from the natural system annually through discharge and seepage.

Þ    Phosphorus and nitrogen from agricultural and urban runoff have contaminated Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades, and adjacent areas.

Þ    Unnatural freshwater discharges have damaged coastal estuaries, including Florida Bay.

Loss of Habitat and Native Species

Natural habitats are now disconnected. The rampant spread of invasive exotic species has further disrupted natural habitats. The cumulative loss of habitat has caused sharp declines in native plants and animals, placing many native species at risk. Specific impacts include:

Þ    Wading-bird populations have dropped by 90%–95%.

Þ    To date, 68 plant and animal species are federally listed as threatened or endangered.

Þ    The incidence of coral diseases in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has increased 4-fold since 1996.

Þ    Over 1.5 million acres of land are infested with invasive exotic plants.

Þ    Since 1989 the biomass of turtlegrass in western Florida Bay has decreased by 25%.

Urban Development / Suburban Sprawl

Today South Florida is home to over 6.5 million people, over nine times the population in 1948 when the C&SF Project was authorized. This influx of people has led to dramatic changes to the landscape. Former wetlands are now agricultural lands. Parts of the historical Everglades are now suburbs. Large metropolitan areas cover most of the eastern coast and portions of the west coast.

As this development spread, older urban areas suffered. The migration to the suburbs reduced tax bases in urban zones and diverted resources to outlying areas. Growth in suburban and rural areas demanded more roads and services.

Today roads, hospitals, schools, and utilities are aging, and human services are overtaxed. Disinvestment and crime in inner cities are persistent problems. Increasingly, outlying areas are strained. For many people the quality of life has decreased. Some indications of built environment stresses include:

Þ    Thousands of contaminated sites (brownfields) along the southeast coast of Florida.

Þ    Much of the eastern urban corridor of South Florida is characterized by income levels lower than those found in surrounding suburbs.

Þ    The city of Miami is ranked the fourth poorest city in the nation.

Þ    Miami-Dade County is ranked the third most congested area in the nation.

1.14 Why Should We Care?

A healthy ecosystem is not a nicety, it is a necessity. Water that is cleaned as it passes through the Everglades and the aquifer, supports habitats throughout the region. Clean water also supports the state’s multiple industries and rapidly growing population. In South Florida the urban and the natural sys­tems are inextricably linked. This makes stakeholders inclusive of every living thing in South Florida — human or nonhuman.

Recently completed efforts like the Army Corps of Engineers’ Comprehensive Plan for Everglades Restoration (also known as the Central and Southern Florida Comprehensive Review Feasibility Study) are key parts of the total restoration plan.  The Comprehensive Plan, presented to Congress on July 1, 1999, is focused on recovering the major characteristics that defined the historic Everglades – the “river of grass”.  What made the Everglades special was its large size and how water acted to connect myriad habitats, and served to support numerous species of fish and wildlife. The construction of flood control levees following a 1948 hurricane compartmentalized the Everglades.  Canals efficiently drained water to the ocean.  An explosion of development followed which reduced the size of the Everglades and introduced pollutants to the natural system.  As the physical form and function of the flood plan was altered dramatically, natural patterns of water flow were disrupted, and ultimately interfered with the ability of most animals to find dependable habitat, at the right times, and in the right places.

By removing many miles of levees and canals and recovering water storage, the recommended plan will restore the essential defining features of the historic Everglades over large portions of the remaining area.  As a result, animals are expected to show a dramatic and positive response.  Throughout the food chain the numbers of animals such as crayfish, minnows, sunfish, frogs, alligators, herons, ibis and otters are predicted to substantially increase.  Equally important, animals should respond to the recovery of more natural water patterns by recovering their traditional distribution patterns.

How will you know if the plan works and if the ecosystem is being restored?   Two telling measures of success will be: 1) the return of large wading bird nesting grounds, called “rookeries”, to Everglades National Park, and 2) the recovery of several endangered species to a more certain and optimistic future.  Scientists believe that wading birds, such as herons, egrets, ibis and storks, are indicators of the overall health of the Everglades.   Before they make decisions about where, when or even whether, to nest, wading birds, perhaps more than any other animal, size up the quality of habitats over the entire region of wetlands.  As recently as the 1950s and 1960s, large “super colonies” of nesting wading birds remained in the Park, but have since disappeared. The recovery of these super colonies will be a sure sign that the entire Everglades has made substantial progress toward being restored.  Among the endangered species, the wood stork, the snail kite, the Cape Sable seaside sparrow, the West Indian manatee, the American crocodile, and the Okeechobee gourd will benefit from improved habitat as a result of the recommended plan.

1.2 Enacting Laws and Initiatives

Over the past 25 years the Florida Legislature and U.S. Congress have passed legislation to manage growth and protect the natural environment. This collective legislation has evolved into a more holistic and integrated vision for restoring the South Florida ecosystem in its totality.

This evolving body of legislation and initiatives are illustrated in the table provided below has culminated into what is now known as the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainability Project.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION MILESTONES

1.3 Partners in Restoration

Forming Partnerships

Legislative efforts and changing land use patterns have led to the formation of several important partnerships involving federal, state, local, and tribal governments, and private entities. Groups that in the past held opposing views on how to manage natural and economic resources are now working more closely together in pursuit of increasingly common goals. Today, these partnerships provide the vision, strategic thinking, and planning needed to carry out coordinated and effective restoration actions.

South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force

In 1993 a Federal Ecosystem Restoration Task Force was established through an interagency agreement. The Task Force was created "to coordinate the development of consistent policies, strategies, plans, programs, and priorities for addressing the environmental concerns of the South Florida Ecosystem."

The Task Force was later formalized and expanded to include tribal, state, and local governments by the 1996 Water Resources Development Act.

The purpose of the expanded Task Force is to facilitate implementation of the overall restoration effort. In this capacity it serves as information clearinghouse, referee, and coordinating entity that helps guide the restoration effort, keep it on track, and ensure fiscal accountability.

The South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force currently facilitates the coordination of the restoration work associated with the Everglades Forever Act, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, the Kissimmee River Restoration Project, and other efforts being conducted by federal, state, and academic entities. These efforts have largely focused on reestablishing the functions of natural systems of the South Florida Ecosystem.

1.4 Fixing the Problem

A Vision for the Future

Ecosystem restoration partners have come to three important conclusions:

Þ    On its present course South Florida is not sustainable.

Þ    The natural system and the built environment are inextricably linked.

Þ      Fixing South Florida Ecosystem problems will take decades of commitment.

These conclusions have led to an emerging vision of South Florida as

a landscape whose health, integrity, and beauty are restored and nourished by its interrelationships with South Florida’s human communities.

This vision can be attained by reaching three long-term goals as indicated below:

Goal 1: Get the Water Right

Getting the water right means restoring a more natural flow of water through the region while also providing adequate water supplies, water quality, and flood control. This involves addressing the quantity, quality, timing, and distribution of water throughout the system. The goal is to deliver the right amount and quality of water to the right places at the right time.

Goal 2: Restore and Preserve the Natural System

Restoring and enhancing the natural system means protecting South Florida’s natural habitats and reestablishing healthy populations of now threatened and endangered species. Restoring habitats will involve optimizing the spatial extent of wetlands and other habitats through land acquisition and changes in current land use and land and water management. It will also involve reestablishing the physical and biological connections between different parts of the natural system.

These changes, combined with other wildlife management actions such as monitoring and reintroducing species, will play critical roles in maintaining and enhancing species diversity. Reducing and reversing the rampant spread of invasive exotic species will also be important. Finally, halting the stormwater discharge into coastal areas will be vital in restoring the health of estuaries and sensitive coral reef systems.

Goal 3: Transform the Built Environment

Transforming the built environment means developing lifestyles and economies that do not degrade the natural environment or reduce the quality of life in built areas. This will entail rebuilding or revitalizing urban core areas to curtail the outward sprawl of suburbs and development. It also will involve making urban areas more livable by creating green spaces, improving transit systems, and providing affordable housing. Balancing human needs and those of the natural system will require a review of how resources should be used. A sustainable built environment will also require a diverse and balanced economy.

Note: Please note that these goals were excerpted from the document entitled “An Integrated Plan for South Florida Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainability, Success in the Making.” These goals are under revision as a part of the Task Force’s strategic planning initiative and will be updated upon submission of the Strategic Plan to the Congress in July 2000.

1.5 How Do We Achieve The Goals?

1.51 Adaptive Management

To reach these goals and the future vision for South Florida, the Task Force and its partners have adopted an adaptive management strategy. The strategy acknowledges that not all the data needed to restore the entire system is in hand. It also recognizes the need to move forward. Therefore, the project is based on the strategy to implement action where possible, while continuing to gather data and refine the collective understanding of the problems.

Adaptive management entails three essential elements: models, support studies, and monitoring. Each is a tool that is used in combination with the other two elements.

Models provide the conceptual framework that forms the basis for support studies. These studies provide data and interpretation that lead to a better understanding of the problem and then to the development of a series of management alternatives. The costs and benefits of the alternatives are then calculated using the models to determine which alternatives represents the best course of action.

Once an alternative is selected and implemented, monitoring is used to assess the effectiveness of the action and to provide feedback on ways to modify it (if warranted). Similarly, monitoring data can be used to revise and refine the original model, thereby completing and continuing the interactive feedback loop of decision-making and implementation.

Adaptive management provides a structure for initiating critical projects immediately, the flexibility to modify activities when needed, and the feedback and coordination to ensure accountability.

1.52 Innovative Management

The Task Force and its partners also have adopted a series of creative tactics needed to implement goal-oriented actions as follows:

1.52.1 Science-Based Decision Making

To be successful, restoration decisions must be based on sound, applied science. Applied science has two major roles in restoration efforts. One is to facilitate and promote the application of existing scientific information to planning and decision-making. The other is to acquire critical missing information or information that is needed to validate (or modify) ongoing management actions.

Much of the restoration effort is based on the assumption that better water management will provide sustainability across both natural and human systems. This suggests, as a working hypothesis, that hydrologic restoration is a prerequisite for ecosystem restoration.

The challenge is to determine how to modify the structure and operation of the current hydrology so that it more closely resembles predrainage patterns. To do this

• previous drainage patterns must be reconstructed
• key species and habitat indicators must be identified
• predictive and evaluative models must be developed
• monitoring programs need to be implemented

These activities are necessary to provide the scientific data needed to make informed decisions on how to implement restoration projects and to assess their outcomes.

1.52.2 Systemwide Management

Science alone is not the answer. Another crucial step in achieving the restoration goals is to overcome institutional barriers that encourage the status quo. In the past, there has been a tendency to manage natural, economic, and human resources as independent variables that are administered and regulated by discrete jurisdictions. This approach leads to reduced communication, duplication of effort, and inefficiency.

The Task Force and its partners, therefore, advocate a holistic, systemwide approach that addresses issues regionally, not locally. There is also an emphasis on obtaining results. Finally, there is a growing recognition that the problems faced in South Florida must be solved collaboratively and must be based on a sound understanding of the variables involved.

1.52.3 Integrated Governance

Integrated governance is a creative approach to coordinating federal, state, local, and tribal laws, authorities, and regulations to achieve a shared restoration vision. It also seeks ways to streamline funding, coordinate different levels of federal, state, local, and tribal government, cut costs, and allow actions to be implemented faster.

To be successful, governmental entities will need to seek regulations that are based on common sense, to share their funding, to integrate their budgets, and to develop cooperative programs.

1.52.4 Broad-Based Partnerships

South Florida’s problems affect all individuals living there but in different ways. To be successful, there must be a shared vision and mutual commitment for change. It is critical that federal, state, local, and tribal governments join with interested and affected parties to examine differing views and needs. This will form the basis for the respect and trust needed to work together.

1.52.5 Public Outreach and Communication

Finally, building broad-based partnerships requires a good understanding of the issues and an atmosphere of open dialogue. Because of the diversity of cultures in South Florida, public outreach and communication will form an important cornerstone for ecosystem restoration efforts. Public outreach strategies should find concrete and meaningful ways to connect people with ecosystem restoration efforts. They should foster a clear exchange of views, perspectives, and information. The strategies should seek to instill a broad sense of stewardship, ownership, and responsibility for all parties involved, including private citizens.

1.6 Progress Made

1.6.1 Introduction

Creating a sustainable South Florida cannot happen overnight. It will require continued planning, restoration, and monitor­ing. However, federal, state, tribal, regional, and local partners have made significant progress. The following examples serves to highlight just some of the many accomplishments currently taking place in South Florida.

1.6.2 Restoring the Environment

Over the past 50 years the physical appearance of South Florida has undergone vast transformations. Correcting problems stemming from these changes will require altering the landscape as well as the way we use and manage resources.

Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan

The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (Comprehensive Plan), which was developed in the Central & Southern Florida Comprehensive Review Feasibility Study (Restudy), is the linchpin of the South Florida ecosystem restoration effort. The purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to reevaluate the entire C&SF Project’s water distribution system and to develop a comprehensive plan for implementing changes needed to meet ecosystem water supply needs through 2050. The Restudy represents a massive undertaking to better understand the management needs in a water system covering an 18,000-square-mile-area.    Besides the Restudy report, this effort also includes the Water Preserve Areas, Indian River Lagoon, Southwest Florida, Comprehensive Water Quality, and Florida Bay/Florida Keys Feasibility studies.

On January 18, 2000, in recognition of the need to take decisive action to further protect and restore the Everglades ecosystem, the State of Florida embarked upon an unprecedented plan to finance Florida’s cost-share for implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, forwarded to Congress by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in July 1999.  The State’s plan includes a commitment of more than $100 million annually to be matched by an additional $100 million from South Florida resources for a total of $200 million each year.  The financing plan creates a unique Everglades trust fund to build reserves for restoration and calls for a new, stronger state/federal partnership.  This funding proposal, establishment of the Everglades Restoration Reserve Fund and the call for a new partnership with the federal government, are aimed at achieving a vision for America’s Everglades that restores the unique national treasure, protects the endangered or protected species in the Everglades ecosystem, preserves the quality of life, achieves a balance between land and water and protects coastal resources.

Accomplishment Highlights

The Secretary of the Army submitted the C&SF Comprehensive Review Feasibility Study report including the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, to Congress on July 1, 1999.  The Administration will request authorization of portions of this plan in its proposed Water Resources Development Act of 2000. If Congress provides authority and funding for the proposed projects, pre-construction engineering and design will begin on this plan upon the execution of Design Agreements by the South Florida Water Management District and other local cooperating agencies and tribal entities. The Comprehensive Plan includes the planning efforts for the Water Preserve Areas and Indian River Lagoon Feasibility studies, which continued through 1999, and the Southwest Florida and Comprehensive Water Quality Feasibility Studies, which were initiated in 1999.  These feasibility efforts will further refine the actions necessary to improve the ecosystem in specific critical areas.

In general, these efforts focus on capturing and storage of large quantities of stormwater runoff that currently are discharged to the ocean.  Actions recommended in the Comprehensive Plan will significantly improve the quantity, timing, and distribution of water deliveries throughout the natural system, and will improve water quality in some areas. The plan will also augment urban and agricultural water supplies. While focused mainly on getting the water right for the natural system, the plan directly addresses all three of the Task Force’s goals.

The Restudy Planning Effort

A lesson learned from the multidisciplinary, multi-agency planning effort employed during the development of the Comprehensive Plan report is that it works! The Restudy team was comprised of over 160 specialists from 30 state, federal, regional, local, and tribal governments, working to produce the feasibility report and its recommended comprehensive restoration plan.  It is expected that local and tribal governments as well as stakeholder groups like the Governor’s Commission for the Everglades will continue to play important roles as this method of “doing business” will be employed throughout the implementation phase of the Comprehensive Plan and the feasibility efforts currently (or soon to be) underway.

1.6.3 Land Acquisition

Accomplishment Highlights

Since 1993 and through the end of calendar year 1999, 481,686 acres have been acquired for $1,033,282,688. The lands were purchased with funding from the Farm Bill, Florida Preservation 2000 program, Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) program, and other federal, state, regional, and local sources.

Water Preserve Areas

 One strategy to restore regional water patterns is to establish water preserve areas along the eastern boarder of the Everglades. These areas will control the loss of water through unnatural seepage, help clean the water, provide buffer zones between urban areas and the natural system, and enhance the region’s water supply. The South Florida Water Management District has acquired land in its East Coast Buffer Strip footprint within the Water Preserve Area. The total number of acres purchased within this footprint within the 96-99 period was 8,422 at a total cost of $80,359,055. 3,567acres were federally funded at a cost of $33,252,903 and 4,855 acres were state funded at a cost of $47,106,152.  39,661 acres of land still need to be acquired in the East Coast Buffer Strip portion of the Water Preserve Areas.  This land will become a connected series of marshlands, reservoirs, and aquifer recharge basins that will help to meet future water supply needs for urban areas, agriculture, and the environment.

Kissimmee River Restoration Project

The construction phase of this project calls for backfilling portions of the Kissimmee canal (C-38 canal), removing structures, and rechannelling the river. But first the land must be obtained. To date the South Florida Water Management District has acquired 87,127 acres of land located around headwater lakes and in the river’s historical 100-year floodplain. From 1996 through 1999, 30,022 acres were acquired and 9,420 acres are still remaining to be acquired.

Talisman Land Acquisition and Exchange

This unique land acquisition deal, negotiated between the Department of the Interior, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Governor’s Office, the South Florida Water Management District, the Nature Conservancy, St. Joe Company, and a coalition of sugar growers, is a testimony to how cooperation among government agencies and stakeholders can help to accomplish South Florida Ecosystem restoration and sustainability.  The agreement includes a combination of land purchases, land swaps, and agricultural leases that will help provide lands to meet long-term water storage and water quality treatment needs for the Everglades, while also providing for the near-term and mid-term needs of agriculture. The coalition of sugar growers has been guaranteed the use of lands for at least five years. In exchange for portions of the Talisman properties, the coalition swapped agricultural lands to be used by the South Florida Water Management District for water storage and water quality treatment purposes.  This land acquisition totaled 50,719 acres at a cost of $138,087,114.

Everglades Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs)

Many of these six areas, most of which are funded and operated by the state, are operational or under construction (see p. 14)

The South Florida Water Management District acquired 46,500 acres (36,037 acres of which were acquired from 1996 through 1999) within this project for the construction of six stormwater treatment areas (man-made wetlands) under the Everglades Construction Project.  1,151 acres still need to be acquired.

East Everglades Addition to Everglades National Park

The park acquired 81,460 acres (or 74%) of the congressionally authorized expansion area, with 42,089 acres of this land being donated by the state of Florida. The remaining 26% (28,044 acres) must be acquired before the Corps can implement the Modified Water Deliveries Project, which will restore natural hydrologic conditions in the park's critical Shark River Slough drainage.  The National Park Service received $20 million in FY 2000 to complete this land acquisition.  NPS estimates it will complete its portion of the work by November 2000. 

1.6.4 Construction and Infrastructure Improvements

Accomplishment Highlights

Kissimmee River Restoration Project

This project, jointly funded by The Corps and the Water Management District, will reestablish more natural flows and water levels through the historical Kissimmee River channel and floodplain. Construction to expand Water Control Structure S-65, which controls water releases from Lake Kissimmee to the Kissimmee River, was initiated in August 1997 and was completed in March 2000. Work has been completed to reestablish sheetflow of water across floodplain lands by removing small agricultural ditches and levees. With land acquisition and detailed design almost completed, the Corps/SFWMD project team initiated a major river restoration effort in March 1999 by backfilling a 7-mile stretch of the canal. Contracts have also been initiated to enlarge the capacity of the upper basin canals and to modify tie-back levees at S-65A.Over the next 10 years this project will restore over 40 square miles of river and floodplain ecosystem that is home to approximately 320 fish and wildlife species.

Modified Water Deliveries to the Everglades National Park Project

This project is funded from the Construction Account managed by the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior and is designed to restore more natural hydrological patterns in Water Conservation Area 3 (WCA-3) and Shark River Slough. This is scheduled to be accomplished by 2003 through removal and modification of existing levees and canals along with construction of new water control structures and pump stations.  In December 1998, construction was completed on two new water control structures, S-3 STA and S-355B, that will help to reestablish flows from WCA-3B to Northwest Shark River Slough.  The new water delivery regime required the Miccosukee Indian community of Tigertail Camp to be raised 8 feet to prevent flooding. This construction, which also included replacing substandard housing with new concrete homes, was completed in early 1999.

The originally authorized components of the 8.5 Square Mile Area include the construction of a flood mitigation canal and levee extending along the northern and western perimeters of the area.  Two pump stations are also specified to transfer the seepage water from this system to Northeast Shark Slough.  However, in April 1999, the local sponsor (SFWMD) requested the COE to conduct a comprehensive review of a full array of alternatives for the 8.5 Square Mile Area.  Nine alternatives are under examination including the original design, the creation of a buffer between the park and developed areas, as well as full acquisition of the area. The total cost range for this project is $135 million to $212 million, depending on which alternative is chosen as the final alternative and completion of the final Environmental Impact Statement.  The Corps released its Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement with considerations of various alternatives for public comment on April 3, 2000.

C-111 Project

This project, jointly funded by the Corps and the SFWMD will restore more natural quantity, quality, timing, and distribution of water deliveries to Taylor Slough and wetlands in the eastern panhandle of Everglades National Park.  This will be accomplished over the next six years through the construction of four new pump stations, the replacement of a bridge over Taylor Slough, the construction or modification of numerous canals and levees, and the acquisition of land to be used as detention/retention and buffer areas between Everglades National Park and agricultural lands. Under this project, the Corps/SFWMD project team recently removed over 600,000 cubic yards of material from the spoil mounds along the southern side of the C-111 canal.  This immediately allowed water to overflow the spoil material and establish a more normal sheetflow to the eastern panhandle of Everglades National Park and Florida Bay.  One of the four pump stations, S-332D was completed in 1997 and became operational in 1999 following the development of interim operational criteria by the Corps of Engineers.  The pump station will help reestablish more natural water flows to Taylor Slough and will increase deliveries of freshwater to Florida Bay.  Creation of the detention/retention area, including water quality treatment features, will require congressional approval of a realignment of the Everglades National Park boundary.  This realignment may involve exchanges of land between the National Park Service and SFWMD. The Taylor Slough Bridge contract is currently under construction.

Everglades Construction Project

This project is primarily funded by the South Florida Water Management District.  During 1999, operations continued for the fifth full year at the 3,700-acre Everglades Nutrient Removal Project (ENR).  Since the ENR began operation, over 70 metric tons of phosphorus has been retained that would otherwise have entered the Everglades.  Also during 1999, operations continued for the second full year at the 870-acre STA-6, Section 1.  In addition, start-up operations began in the 4,120-acre STA-5, the 3,000-acre Cell 5 for STA-1 West, and the 6,430-acre STA-2.  Also during 1999, construction of the large outflow pump stations continued at STA-1 West and STA-2, and final design was initiated for the 16,480-acre STA-3/4.

Critical Restoration Projects

Under the authority of the 1996 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA 96), the Corps completed letter reports and executed Project Cooperation Agreements on 9 projects that will provide immediate benefits to the South Florida ecosystem.  These agreements and their respective project partners are: the Florida Keys Carrying Capacity Study, East Coast Canal Structure (C-4), Tamiami Trail Culverts, Western C-11 Basin Water Quality Improvement, Southern CREW Project Addition / Imperial River Flowway, Lake Okeechobee Water Retention / Phosphorus Removal, Ten Mile Creek Water Preserve Area, and Lake Trafford Restoration, all with the South Florida Water Management District; and the Seminole Tribe Big Cypress Reservation Water Conservation Plan, Design work is underway on these projects with the first construction scheduled for early next year.  To date $23 million has been appropriated to the Corps.  Completion of these projects is dependent upon appropriation of the remaining $52 million authorized in the Water Resource Development Act of 1996 (WRDA 96).

STA –1 East /C-51 West Project

 The project is located in Palm Beach County and runs east/west from Water Conservation Area No. 1 (Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge) to West Palm Beach at Lake Worth. The authorized project will provide 30-year flood protection to the urbanized eastern basin and 10-year flood protection to the western basin. All eastern basin features have been completed. WRDA 96 modified the original authorization for the project. The modified plan expanded the original 1,600 acre flood water detention area into a 6,500 acre stormwater detention area. In addition to the flood damage reduction benefits provided by the original project, the modified plan provides water quality treatment, reduction of damaging freshwater discharges to Lake Worth, and increased water supply for the Everglades and other users.  The Corps and the South Florida Water Management District executed a Project Cooperation Agreement on April 29 1999.  A machinery contract was awarded in May 1999 for the inflow and outflow pump stations and a model pump test (the second of five) was performed in December 1999. The Periphyton Stormwater Treatment Area test facility contract was awarded in August 1999 and is scheduled to be completed in March 2000.  Design work on remaining features is underway.

1.6.5 Exotic Species Control

Accomplishment Highlights

Melaleuca Control Program

Melaleuca is an invasive exotic that covers vast tracts of land in South Florida. Over the past two years the SFWMD and National Park Service have chemically treated 6.8 million trees and have manually removed over 3.7 million seedlings in the South Florida water conservation areas, Everglades National Park expansion area, and Big Cypress National Preserve. Since 1996 approximately 1,450 acres of melaleuca have been aerially treated with herbicides. Between 1990 and 1998 an interagency melaleuca control program has successfully treated over 24.3 million trees and removed over 26 million seedlings.

Exotic Plant Control Strategy

Invasive Exotic Plant Management Assessment and Strategy for Florida:  In 1998 the Task Force and Working Group authorized the establishment of the Noxious Exotic Weed Task Team (NEWTT) and interagency task team to develop an assessment and strategy for managing invasive exotic plants in southern Florida.  NEWTT has produced a final draft of the assessment and first draft of the strategy and they were submitted to the Working Group on January 20, 2000.  The assessment should be published and available as a final report to the Working Group in the spring or early summer of 2000.  The strategy should be in final form in early fall of 2000 and published and available as a final report to the Working Group later in 2000.

The Assessment describes the issues of invasive species, which species are included and their locations, management methods, regulations, recommendations and conclusions.  The Strategy follows-up the Assessment and includes discussions of why current management is not working, outlines the goals and outcomes and actions necessary to develop a comprehensive and effective program for management of invasive exotic plants in Florida.

1.6.6 Habitat/Wildlife Restoration and Preservation

Accomplishment Highlights

Multi-Species Recovery Plan

This 2,200-page document, released May 18, 1999 discusses the biology, management, and recovery needs of the 68 federally-listed species that occur in South Florida.  It also discusses the ecosystem aspects of recovery and restoration needs for South Florida.  In addition to the federally listed species, it incorporates species that are listed as threatened or endangered by the State of Florida, wading birds, neotropical migrants, and others that might indicate the health or well-being of an ecosystem.  Restoration actions are also defined for 23 ecological communities in South Florida. 

The final section of the recovery plan discusses the continuing collection of data and implementation of the recovery and restoration actions for the 68 federally listed species and their habitats.  This section calls for establishing a Multi-species/Ecosystem Recovery Implementation Team (MERIT).  Consisting of 30-40 members, representation on MERIT is similar to other recovery teams and includes individuals from federal, state, and local agencies, tribal governments, academia, industry, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and other stakeholders.  The focus of MERIT will be on prioritizing recovery actions as identified in the Multi-Species Recovery Plan from an ecosystem perspective, and on recommending and funding on-the-ground recovery and restoration activities at the species and community level.  Because the Multi-Species Recovery Plan is integral to all other restoration strategies in South Florida, MERIT will need to coordinate with other Working Group efforts.  Representatives on MERIT have been appointed to help guide the implementation of MSRP from a multi-discipline perspective.  In addition to the oversight role of MERIT, FWS representatives serve as liaisons to the Project Coordination Teams, the Science Coordination Team and the Working Group.

Florida Keys Water Quality Protection Program

The Environmental Protection Agency, the State of Florida, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are currently in the fifth year of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Protection Program. This program provides comprehensive monitoring programs that record water quality trends, changes in coral reef health and recruitment, and shifts in the conditions of the surrounding seagrass community. This enables scientists and managers to track the reef ecosystems overall health while water quality problems are addressed. The program has launched several special studies to address wastewater and stormwater problems that affect the near shore waters of the Keys.

1.6.7        Built Environment

Accomplishment Highlights

Eastward Ho! This state initiative marks a major effort to make urban areas more livable. The goal of this collaborative, multi-agency effort is to improve regional quality of life, support the creation of communities that are environmentally, economically, and socially healthy, and lessen development pressure on sensitive environmental and agricultural lands.  The Eastward Ho! corridor is roughly a 150-mile long corridor, which encompasses the area between and around the CSX and Florida East Coast railroads.  It runs from Fort Pierce in St. Lucie County to Florida City in Miami-Dade County and includes the major metropolitan areas of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.  The corridor does not include coastal high hazard areas such as beaches.  By revitalizing and improving the quality of life in this historic urban growth corridor for existing and future residents, and attracting a greater portion of future regional growth into the corridor, supporters of Eastward Ho! hope to lessen urban sprawl into sensitive lands adjacent to the Everglades and secure a sustainable future for the South Florida region.  Promoters of the initiative estimate that redirecting growth patterns and limiting urban sprawl will save over $6 billion in combined land, infrastructure, housing, and other fiscal impacts by 2020.

Eastward Ho! Brownfields Partnership

This partnership is a collaboration of local, state, regional and federal agencies with private sector, non-profit and community organizations targeting the cleanup and reuse of contaminated and abandoned/underused urban sites. The partnership recently celebrated its designation as a National Brownfields Showcase Community, one of 16 communities chosen from 230 nationwide applicants.  This designation brings the promise of increased financial attention and resources for Brownfields work.

To further the Showcase Community effort, several Federal Partnership summits have been held with the federal and local partners where local case studies were reviewed and constructive advice provided to help further the ongoing efforts. The summits have been instrumental in leading local partners to additional funding sources in EPA and HUD.  Periodic mini-summits are being planned to expand this support effort to the local partners.  There are also efforts underway to conduct a financial workshop with lending institutions in May 2000 to enhance the connectivity of funding to the local efforts.  In addition, several additional Brownfields pilots have been initiated with the City of Fort Lauderdale, the Seminole Tribe, and the City of Fort Myers that target revitalization of underutilized areas.   Planning is currently underway to host the Florida Statewide Brownfields Conference in South Florida in June 2000.

The federal Superfund program continues to pursue the timely remediation of sites on (or candidates for) the National Priority List and in some cases has facilitated discussions with the public and local governments furthering the consideration of future reuse in coordination with the remediation effort.  This effort, in coordination with federal, state, and local Brownfields initiatives, is focusing on revitalization in the Eastward Ho! Corridor, as well as other underutilized areas in South Florida.

Florida Keys Carrying Capacity Study

The Governor's Executive Order 98-309 called for a carrying capacity analysis for the Florida Keys to resolve litigation of the Monroe County Comprehensive Plan. The Department of Community Affairs and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership, and in cooperation with Monroe County and the municipalities have initiated the study. The goal of the study is to determine the ability of the Florida Keys ecosystem, and the various segments thereof, to withstand all impacts of additional land development activities.   The study is equally funded by the federal and state governments.  The federal funds are from the Critical Restoration Projects authority provided by WRDA 96 while the state funds are legislative appropriations and Work in Kind Service.  When completed the study will identify the carrying capacity of development in the Keys based upon the limits of the natural environment, hurricane evacuation, and social preference.  A series of nine workshops, involving experts from around the country, have been held to assist the study partners in fully addressing these complex issues.  A study consultant has been retained and the initial collection and analysis of data has begun.  The study is required to be completed by July 2002.

Innovative Planning and Management

The shared vision of a sustainable South Florida has helped restoration partners coordinate their actions. Former adversaries now work together toward reaching common goals. Many govern­mental entities share resources and expertise to meet pressing needs. This increased inter­action is breaking down institutional barriers, streamlining regulatory processes, and making it possible to deal with problems proactively. The following accomplishments depict the successes made through these collaborative efforts.

1.6.8 Innovative Planning and Management

Accomplishment Highlights

Big Cypress Water Conservation Plan

This project represents a groundbreaking collaboration involving the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Corps, National Park Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Environmental Protection Agency. This multiyear plan will improve water quality, increase water storage capacity, and enhance hydroperiods on the Big Cypress Reservation and in the Big Cypress Preserve. The project will also enhance flood control and provide flexible water conveyance capabilities in the reservation. The Seminole Tribe and Corps of Engineers signed a precedent setting project cooperation agreement to construct a significant portion of this plan as a critical project.  Design, planning, and construction activities have begun.

1.6.9 Science

Accomplishment Highlights

Everglades Nutrient Removal (ENR) Project

This prototype stormwater treatment area successfully completed its fifth year of operation in August 1999 and continues to exceed performance expectations.  During this time, the ENR Project removed more than 155,000 pounds of phosphorus that would have otherwise flowed directly into the Everglades Protection Area.  These results have validated the premise that the STAs can effectively remove nutrients from Everglades Agricultural Area runoff and will achieve the interim treatment criteria mandated by the Everglades Forever Act.  The ENR Project was incorporated into the footprint of STA 1 West in late 1999.  A $4.5 million modification to the ENR Project test cells was completed in 1998.  The District is currently using these 30 small wetlands to conduct experiments that will evaluate the ability of several advanced treatment technologies to reduce phosphorus concentrations to 10 ppb or less and determine how changing operational conditions may influence STA performance as part of research on STA optimization.

Across‑Trophic‑Level System Simulation (ATLSS)

ATLSS is a complex set of ecological models developed and implemented by USGS for the purpose of integrating ecosystem and species responses to hydrology.  The ATLSS predictive ecological models were used extensively in formulating the CERP.  Actual implementation of specific CERP projects will require additional ATLSS model products to assist resource and project managers during project design and construction. ATLSS computer landscape models of two types have been developed.   First, spatially-explicit species index (SESI models) predict changes in the habitat conditions of several key wildlife species in the Everglades (Cape Sable seaside sparrow, Florida snail kite, Florida panther, American alligator, white-tailed deer, long-legged and short-legged wading birds). These SESI models were applied in 1999, and continuing through 2000, to Modwater evaluations.  Second, a spatially-explicit population models (SEPMs) were completed for the Cape Sable seaside sparrow in 1998.  The Florida snail kite SEPM was completed in 1999, and has been applied to AltD13R4 and Modwater evaluations.  In addition, an ATLSS Viewer (version 1.0) for converting ATLSS output data files to ArcView has been developed and is being tested.  This Viewer permits users who have access to ArcView to retrieve from storage, display, and perform analyses on any of the stored ATLSS data sets for 31-year runs of AltD13R4 or Modwater evaluations.

Natural System Model

In April 1998 the South Florida Water Management District completed and released an updated version of the Natural System Model. This computer model simulates the hydrologic response of a pre-drained Everglades system. This updated model served as one of the primary tools in the Restudy planning process where output data were used to measure the degree to which various water management alternatives achieved targeted restoration goals in the Everglades.

Everglades Consolidated Report

On January 1, 2000, the Water Management District completed the second major technical document mandated by the Everglades Forever Act.  This document synthesizes scientific information gathered during the period from May 1, 1998 through April 30, 1999 and summarizes major findings related to Everglades restoration. The Report was peer reviewed by a panel of experts and through two public workshops.  Information from this report will be used by the SFWMD and Florida Department of Environmental Protection for making decisions affecting the implementation of the Everglades Construction Project, particularly STA-3/4, the last and largest stormwater treatment area, and other restoration initiatives associated with the Everglades Forever Act.  Copies of the report are available on the Web at www.sfwmd.gov/org/wre/eir/index.html, or they can be ordered by contacting            561/682-6745.

Florida Bay Science Program

This program, overseen by an interagency program management committee, is guided by a strategic plan for research, monitoring, and modeling.  The program goals are to: 1) determine the historical condition of Florida Bay to help establish restoration targets; 2) quantify the status and trends of the Bay ecosystem and its vital components, such as seagrass coverage and water quality; 3) determine the mechanisms and causes of recent ecological changes; and 4) provide accurate predictions of the response of the Bay to environmental management actions.  Significant progress toward reaching each of these goals was reported by scientists at the peer-reviewed Florida Bay Science Conference in November 1999.  This progress includes the documentation of historical salinity and seagrass cover; quantification of seagrass die-off and recovery patterns; the development of performance measures for salinity, seagrass, fish and shrimp; and the development of models to predict salinity and water quality changes as a function of water management scenarios.  The cooperative interagency science management approach developed for Florida Bay and adjacent coastal waters is regarded as a model for ecosystem research throughout South Florida.

Everglades Water Quality Model

The SFWMD developed this computer model to predict the quantity of phosphorus transported to a specific area when a new water treatment alternative is implemented. The Restudy Team used this model to assess water quality impacts of the various water management alternatives. The United States Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, is currently utilizing this computer model to design and optimize phosphorus removal in Stormwater Treatment Area 1- East.

Miccosukee and Seminole Water Quality Monitoring Programs

The Miccosukee tribe has an established water quality monitoring program and recently have adopted stringent standards to limit phosphorus levels to 10 parts per billion for reservation water. Similarly, through a cooperative effort with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Geological Survey, the Seminole Tribe of Florida has implemented a monitoring program and adopted water quality standards for the Big Cypress and Brighton Reservations. The Seminole Tribe is now developing standards for other reservations. These efforts demonstrate the commitment of both tribes toward maintaining good water quality on tribal lands, — lands that are an integral component to the entire ecosystem.

Conceptual Ecological Models

Multiagency teams have developed a set of conceptual models to organize technical information for the South Florida Ecosystem. The organized data allows planners to design restoration projects to correct specific problems (stressors) resulting in ecosystem degradation. They also identify the ecological performance measures (indicators) that are most likely to reflect the success of the restoration programs. These models are a way of creating a consensus among scientists regarding the cause and effect linkages in the stressed Everglades system.  The organization of the models is based on scientific information collected during many years of research in the natural systems of south Florida.  The South Florida Water Management District issued a report on the conceptual models in 1999.  The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Team is using the conceptual models as major planning tools.

Seminole Tribe Nutrient Removal Studies

The Seminole Tribe is conducting ongoing studies to determine the effects of agricultural runoff on forest/grassland wetland mosaics.  The Tribe's studies are identifying indicator species that measure hydrologic impacts on sensitive lands.  In addition to monitoring the impacts of water quality, the studies also map and monitor the effect of hydroperiod changes.  These studies will provide the hydrological and biological analysis necessary for the design engineering of the Big Cypress Conservation Plan, as well as other South Florida ecosystem restoration projects.   The other major area of research that the Tribe has ongoing is to determine the assimilative capacity for phosphorus of the C&SF canals.  While the results of this study will be used by the Tribe to determine the phosphorus movement through the Big Cypress Reservation, the results will be applicable throughout the C&SF system.

Committee on Restoration of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem

This year the National Research Council (NRC) established a new Committee on Restoration of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem (CROGEE).  This provides an opportunity to enhance the science base for Everglades restoration through independent peer review using the mechanism that Congress has established to provide such advise.

The NRC considered approximately 200 qualified candidates for membership.  The Working Group and its Science Coordination Team submitted names of members who were among the 15 final appointees.

The Science Coordination Team prepared a two day overview briefing and field trip to various locations including the Water Conservation Area. The Working Group submitted a suggested list of priority items for the CROGEE to begin work.

After its initial meeting the CROGEE forwarded a list of proposed work topics for review.  These topics included  “spatial, temporal and social context “, the scientific underpinning of the Conceptual Ecosystem Model, aquifer storage and recovery, the regional assessment of invasive exotic plants and a review of the hydrological models.  These items were reviewed by the Working Group for submission to the Task Force.

The CROGEE requested additional briefings directly related to their proposal such as material on the Natural System and South Florida Water Management models, and reviews of the research and dates associated with the storm water treatment issues.  Finally they requested information on the consideration of environmental justice and brownfields issues.

The Working Group looks forward to an ongoing productive interaction with the CROGEE.

1.6.10    Public Outreach and Participation

8.5 Square Mile Area Alternatives Evaluations

In 1999, the South Florida Water Management District requested that the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) formally develop and evaluate a full array of alternatives for providing flood protection to the 8.5 Square Mile Area, a component of the Modified Water Deliveries to Everglades National Park Project. Toward that end, the USACE solicited public comment beginning June 21, 1999 with a scoping meeting that included participation by residents of the 8.5 SMA, federal, state and local agencies, and other interested parties and stakeholders.  Following development of alternatives, Working Group round table discussions were held in Homestead and Key Largo September 1-2 to discuss the technical aspects of alternatives being considered and a public workshop was held October 6, 1999 in Homestead.  Comment will also be solicited on the Corps’ draft General Reevaluation Report and Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (GRR/SEIS) in a public workshop hosted by the Corps, tentatively scheduled for April 26, 2000 and another workshop hosted by the SFWMD, which are scheduled for May 1, 2000. The notice of availability for the revised draft GRR/SEIS is expected to be published in late June 2000, followed by a final comment period in July and issuance of the Record of Decision in late August 2000.  Through these series of workshops and public meetings the public and interested stakeholders will receive extensive opportunity to understand the alternatives being developed and provide feedback to help decision makers as they shape the final plan.

The Governor’s Commission for the Everglades

The Governor’s Commission is an effective forum for informing and engaging key stakeholders in free-flowing dialogue. The Commission is an informed body of disparate interests working toward resolution of many controversial issues.  It serves as an important conduit for sharing and input of information from Commission constituencies.

Public Outreach and Participation Strategy

The Working Group developed a public outreach and participation strategy designed to attain broad-based public understanding and long-term support for a restored ecosystem and a sustainable South Florida. Through this strategy the Working Group and Task Force will promote public awareness, actively engage everyone who is affected in restoration and sustainability efforts, and incorporate their views in the many important decisions being made.

Seminole Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum

Opened in April 1997 on the Big Cypress Reservation, the museum preserves and interprets the culture, language, and customs of the Florida Seminoles. The museum’s exhibits, rare artifacts, and interactive computers are effective educational tools for tribal members and the non-Seminole community alike. The museum is a centerpiece of recent tribal achievements.

Tortugas 2000 / Dry Tortugas General Management Plan Amendment and EIS.

 In Fall 1998, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Dry Tortugas National Park launched an interagency planning effort to protect sensitive Tortugas habitats. Tortugas 2000, an important component of the Florida Keys marine zoning strategy, will establish an Ecological Reserve to protect biodiversity, maintain ecosystem integrity, and act as a reference site to help scientists discriminate between natural versus induced changes to the Keys ecosystem. The reserve will be located in the western Tortugas region and will be in place by the year 2000.

The Dry Tortugas National Park Management Plan Amendment and EIS will explore ways to protect resources while continuing to provide high quality visitor experiences in the unique setting of historic Fort Jefferson and the surrounding reefs.

Initial scoping efforts were accomplished through a newsletter, extensive media contacts, and a series of successful open houses. These joint efforts allowed the agencies to show the difference between these similar, but distinct, efforts in a convenient forum that encouraged strong public participation. The agencies continued to coordinate scientific analysis and planning this past year in an effort to release draft plans simultaneously in March 2000.

Museum of Discovery and Science Partnership

The most creative part of the Task Force’s strategy for public outreach and participation was implemented through the formalization of a public - private partnership between the Task Force and the Museum of Discovery and Science.  The Task Force wanted expert assistance in disseminating information about South Florida ecosystem restoration, and recognized that the Museum of Discovery and Science’s expertise demonstrated success for two decades in educating the public about the habitats and wildlife in South Florida.

The Museum of Discovery and Science is a private, nonprofit institution that has more visitation than any other museum in Florida.  Annually 500,000 or more people, including over 75,000 children, visit the museum.  The Museum attracts and educates persons of all ages, including residents of South Florida, and tourists from all across the United States and many other countries. The Museum collaborates with museums worldwide in research, collections, program development, and exhibits, and has also demonstrated effective outreach, inclusion, and environmental education of urban, minority, and underserved communities. Because of the Museum’s success in increasing visitation, a major expansion has been initiated of its physical facilities, exhibits and programs, part of which will tell the story of the restoration of the South Florida ecosystem.

The Task Force and the Museum recognized their mutual interests in increasing public understanding of the restoration, and the unique opportunity in time for cooperation in the planning for the Museum’s expansion.  Both parties know that their partnership will result in more inclusive, higher quality, and more accurate outreach to the public with information about the ecosystem and the restoration in ways that are better interpreted and more relevant to the public than either organization could do on its own.  

Following an iterative, consensus building process, the Task Force and the Museum entered into a formal partnership.  The agreement spells out expectations for collaboration as the Museum plans, develops and evaluates exhibits, curriculum, audio-visual presentations, and other public outreach and educational devices, strategies, or publications.  A Partnership Collaboration Committee will report regularly to the Working Group on its activities and on the achievements of the collaboration.  The Working Group will report regularly to the Task Force on the Museum’s progress and activities concerning the public outreach and education goals of the Partnership.

Strategic Plan

The Strategic Planning Team is developing for Task Force approval, strategic plan for restoring and sustaining the South Florida ecosystem describing the applications and linkages among governmental programs or projects which will achieve shared ecosystem goals in the region.  This regionwide strategic plan will coordinate and integrate federal and non-federal activities necessary to accomplish the three ecosystem restoration goals, which are:

1.      Getting the water right,

2.      Restoring and enhancing the natural system,

3.      Transforming the built environment.

The Strategic Plan will:

·        Provide a common vision of a desirable future for South Florida.

·        Identify the strategies and partners that need to coordinate their efforts.

·        Outline how Everglades restoration will occur, including a 5-, 10-, 25-, and 50-year timeline.

·        Identify the resources needed to achieve full restoration.

·        Identify those responsible and accountable for accomplishing actions.

·        Link the strategic plan to the goals of the initiative identified thus far by the Task Force, and to outcome-oriented annual goals.

This effort is being lead by the SFERTF - Office of the Executive Director. A project team composed of senior staff members from the constituent Task Force agencies has been assembled to ensure the goals and projects of the Agencies are fully integrated into the plan.  Additionally, a 16 county effort to collect and evaluate the plans of over 100 local and regional governments and business organizations by Task Force staff is being incorporated into the plan. These local entities make most of the major land use decisions in the Everglades watershed.

The state of the Plan to date is a completed draft introduction, history, and description of the problem.  Guiding principles of the way the business of restoration is being conducted have been described.  A 16 county, multi-agency vision of restoration and sustainability completed and out for comment. Goals and draft indicators of success have been developed.  Finally, a compendium of all of the state and federal restoration projects approved and or underway are being assembled to describe the lead agencies, coordination, costs, and timelines. The Task Force will present this plan to Congress in July 2000 with a placeholder that will allow for fuller definition through work with the state on the language appropriate for goal three and how to link it to goals one and two.  The second iteration of this plan will go to Congress in June 2002.

In 1999 the planning team:

·        Collected, reviewed, and analyzed planning, vision, and project documentation from the Regional, County, Municipal, and non-profit organizations working in the system.  Interviewed lead staff in the 5 Regional Planning Councils, water management district, 16 counties, a few cities, and a number of environmental and economic organizations about local issues and how they may integrate into the larger ecosystem effort.  Provided briefing presentations to elected officials of the Regional Planning Councils, Counties and Cities interviewed.

·        Provided briefing presentations to environmental organizations, economic development organizations, and minority organizations

·        Conducted a DELPHI with selected academic and practitioner participants to refine desired future conditions for the region.

·        Collected and analyzed information developed from public input to forums on environmental issues.

·        Began development of strategic indicators for measures of success in achieving the shared vision of a sustainable future that comes out of the first planning phase summary.