GOAL 1: GET THE WATER RIGHT

Getting the water right means restoring more natural hydrologic functions while also providing adequate water supplies and flood control. It involves four interrelated factors that are essential to the restoration effort: the quantity, quality, timing, and distribution of water. While some portions of the water management system are being modified, restoration participants are also conducting extensive research and modeling to determine the hydrological requirements of the system to understand the needs of the natural system — more water is not always better. The goal is to deliver the right amount of water, of the right quality, to the right places, at the right times.

Quantity

Significantly less water flows through the ecosystem today compared to historical times. This stems from the reduction in the spatial extent of wetlands and the system's loss of water from agricultural and urban stormwater runoff, combined with a loss of regional storage capacity due to development and agriculture.Two chief components to getting the water right will be capturing and storing the excess water leaving the system or lost to tide and replacing the system's lost water storage capacity.

Quality

Excess phosphorus, mercury, and other contaminants currently threaten the region's surface water and groundwater. The water quality of Florida Bay and the Keys similarly shows significant signs of degradation, largely from human-produced pollutants. Finding effective methods to ensure that water supplies are clean enough for their intended use is another critical element in getting the water right.

Timing

Alternating periods of inundation and drying were vital to the historical function of the ecosystem. Today the timing and duration of inundation and drying, called hydroperiods, have been severely altered. Restoring natural variations in water flows and levels, without diminishing existing levels of water supply or flood control, is the third important factor in getting the water right.

Distribution

The areal extent and movement of water through the system is the final factor in the water equation. Currently, many of the wetlands and other ecosystem habitats are disconnected from each other. Reducing this compartmentalization and reestablishing normal sheetflow throughout the system is as essential as getting the quantity, quality, and timing of water right.

GOAL 2: RESTORE AND ENHANCE THE NATURAL SYSTEM

Mending the natural system is an equally challenging goal. Two major areas demand immediate attention: habitat and species diversity.

Habitat

Much of the natural environment has been lost to development or has been dramatically altered and isolated from the rest of the system. Restoring habitats will involve maximizing the spatial extent of wetlands and other habitats through land acquisition and changes in current land use. It will also require reestablishing the physical and biological connections between the different components of the natural system. Key to achieving this goal will be the removal or modification of canals, roads, and other structures to facilitate more natural water flow, and the maintenance or restoration of natural landscape features.

The future of South Florida's magnificent coral reefs depends on "getting the water right."

Species Diversity

The loss and alteration of habitat have resulted in dramatic declines in native species and the rapid spread of invasive exotics. Similarly, increased discharges from cropland and urban stormwater runoff have disrupted the equilibrium of coastal estuaries and reef systems.

Recovering threatened and endangered species and halting the spread of invasive, exotic species will be fundamental in reestablishing the health and diversity of the natural system. Reducing the pulses of agricultural and urban stormwater runoff also will be important to restoring the natural balance and productivity of coastal habitats and fisheries as well as the health of coral reef and nearshore seagrass communities.

GOAL 3: TRANSFORM THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Transforming the built environment means developing sustainable lifestyles and economies that do not negatively impact the natural environment nor degrade the quality of life in built areas. Balancing human needs and those of the natural system requires careful reexamination of how business is carried out as well as public and private views on how resources should be used.

A sustainable built environment will also need a diverse and balanced economy. The regional economy should continue to support traditional industries such as agriculture, tourism, development, fishing, and manufacturing. But it must ensure that these resource-dependent industries are compatible with restoration goals and will maintain or enhance the quality of life in the built areas. The support of financial and business interests in achieving both restoration and urban revitalization goals will play an indispensable role.

Agriculture

Florida is the nation's ninth leading agricultural state, with annual farm cash receipts totaling $6 billion. It also contributes $18 billion in farm-related economic activities and employs 80,000 people a month. South Florida counties lead the nation in sugar cane production (Palm Beach), oranges (Hendry), grapefruit (St. Lucie), and snap beans (Miami-Dade). Together, agriculture in these four counties generates approximately $2 billion annually.

But these impressive figures belie ongoing problems. Between 1982 and 1992, the number of designated agricultural acres throughout the state has decreased from 12.8 million to 10.7 million acres, a loss of 16%. This reduction stems from increasing urban sprawl, soil subsidence, and the conversion of some agricultural lands for other needs (e.g., water preserve areas, etc.). The loss of farmland underscores the increasing need to develop efficient farming practices.

Tourism

Tourism and South Florida are virtually synonymous. In 1995 the region drew in nearly $14 billion in tourism-related revenues. Dade County alone attracted 9.4 million visitors who spent $8.4 billion. And tourists do not flock only to the beaches. Everglades National Park is ranked in the top five tourist destinations in the nation; the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is the number one dive destination in the world. Annually over $1.2 billion are spent by tourists in the Florida Keys alone.

Increasingly, ecotourism and other forms of lower impact recreation are gaining popularity and economic viability.

The vast tourism industry provides over 365,000 jobs in South Florida. But the jobs and the incomes gained through tourism and recreation ultimately depend on a healthy ecosystem. Shifting the focus of tourism by promoting lower impact yet profitable activities such as ecotourism will be one important way to achieve sustainable tourism.

Development

In 1995 construction and real estate employed over 500,000 individuals and generated almost $7 billion in income. Since then growth has continued, creating continued demands for roads, utilities, and services. This growth has strained the built environment's ability to provide the infrastructure needed to support this growth. It has also altered the natural environment by decreasing habitat, changing water distribution, and increasing the amount of water and airborne pollutants.

The current trend of urban sprawl and outward growth needs to be replaced by more responsible development and the creative infilling of urban areas. Resources needed to support development, and the lifestyles of residents should be used efficiently and with minimal waste. Land use decisions need to be compatible with ongoing restoration efforts. Lastly, government programs and tax structures should be reengineered to encourage smart development, agriculture, and resource management.

Ultimately, development needs to shift its focus from growth at any cost to growth that sustains a high quality of life in the built environment.

Other Key Industries

Other key South Florida industries have a stake and a role in transforming the built environment. Financial institutions embracing banking, insurance, and realty are indispensable to agriculture, tourism, development, and fishing. Regional manufacturing, not traditionally associated with South Florida, increasingly is playing a larger role in national and international economies. Finally, transportation, utilities, and services form the backbone of the region's infrastructure.

Collectively, these key industries employ roughly 33% of the region's residents on either full or part-time basis and represent approximately 50% of the region's income.

— Governor's Commission for a Sustainable Florida 1996