SIGNIFICANCE OF RESTORATION

 The South Florida Ecosystem is of national and international significance for its support of wildlife and fish. Over half the United States population of Wood Storks winter in this ecosystem and, during drought years, most are found within the Water Conservation Areas and Everglades National Park (Bancroft et al. 1992, Everglades National Park unpublished data). The area appears equally important to the U.S. population of White Ibises, with over 100,000 individuals feeding within the Everglades-Big Cypress Area during late winter (Hoffman et al. 1990, Everglades National Park unpublished data). Some stay to nest in South Florida, but most migrate north to breed. South Florida is an important staging area for many migratory birds, including Glossy Ibises, Peregrine Falcons, and Swallow-tailed Kites, on their routes between breeding and wintering grounds. The estuaries of South Florida are used as nursery areas for numerous species found on the Florida Keys Reef Tract and throughout the Gulf. Lemon and Black-tipped Sharks enter the bays, especially Florida Bay, to pup. The estuaries are important nursery grounds for pink shrimp and gray snapper, which, as adults, range as far as the Dry Tortugas. Sea turtles nest on the area's beaches, and young turtles use the inshore areas as nursery grounds. The Florida Keys Reef Tract is the only living coral reef in the continental United States. The continued degradation of the South Florida ecosystem threatens the future of these species.

 A human population of roughly 4 million resides in South Florida. Quality of life is strongly affected by the condition of natural systems of the region that provide many services to urban communities. These services should include adequate supplies of clean water, clean air, aesthetically pleasing natural landscapes, and an interesting diversity of wildlife and fishery resources.

 Tourism is a major industry in South Florida. Recreational fishing and diving are significant to the overall economy of south Florida, both directly and through their stimulation of tourism. For example, recreational activities and tourism account for 50% of the total employment in Monroe County, which consists mainly of the Florida Keys. Recreational fishing contributes about $77 million to the economy, while diving contributes about $354 million to the Florida Keys alone. Everglades National Park and other wetland scenic areas are other large tourist magnets. The future of this part of the tourism industry is directly tied to the condition of the South Florida Ecosystem.

 Clearly, restoration of the South Florida Ecosystem means improvement in local quality of life and the regional economy.