Item R1
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date:
Bulk Item: Yes
January ''l, 2000
No X
Division: Growth Mana~ement
Department: N/ A
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Presentation by South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force's Integrated
Strategy Team on its Integrated Strategy Development Initiative.
ITEM BACKGROUND: The South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force is a partnership of local, state,
tribal, and federal leaders to coordinate their respective restoration activities in South Florida. The Task Force
created a Florida-based Working Group to coordinate on a regular basis the many activities linked to this restoration.
To better ensure the success of their efforts, the Working Group has charged its Executive Director to assemble a
multidisciplinary team to prepare a draft Integrated Strategy for ecosystem restoration, maintenance, and protection.
The document is intended to serve as a guiding document for coordination of federal, state, regional, local and tribal
planning efforts and projects.
Representatives from the Strategy Team would like to provide the BOCC with a brief overview of the South Florida
Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, its local Working Group's background and current activities relevant to Monroe
County. A copy of cover letter and presentation overview is attached.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOARD ACTION: None
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: N/A
TOTAL COST:
N/A
BUDGETED: Yes
No
COST TO COUNTY:
APPROVED BY: County Attorney N/A
Risk Management
N/A
DOCUMENTATION: Included
x
Not required
Agenda Item #:
-BU
DISPOSITION:
SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION TASK FORCE
Office of the Executive Director
ImBRARO STRATEGY TEAM
Florida International University, OE - 148/University Park, Miami, FL 33199
Phone 305.348.6745 Fax 305.348.1667
Tim McGarry
Director of Growth Management, Monroe County
2798 Overseas Highway -suite 400
Marathon, Florida 33050
rnm @ mow mill
GROWTH MANAGEMEN DI SON
December 29, 1999
Dear Mr. McGarry
This letter will serve as a follow-up to a recent meeting I had with your staff leadership regarding the South Florida
Ecosystem Restoration Task Force's Integrated Strategy Development Initiative. The Task Force Integrated Strategy
Team would like to address the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners during a regular meeting or
workshop in Janua\y to provide an overview of the issues we discussed at this meeting.
The presentation generally lasts about twenty minutes, the ftrst ten minutes provided by a Working Group member
who will talk about the structure and work of the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force and its Florida
based Working Group. The last ten minutes will be provided by an integrated strategy team member, who will brief
the Board on the integrated strategy initiative. Time needed for response and questions from the elected officials
should be around 10 minutes, depending on the Commission's level of interest in the issues presented.
The goals of this presentation are to provide a brief overview of the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task
Force and its local Working Group's background and current activities that are relevant to Monroe County. The
presentation will provide Monroe County leadership information about the Task Force Integrated Strategy initiative
currently underway and request any information that will give the Integrated Strategy planning team a better
understanding of the County's unique concerns related to ecosystem restoration efforts and how Monroe County
deftnes their vision of a positive future for its citizenry.
I have included a draft agenda item for use in your read-ahead package. Please let me know the date and forum you
have selected for this presentation so that I can schedule a Working Group member to attend.
Thank you for your time and cooperation.
Sincerely,
/~ ,~
/'~;~/~~0 / ~?~
/"Linda Friar, AICP
Florida Coordinator
Strategic Planning Team
cc: George Garrett, Ralph Gouldy, Marlene Conaway
.7
Ene.: Draft Agenda Item
SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION TASK FORCE
Office of the Executive Director
STUnGIC PlANNING TEAM
Florida International University, OE - 148/University Park, Miami, FL 33199
Phone 305.348.1660 Fax 305.348.1667
AGENDA ITEM #
SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION TASK FORCE WORKING GROUP AND
INTEGRATED STRATEGY PLANNING TEAM
PRESENTATION
BACKGROUND
The South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Initiative currently consists of nearly 200 environmental
restoration, growth management, agricultural, and urban revitalization projects, programs, and initiatives
that are designed to make South Florida more sustainable in the future. These projects are being
implemented by a multitude of public and private organizations throughout the Sixteen County South
Florida Region.
The restoration activities are generally guided and integrated into the restoration project by the South
Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force (Task Force), its Florida based Working Group, various
advisory boards, such as the Governor's Commission for a Sustainable South Florida and other technical
working groups (e.g. Science Coordination Team, Public Outreach Steering and Support Team, and
project coordination teams.). These entities interact and cooperate with one another through federal and
state mandates, formal agreements, treaty and trust responsibilities, ordinances, partnerships, and
coalitions.
The Task Force is a partnership of local, state, tribal, and federal leaders in the South Florida ecosystem
working to coordinate their respective restoration activities. The Task Force created a Florida-based
Working Group who meet on a regular basis to better coordinate the many activities linked to assuring
opportunities for a positive future for all South Floridians.
In the process of monitoring and coordinating the progress of these multiple activities, the Working Group
noted the many local initiatives that should be recognized and integrated into the planning process of the
Task Force. The Working Group charged its Executive Director to assemble a multidisciplinary team and
prepare a draft Integrated Strategy (IS) for ecosystem restoration, maintenance, and protection that would
reflect all activities in South Florida that impact restoration efforts. The purpose of this initiative is to
produce a guiding document that supports improved coordination of federal, state, regional, local, and
tribal planning efforts and projects related to restoring the South Florida ecosystem.
The Task Force Integrated Strategy planning team has been in place since September of 1998 and is
currently in phase one of a three-phase planning process. This first phase includes collecting information
on existing plans, examples of sustainable programs from the 5 regional planning councils, 16 counties
and other entities within the region. This information will assist in the development of a strategy that
documents a common vision and its benefits and facilitates a collaborative coordinated implementation
process that includes a system to track progress in fulfilling the vision.
The goal of this presentation/discussion is twofold: First, to provide the Board with information about the
Task Force, its local Working Group and the Integrated Strategy planning initiative currently underway.
Second, is to acquire a better understanding of unique regional, county, and municipal views on
ecosystem restoration efforts, collect information on planning and development goals, and acquire any
information that will provide this planning team with a substantive understanding of how the County
defines its vision of a positive future for its citizenry.
SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION TASK FORCE
Office of the Executive Director
STRATEGIC PlANNING TUM
Florida International University, OE - 148/University Park, Miami, FL 33199
Phone 305.348.1660 Fax 305.348.1667
Specifically the presenters will request information on success stories and local challenges of the
communities guided by this board.
NO ACTION REQUIRED
Local Contact:
Linda Friar, Florida Coordinator, Strategic Planning Team
South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force,
Office of the Executive Director
Phone 305.348.1660 or Pager/voice mail 888.202.0839
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An Integrated Plan For South
Florida Ecosystem Restoration
and Sustainability
SUCCESS IN THE MAKING
PREPARED BY
THE
WORKING GROUP
OFTHE
SOUTH FLORIDA
ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION
TASK FORCE
NOVEMBER 1998
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FT. LAVl?ep<p A.t.-t=
c::::J South Florida Water Management District Boundary
c::::J Everglades Agricultural Area
[TI Conservation and Tribal Lands
CD Non-Public Land
ttOMe'5>TeAP
The South Florida Ecos
SUMMARY
What: The Sauth Flarida Ecasystem Restaratian and
Sustainability project cansists .of nearly 200 environ-
mental restoratian, growth management, agricultural, and
urban revitalizatian projects, programs, and initiatives that are
designed ta make Sauth Flarida more sustainable in the future.
Goals
· restore the natural hydrolagy .of Sauth Flarida
· enhance and recaver native habitats and species
· revitalize urban core areas ta reduce the .outward migratian .of
suburbs and improve the quality .of life in care areas
Premises
· an their current courses the natural and built environments .of
South Flarida are nat sustainable
· the environment, society, and econamics of South Florida are
nat discrete systems but are related interlinking subsystems
that make up the South Florida ecosystem
Vision
· a landscape whase health, integrity, and beauty is restored and
is nourished by its interrelationship with South Florida's
human cammunities
Who: Participants in the restaratian effart include
· six federal departments (12 agencies)
· seven agencies and commissions of the state .of Florida
· two American Indian tribes
· 16 counties and scores .of municipal governments
· representatives from major state industries
· commercial and private sectors
· special interest groups
Restoratian activities are generally guided and coardinated
by the Sauth Flarida Ecasystem Restaratian Task Farce, its
Florida-based Warking Group, variaus advisary baards
(e.g., the Gavernor's Cammissian far a Sustainable Sauth
Flarida), and ather technical working graups (e.g., the
Science Caardinatian Team, Public Outreach Steering and
Support Team, and project caardinatian teams). These
entities interact and caaperate with .one anather through
federal and state mandates, formal agreements, treaty and
trust respansibilities, .ordinances, partnerships, and coalitians.
Where: The ecasystem restoratian project area extends
from the Chain .of Lakes sauth of Orlanda to the reefs sur-
,j1
· 16% reduction in agricultural lands
rounding historic fort Jeffersan sauthwest .of the Flarida
Keys. The area ep.campasses all the terrestrial and aquatic
habitats in this ilrea. It alsa includes the metrop<?litan are
.of Miami, FartLauderdale, West Palm Beffch, Fort Myers,
and ather growing cammunities in./Sauth Flarida. As
defined the ettasystem cavers approximately 10,800 square
miles (28,00d square kilameters)/~nd includes 11 majar
physiagraphic provinces.
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Why: Water is the cammanJifeline far the natural and built
environments. Engineered/flaad control and water distribu
tian systems, agriculture,! growth, and develapment ha e
disrupted the regian's w*er quality, quantity, timing, d
distributian (i.e., thehydfapattern). Agricultural runaff nd
urban starmwater have iJtroduced high levels .of phas ha-
rus, m~rcury, and a~her tntami~ants inta the water sy t~m,
pallutmg lakes, nvers~ estuanes, and the Evergl .des.
Abnarmally high discha'ige .of starmwater inta estuaries and
caastal waters has seve ,~ly degraded aquatic habitats at
support fish, birds, a' ather species. Groundwater s
threatened by saltwater " trusian and ather marine-induce
pallutants. These impa1its have significantly stressed the
natural system. Evidenc~of these impacts include
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· 50% reduction in the ori~nal acreage of the Everglades
· 90%-95% decrease in wading-bird populations
· 68 threatened or endange~ed species
· 2 million acre-feet of wateI' lost from the system through
discharge annually
· 1 million acres of the ecosystem under health advisaries fr
mercury contamination
· phosphorus contaminatian .of Lake Okeechobee, the
Everglades, and surroundiq.~ wetlands
· the rampant spread of invasi~e, exotic plants and t
ment of native species I'
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Rapid papulatian increas . evelapment, andfIrban s
alang the state's coastal as have similarli stresse
built environment. AgricJ ral areas in th9, interia
related problems stemming; rom growth and \lrban s
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Indicatars .of stress in the b~; lt environment i~clude
· high numbers of sites contami,ted by hazardous
(brownfields) ,
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· greater unemployment, lower income and education levels,
and a high prevalence of poverty in urban cores
· repetitive water shortagesa.t1d salt water intrusion
· increased demands for roads, utilities, and services in
response to the outward growth of suburbs
· decreased tax bases in mban cores / overly stressed infrastructures
How: Restoration efforts are guided by three linked
strategies.
Adaptive Management. Restoratjon participants recognize
that not all the data needed to/testore the ecosystem is in
hand. They also recognize the need to move forward.
Therefore, restoration efforts employ an overall strategy
that implements action where possible, while continuing to
collect and refine data. This iterative, feedback approach,
termed adaptive management, relies heavily on predictive
modeling and support studies to identifY management alter-
natives and evaluate their potentials. It also employs exten-
sive monitoring to assess the progress of management
actions and to provide feedback for refining both restoration
actions and predictive models. This approach provides the
structure for initiating critical projects immediately, the flex-
ibility to modifY activities when needed, and the coordina-
tion to ensure accountability.
Innovative Management. The restoration effort further rec-
ognizes that decisions must be based on sound science. Yet,
science alone is not the answer. Using systemwide manage-
ment techniques that deal with issues holistically, are out-
come-oriented, and overcome institutional barriers are also
important. Because the ecosystem does not recognize gov-
ernmental jurisdictions, successful restoration efforts must
also employ integrated governance to coordinate the activi-
ties of federal, state, tribal, regional, and local governmen-
tal entities and to find ways to streamline management and
funding. Finally, broad-based partnership and public out-
reach are essential for building a consensus on needed
actions and for maintaining good lines of communication
with the public and among restoration partners.
Action. Critical projects are underway to restore the region-
al hydropattern, recover endangered species and habitats,
and revitalize urban cores and manage growth. Projects like
the Kissimmee River Restoration Project, Everglades
Construction Program, and the Water Preserve Areas
Project demonstrate that more natural hydropatterns can be
reestablished. The Multi-Species Recovery Project under-
scores the need to address issues holistically and on a
regionwide basis. The innovative Eastward Hol Initiative
shows how public, private, and governmental entities can
work together to breathe new life into urban areas and fos-
ter more sustainable lifestyles. Finally, the South Dade
Land Use / Water Management Planning Project and the
Florida Keys Carrying Capacity Study provide excellent
examples for a more sustainable future. These ambitious
projects show that a sustainable South Florida can become
a reality.
When: Now, and the next 50 years. Reestablishing a healthy
and sustainable ecosystem, including both the natural and
built environments, is a massive undertaking that will take
decades to complete and will require long-term funding
commitments. The progress made to date shows that the
current methods work and will continue to be improved.
Ultimate success will depend on continued consensus and
cooperation among restoration partners, shared responsibil-
ities, and consistent funding. Restoring the South Florida
ecosystem will secure the future of South Florida and will
provide valuable examples of restoration methods and
strategies that can be applied elsewhere.
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CONTENTS
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CONTENTS v
INTRODUCTION
Expanding the Concept of Ecosystem
Why Should We Care?
HOW DID WE GET HERE? 2
A Special Place - At Risk 2
The Other Side of the Coin 2
An Ecosystem in Decline 2
Roots of Degradation 2
Consequences 3
IS ANYBODY DOING ANYTHING? 4
Protecting Land and Water 4
Enacting Laws and Initiatives 4
Changing Land Use Patterns 6
Forming Partnerships 6
A Common Vision 7
WHAT ARE THE GOALS? 8
Goal I: Get the Water Right 8
oa 2: Restore and Enhance the Natural System 8
Goal 3:Transform the Built Environment 9
HOW DO WE ACHIEVE THE GOALS? II
Adaptive Management II
Innovative Management II
WHAT'S BEING DONE? 13
Getting the Water Right 13
Restoring and Enhancing the Natural System 15
Transforming the Built Environment 17
ARE WE THERE YET? 20
Lessons Learned 20
Shared Responsibilities 20
The Next Step 20
The Buy In 20
Wise Investments 20
GLOSSARY 22
ACRONYMS 23
SOURCES 23
ORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION TASK FORCE 24
WEB SITES 23
LORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION WORKING GROUP 24
SPECIAL ADVISORS 27
ERNOR'S COMMISSION FOR A SUSTAINABLE SOUTH FLORIDA 27
ORGANIZATION 31
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INTRODUCTION
South Florida is in trouble. The once lush, subtropical
wetlands and coastal reefs are dying, while the vibrant
tourist meccas are marred with "brownfields" and urban
sprawl. The entire ecosystem is in jeopardy.
But there is good news. Massive efforts to cleanse and
restore the natural flow of water through the region - the
key to the health of the entire system - are underway.
Similarly, innovative measures for improving the quality of
life in urban centers and reining in urban sprawl are being
explored and implemented. Increasingly, a shared under-
standing and a common goal are taking root among politi-
cians, government officials, tribes, farmers, ranchers, busi-
ness leaders, and private citizens. We must make South
Florida sustainable. We must do it now. And we must do it
together.
EXPANDING THE CONCEPT OF ECOSYSTEM
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The ecosystem is the key to the future of South Florida.
Once the term raised visions of only the natural environ-
ment, including all the plants and animals and their intri-
cate relationships with their physical surroundings. But the
South Florida ecosystem is also home to humans and their
built environment. Today, we have come to realize that all
aspects of life, including humans and their built world, are
inextricably linked.
Clean air and water, healthy habitats, and viable species
populations are critical to the overall health of the ecosys-
tem. But so are sound economies, affordable housing, and
job opportunities. Both the natural and the built environ-
ments are two sides of the same coin. Attempting to deal
with the problems of one, and not the other, will never be
successful. Actions and strategies must be directed at the
totality of the relationships that exist between the built envi-
ronment, the natural world, and all the collective inhabitants.
This expanded view of the South Florida ecosystem is
daunting and complex. It forces planners, scientists, and the
public to view the built environment and the reso rc~s
needed to sl\pport it as part of a larger systenr:Rather tn
dealing witlf issues independently, t~e/~hallenge is to seek
out the in~',. rrelationships and....mytual dependencies that
exist betwe n these critical comppnents of the ecosystem.
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WHY SHOULD WE C E?
Dealing wit4 the problems of both the built environment
and the natural system is new and challenging. The prob
lems and sol~tions touc~ every aspect of life in the regi
Unless a holi~tic, inteJ;rated, and adaptive approac
taken, and taken at all levels, the root problems will n t be
addressed. ';'
The quality of life in ,outh Florida depends directly, n the
health and vitality o!,the natural system. FisherIIl;ie and
divers cannot con tin Ie to do business if the coral efs,
estuaries, and shallo . i aters of Florida Bay cannot supp rt
viable populations of l\quatic species and healthy habitats.
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Sugarcane producers, \inter vegetable farmers, and ranch-
ers will find it harder t&,produce safe and reliable food crops
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if more fertile soil continues to be lost to subsidence and
farmland continues to \peconverted into housing, conqo
minium complexes, and\, urban landfills.
Likewise tourism, internat~bnal trade, transportatio
the service sector will suffer if South Florida ceases
sess the natural aesthetics and beauty that make t
such a popular destinatjon for visitors around
Reduced economics, inlt~rn, will impact urba mfr
ture and public safety as well as the regi 's ab
support tourism, trade, d other vital indus ies.
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enVlr ment.
Every resident and visi
final outcome. The ch
human demands with
in the region h
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HOW DID WE GET HERE?
The entire E}C:osystem, nat-
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A SPECIAL PLACE -AT RISK
The river of grass so elegantly described by MaIjory
Stoneman Douglas epitomizes much of the natural
component of the Squth Florida ecosystem - but not all of
it. The natural sy~fem extends from the Chain of Lakes
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south of Orlandq' to the reefs surrounding historic Fort
Jefferson southw~lst of the Florida Keys. Originally, water in
this system floyed freely over low-lying lands and into
coastal estuari4s. This expansive "river" covered almost
11,000 sqhare/miles, creating a mosaic of ponds, sloughs,
sawgrass f malshes, hardwood hammocks, and forested
uplands In And around the estuaries, freshwater mingled
with sa to)reate habitats supporting mangroves and nurs-
ttries ~ r ading birds and fish. Beyond, near-shore islands
; nd 0 reefs provided shelter for an array of terrestrial
nd arine life. For thousands of years these intricate rela-
io ships evolved into a finely balanced system that formed
/"1 hiological iofr.tStmcture fo' the southem half of the s""e.
'th
This unique system has three main characteristics. First, it
is very flat. Across the 100 miles between Lake Okeechobee
and Florida Bay there is less than a 20-foot drop in eleva-
tion. Second, the system extends over an enormous spatial
area and contains varied flora, fauna, and physical land-
scapes. Third, and most important, it is a water-dominated,
rain-driven system characterized by dynamic water storage
and the shallow sheetflow of water.
These factors combine to create an environment containing
some of the greatest biodiversity found on earth. Wetlands,
estuaries, and shoals exist elsewhere. But nowhere in the
world do they combine in the unique way that is found in
South Florida.
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN
Because of its natural assets, the region historically has
attracted newcomers. The warm weather and sandy beaches
beckoned tourists, while the fertile soils of the glades -
once drained - made vast areas available to food produc-
tion. Trains, and later cars and aircraft, made the region
more accessible to visitors. Air conditioning made South
Florida more inhabitable for full-time residence. Seaports
and sparkling water added another dimension. The area
attracted money as well as people, giving rise to other
growth industries - and to a high quality of life. For much
of the 20th century, Fort Myers, Miami, Fort Lauderdale,
and Palm Beach were the places to be.
Today almost 5 million people reside on the east coast of
South Florida alone, and by 2050 the number is expected to
rise to 12 million. Urban areas located mainly along the
coast now support a staggering array of human sights,
sounds, cultures, and economies. Development and growth
have transformed large tracts of wetlands, native range-
lands, and upland habitat into cropland and housing devel-
opments. Urban centers support national and international
commerce and related industries, such as tourism and fish-
ing. Growing ethnic neighborhoods underscore the region's
role as a place for immigrants to seek new lives.
AN ECOSYSTEM IN DECLINE
The dramatic increase in population - and its associated
development - have greatly strained the natural system.
Half of the original wetlands are gone due to drainage, and
many of the remaining natural habitats are significantly
altered and disconnected from each other by canals, roads,
and other man-made features. Urban stormwater and past
agricultural practices have polluted Lake Okeechobee and
disrupted the balance of nutrients in wetland areas to the
south. Each year, 2 million acre-feet of water are being lost
from the natural system through direct discharge of agricul-
tural and urban stormwater into estuaries and from unnat-
ural seepage. Areas that historically supported numerous
tropical and neotropical plants and animals are now domi-
nated by invasive, exotic species.
On the other side of the coin, urban and suburban areas in
Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, as well as
rapidly growing west coast communities, face equally severe
problems - crime, social and ethnic tension, under
employment, environmentally contaminated sites (brown-
fields), and recurring water shortages. The enviable quality
of life of South Florida is at risk.
ROOTS OF DEGRADATION
The roots of ecosystem degradation lie mainly in human
attitudes. Early land developers viewed the Everglades and
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its related habitats as worthless swamps. The dream of
reclaiming the swampland took hold in the first half of the
1800s. Initial efforts were largely ineffectual, but the no-
tion of draining the vast wetland for agriculture and devel-
opment persisted. Little by little, canals, roads, and build-
ings displaced native habitats.
The Central and Southern Florida (C&SF) Project realized
the vision of early developers on a massive scale. Work
started in 1950 and resulted in the construction of almost
2,000 miles of canals and levees, over 200 control and
diversion structures, 25 navigational locks, and 56 railroad
bridges. Two of the project's purposes, and benefits, were to:
(1) provide water and flood protection for urban and agri-
cultural lands and (2) ensure a water supply for Everglades
National Park.
When completed, the C&SF Project opened the doors for
unprecedented growth. It also resulted in the alteration,
and in some cases, the destruction of the region's hydropat-
tern - the quantity, timing, and distribution of water flow
through the ecosystem.
This project arose in response to public outcries for flood
control. Historically, the natural system absorbed excess
water during wet seasons and served as a reservoir during
dry periods. Drainage of wetlands and the construction of
canals curtailed this moderating effect, resulting in a series
of devastating floods and droughts that were further exacer-
bated by unusually powerful hurricanes during the first half
The channeling of the Kissimmee River during the C&SF
Project resulted in the drainage of two-thirds of the historical
floodplain and the loss of habitat for many now threatened and
endangered species.
of the century. These catastrophic events led to a public
demand for man-made flood protection. In short, there was
greater security and confidence in the built world. Also,
there was an increasing perception that the natural envi-
ronment and the built environment were separate entities.
The C&SF Project still provides its intended benefits of
supplying water and flood control. However, many of the
project's under-estimated or unanticipated side effects laid
the foundation for ecosystem degradation. These negative
consequences stemmed not only from public attitudes
toward the natural environment, but also from the desire to
find quick solutions to complex problems.
Similar attitudes directed the growth and development of
the built environment. At the turn of the century, there was
a frontier mentality and a general lack of understanding of
the value of wetlands. Land was for the taking, and when
resources were exhausted, it was time to move on. A pattern
of outward growth emerged, leading to ever-expanding sub-
urbs and declining urban cores. The desire for quick solu-
tions also led to simplistic solutions for complex social and
economic problems like employment, housing, education,
and infrastructure - problems that increasingly fueled the
flight from urban cores into the fragile natural areas and
agricultural lands.
CONSEQUENCES
After almost 50 years of manipulation, much of the natural
system is out of balance. The built environment and its
inhabitants are on a similar track. On its present course,
South Florida is not sustainable.
The urgency of this situation is overshadowed only by the
scope and complexity of the problems that have given rise to
it. Continuing to seek short-term solutions, viewing prob-
lems piecemeal, and failing to balance the needs of the nat-
o ural and built environments have produced serious conse-
L
~ quences. Developing systemwide solutions that address the
1 underlying causes of problems is far more difficult, costly,
~ and time consuming. But it may be the only viable alterna-
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U tive. Ultimately, the fate of South Florida rests with public
attitudes and the actions we are willing to take.
- - -,~-=.
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Currerit. St~~. Indicators:
The Natur~1 SySt;em
. 50% of the original,Everglatjes has
been drained \
. populations of wading bfr(ls ha~ dropped
by 90%-95%\
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'"k.
. 68 plant and animal species arE!'"
or endangered
. 2 million acre-feet of wate~ are 10'
the natural system annuallyithroug~
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charge ant:d unn~ural seep1el
. I million a....c. r. s of the eco.s.......fstem a
under heal advisories foW mercu
contamin on .:
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. phosphorjls from agricultural ru
has contah,inated lake bkeech ee, the
Everglade~, and surrouJlding w . lands
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. increased'!~nnatural,discharg4 of
freshwater have daraged cOftal estua( s
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. the incidE!!'Jce of ~~ral dise res ha
increased '\I O-folti since 19 .1
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invasive, e >, ic plants
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uilt,SYSTt
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. Sou Florid~;ag1(:u'urallands have
dec ased by,,;IOj7 lIion acres or
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. by t e year 2~' ;.,', S Florida's popula-
tion ill incre'.'. e t eefold, from 5 million
to I million.: /
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. the e t coasti' S uth Florida~as
thous .... ds of ~it.i~re.,. ',...5 . ontamina..tft by haz-
ardou,materi~jl( ownfiel1)
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poorest city in
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IS ANYBODY DOING ANYTHING?
Fortunately, yes. As early as the 1920s, damage to the nat-
. ural system was pointed out by private citizens. Since
then, concern and awareness have grown slowly but steadi-
ly. Over the past four decades, intensive scientific research
has identified many of/the causes of ecosystem degradation
and detailed the vari~bles involved. Similarly, the agricul-
tural community al}tl state and local governments have
made strides in ch~hging how resources in the built envi-
ronment are nranaied.
! /
Actions take} to/stem, and eventually reverse, damaging
social and t/nviI/>nmental trends fall into four main cate-
gories: pro/ectjbg land and water, enacting laws and initia-
tivesf cha r land use patterns, and forming partnerships.
/
I
sponse to public persuasion, Congress established
rglades National Park in 1934, although it would be 13
ars before funds were acquired to open the park. The cre-
o ion of the park set an early precedent for putting sensitive
rands aside for preservation and public enjoyment. Since
khen numerous federal, state, and county holdings have
Ibeen set aside in South Florida. These include
· 30 state parks
· 17 state aquatic preserves
· 11 federal wildlife refuges
· 4 national parks
· 1 national marine sanctuary
· 1 national estuarine research reserve
· numerous county land units
4
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In addition, three water conservation areas (WCAs) have
been designated, while significant portions of the state's
coastal waters and portions of the waters around the Flor-
ida Keys have been named Florida outstanding waters.
Overall millions of acres of South Florida land area and
water are protected in one way or another. Despite these
efforts, the ecosystem remains at risk. Direct and indirect
impacts from the built environment are ongoing and cumu-
lative. The underlying problems of a disrupted hydro pat-
tern and fragmented natural habitats persist. Simply setting
lands aside is not the answer. Resolutions to ecosystem
problems lie in how the land and water are managed and the
strategies that are employed to do so.
ENACTING LAWS AND INITIATIVES
Over the past 25 years the Florida Legislature and U.S.
Congress have passed a growing body of legislation directed
at managing growth and protecting the natural environ-
ment. This collective legislation has evolved into a more
holistic and integrated vision for restoring the South Florida
ecosystem in its totality.
Early state legislation such as the 1972 Land Conservation
Act and the Florida Water Resources Act laid the foundation
for managing state growth and protecting sensitive waters.
These acts signaled a change in public and governmental
attitudes about development and the natural environment.
Another major initiative expanded this theme with the launch-
ing of the 1983 Save Our Everglades program - a partnership
between the South Florida Water Management District (Water
District) and state and federal governmental agencies. The ini-
tiative's goal was to work toward restoring the natural compo-
nents of the ecosystem. Affecting the entire Kissimmee River,
Lake Okeechobee, Big Cypress Swamp, and Everglades, this
initiative set a precedent for addressing problems on a region-
wide scale and for interagency cooperation.
In 1985 Florida strengthened its existing planning laws by
adopting the Local Government Comprehensive Planning
and Land Development Regulation Act. This act has result-
ed in the adoption of comprehensive plans by every local
government in the state. The 1987 Surface Water
Improvement and Management Act (SWIM) complemented
the new growth regulations by requiring each Florida water
management district to identifY critical problems in surface
waters and to implement comprehensive restoration plans.
In the early 1990s restoration efforts became more consoli-
dated, focused, and expanded in scope. The federal 1992
Water Resources Development Act authorized a massive and
comprehensive review study of the C&SF Project known as
the Restudy. The goal of this project is to restore the system's
natural hydropattern while maintaining the existing levels of
flood control and improving the integrity, capability, and
conservation of urban and agricultural water supplies. The
ongoing Restudy focuses on virtually the entire ecosystem
and is being carried out by an interdisciplinary/interagency
team composed of state and federal representatives.
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The Kissimmee River Restoration Project underscores the
success of collaborative efforts. Plans to restore the river,
developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps)
and the Water District, culminated in the Water Resources
Development Act of 1992. The act authorized and partially
funded the restoration of this critical riverlfloodplain
ecosystem, which was disrupted when the river was chan-
nelized during the 1960s.
Florida's 1994 Everglades Forever Act established another
ambitious ecosystem restoration plan known as the
Everglades Program. The program involves the construction
of man-made wetlands on land previously used for agriculture
and the implementation of agricultural best management
practices (BMPs) designed to reduce phosphorus contamina-
tion on remaining farmlands. The act also initiated intensive
research and monitoring studies and implemented new incen-
tive-based regulations requiring farmers and municipalities to
meet state phosphorus-reduction standards.
A concerted effort is being made to dovetail activities asso-
ciated with the Restudy and those ongoing under the
Everglades Program. Both represent major steps toward
implementing a regionwide, integrated plan based on federal
and state cooperation.
The 1996 Water Resources Development Act and subse-
quent appropriation bills continued to stress interagency
cooperation and provided funding for restoration efforts on
a regionwide basis. The bill charged the Corps to develop a
comprehensive review study for restoring the hydrology of
South Florida (i.e., the Restudy). Further, it authorized fed-
eral, state, local, and tribal governments to develop recom-
mendations for implementing the plan. The act also autho-
rized additional critical construction projects related to the
C&SF Restudy. Finally, the bill formally established a South
Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force.
This evolving body of legislation and initiatives has culmi-
nated into what is now known as the South Florida
Ecosystem Restoration and Sustainability Project.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION MILESTONES
1947 Establishment of Everglades National Park }} set aside 1.3 million acres as a permanent wilderness;
expanded to 1.4+ million acres in 1989
1947 Publication of The Everglades: River of Grass by Marjory Stoneman Douglas }} brought attention to declining
of the Everglades
1948 Central and Southern Florida Project }} provided congressional authorization to construct a massive water
for South Florida
1969 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) }} established federal environmental review and compliance
1972 Florida Water Resources Act }} established fundamental water policy for Florida. attempting
and sustain the natural systems
1972 Florida Land Conservation Act }} authorized the issuance of bonds to purchase
and recreation lands
1983 Governor's Save Our Everglades Program }) recognized that the entire ecosystem needs to
initiated Kissimmee River Restoration Project
1984 Florida Warren Henderson Act }) gave authority to the Department of Environmental
wetlands and surface water of the state for public interest
1985 Florida Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act ))
and coordination of local land use plans
1987 Florida Surface Water Improvement and Management Act (SWIM) )} required the five Florida
develop plans to clean up and preserve Florida lakes, bays, estuaries, and rivers
1990 Florida Preservation 2000 Act }} established a coordinated land acquisition program to pr
ecological systems and to provide multiple benefits, including the preservation of fish and
space, and water recharge areas
1990 The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act }} established a 2,800-sq
and authorizes a water quality protection program
marine sanctu~ry
1991 Florida Everglades Protection Act }} provided water management districts with clear tool for
/
restoration /
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ral and so~~ern
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1992 Water Resources Development Act }} authorized the Kissimmee River Restoration Projec and
Florida Project Restudy t
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1993 Federal South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force }} was established to coordinate s~te
efforts in South Florida
199. Florid, '..",I,do, Fo~o, Aa , o,",od , ,omprehom"" pO, m ~re ,..lfiQm port'o , of<
ecosystem through construction, research, and regulation
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1994 Governor's Commission for a Sustainable South Florida }} was established to make recomme~datiO
South Florida ecosystem that can coexist with and mutually support a sustainable economy a d qual
"96 ""'w Ro'",,~o' D~lop~m A<, , "",~dod ,,. """ fo~o m ',d,"" 'rihoJ, ,wo, ~d 10"jgo..
extensive public involvement. allowed task force to address full scope of restoration needs (nat~ral
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CHANGING LAND USE PATTERNS
International trade, tourisqi, construction, and agriculture
make up the major economic sppports for the state's multi-
billion-dollar annual economy. E<lrlier in the century many
of these industries expanded rapidly, often at the expense of
natural systems. However, a clear trend of managing re-
sources and growth in more sustaidable ways is emerging.
Working closely with the scientific community and land
managing agencies, much of the/agricultural industry has
begun to embrace best manage~ent practices. These prac-
tices reduce the amount of agricultural runoff, decrease the
need for fertilizers, conserve soils, and foster habitat for
wildlife.
Similarly, state and local governments have enacted mea-
sures to limit growth and development in sensitive areas.
Counties and municipalities increasingly are recognizing
the need for and benefits of buffer zones between the built
and natural environment and open green spaces within built areas.
These trends mark a positive change in the way people view
the natural environment and socioeconomic needs, and
how the two can be mutually beneficial.
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.
Best management practices are leading to greater efficiency and lower rates of nutrient runoff into the ecosystem.
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South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force
In 1993 a federal ecosystem restoration task force was estab-
lished 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 imple-
mentation of the overall restoration effort. In this capacity it
serves as an information clearinghouse, referee, and coordi-
nating entity that helps guide the restoration effort, keep it
on track, and ensure fiscal accountability.
The South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force cur-
rently facilitates the coordination of the restoration work
associated with the Everglades Forever Act, the C&SF
Restudy, the Kissimmee River Restoration Project, and other
efforts being conducted by federal, state, and academic enti-
ties. These efforts have largely focused on reestablishing the
functions of natural systems of the South Florida ecosystem.
Governor's Commission for a Sustainable South Florida
In 1994 the governor of Florida established a commission "to
develop recommendations and public support for regaining a
healthy Everglades ecosystem with sustainable economies
and quality communities." The commission has been instru-
mental in formulating strategies that address both natural
and built ecosystem problems in integrated and innovative
ways. Its underlying premise is that South Florida's environ-
ment, society, and economies are not discrete but are related
and interlinking subsystems of the overall ecosystem. This
realization represents a major shift in the way the ecosystem,
in its totality, should be viewed and managed.
A COMMON VISION
Through a confluence of thinking stemming from preserva-
tion, progressive legislation, and innovative partnerships, the
South Florida ecosystem restoration effort is
· developing strategies for further ecosystem restoration and
protection based on an accepted premise that the current
course in South Florida is not sustainable
· acknowledging that the environment, society, and economics
are not discrete systems but are related and interlinking sub-
systems that make up the South Florida ecosystem. These
premises have led to an emerging common vision of a: land-
scape whose health, integrity, and beauty are restored, and are
nurtured by its interrelationships with South Florida's human
communities
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WHAT ARE THE GOALS?
8
The vision for the South Florida ecosystem will be real-
ized by attaining the following three overarching
restoration goals.
GOAL I:GETTHEWAT~R RIGHT
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Getting the water rig~t means restoring more natural hydro-
logic functions whil~ also providing adequate water supplies
and flood control. Jt involves four interrelated factors that
are essent~.al h thi restoration effort: the quantity, quality,
timing, and.. ist . ution of water. While some portions of
the water na ement system are being modified, restora-
tion partic' a s are also conducting extensive research and
mod i lint.. g. ..10 etermine the hydrological requirements of the
syst t i nderstand the needs of the natural system -
mor w {er is not always better. The goal is to deliver the
rig 'mount of water, of the right quality, to the right
pIa ,at the right times.
Quantity
Quality
Quantity
~
Timing
Distribution
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, com-
bined with a loss of regional storage capacity due to devel-
opment and agriculture.
Two chief components to getting the water right will be cap-
turing 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 cur-
rently 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 hydroperi-
ods, have been severely altered. Restoring natural variations
in water flows and levels, without diminishing existing lev-
els 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 reestab-
lishing 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 develop-
ment or has been dramatically altered and isolated from the
rest of the system. Restoring habitats will involve maximiz-
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GOAL 3:TRANSFORM THE
BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Transforming the built envi-
ronment means developing
sustainable lifestyles and
economies that do not nega-
tively impact the natural envi-
ronment nor degrade the
quality of life in built areas.
Balancing human needs and
those of the natural system
requires careful reexamina-
tion of how business is car-
el ried out as well as public and
~ private views on how resources
~ should be used.
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ment will also need a diverse
and balanced economy. The
regional economy should continue to support traditional
industries such as agriculture, tourism, development, fish-
ing, and manufacturing. But it must ensure that these
resource-dependent industries are compatible with restora-
tion goals and will maintain or enhance the quality of life in
the built areas. The support of financial and business inter-
ests in achieving both restoration and urban revitalization
goals will play an indispensable role.
The future of South Florida's magnificient coral reefs depends on "getting the water right."
ing 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 connec-
tions between the different components of the natural sys-
tem. Key to achieving this goal will be the removal or mod-
ification of canals, roads, and other structures to facilitate
more natural water flow, and the maintenance or restoration
of natural landscape features.
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.
Agriculture
Florida is the nation's ninth leading agricultural state, with
annual farm cash receipts totaling $6 billion. It also con-
tributes $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 agricul-
tural acres throughout the state has decreased from 12.8 mil-
lion to 10.7 million acres, a loss of 16%. This reduction stems
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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. ih
nearly $14 billion in
tourism-related revenues.
Dade County alone attract-
ed 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 destina-
tion 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 need-
ed to support this growth. It has also altered the natural envi-
ronment 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 deci-
sions 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 rep-
resent approximately 50% of the region's income.
HOW DO WE ACHIEVE THE GOALS?
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's learn-as-you-go strategy is to imple-
ment 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.
Models provide the conceptual framework that form 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 man-
agement alternatives. The costs and benefits of the alterna-
AD~e
tives are then calculated using the models to determine
which represents the best course of action.
Once an alternative is selected and implemented, monitor-
ing is used to assess the effectiveness o( the action and to
provide feedback on ways to modify \t (if warranted).
\
Similarly, monitoring data can be used to\revise and refine
the original model, thereby completing an~ continuing the
interactive feedback loop of decision mak\ng a,nd imple-
mentation. \ \
Adaptive management provides a structure \r ~itiating
critical projects immediately, the flexibility to m~di activi-
ties when needed, and the feedback and coord~a~on t~
ensure accountability. ~
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INNOVATIVE MANAGEMENT
The task force and its partners also have adopted a series
creative tactics needed to implement goal-oriented actions.
MAN
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APPLIED SCIEN~
The Strategy
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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 miss-
ing 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 j~ill provide sustainability
across both natural and human/systems. This suggests, as a
working hypothesis, that hydrologic restoration is a prereq-
uisite for ecosystem restoration.
The challenge is to determine how to modify the structure
and operation of the current hydrology so that it more close-
ly 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.
Systemwide Management
Science alone is not the answer. Another crucial step in achiev-
ing 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 re~lated
by discrete jurisdictions. This approach leads to reduced com-
munication, duplication of effort, and inefficiency.
The task force and its partners, therefore, advocate a holis-
tic, systemwide approach that addresses issues regionally,
not locally. There is also an emphasis on obtaining results,
rather than implementing programs that have no clear out-
come. Finally, there is a growing recognition that the prob-
lems faced in South Florida must be solved collaboratively
and must be based on a sound understanding of the vari-
ables involved.
Integrated Governance
Integrated governance is a creative approach to coordinating
federal, state, local, and tribal laws, authorities, and regula-
tions 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 coopera-
tive programs.
Broad-Based Partnerships
South Florida 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 crit-
ical 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.
Public Outreach and Communication
Finally, building broad-based partnerships requires a good
understanding of the issues and an atmosphere of open dia-
logue. Because of the diversity of cultures in South Florida,
public outreach and communication will form an important
cornerstone for ecosystem restoration efforts. Public out-
reach 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.
".i'",~ii;;ra"'H
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WHAT'S BEING DONE?
;\ great deal. The South Florida Ecosystem Restoration
rL.nd Sustainability Project consists of almost 200 inter-
related projects united by a common vision. Some projects
focus on canals and water delivery systems. Others center
on acquiring land needed for restoration and protection.
Still others address research, management, and public infor-
mation needs. Some of these projects have not yet begun,
some are well underway, and some are nearing completion.
Others will take decades and millions of dollars to com-
plete. Collectively, these projects and programs represent a
comprehensive and integrated restoration effort of unprece-
dented magnitude.
The following examples illustrate the holistic nature and
scale of the ongoing restoration efforts, and how the efforts
relate to the project's overall vision and goals.
Restoration efforts underway in South Florida.
GETTING THE WATER RIGHT
The goal of getting the water right will entail projects that
are regionwide as well as ones that are more restricted in
scope. Both levels of water management are critical to the
overall function of the system.
Kissimmee River Restoration Project
The Kissimmee River Restoration Project is being imple-
mented through a partnership between the Corps and the
Water District. The purpose of the project is to restore the
ecological integrity of the river/floodplain ecosystem. Over
a IS-year period, this project will restore 40 square miles of
this ecosystem. This will help support over 300 plant and
animal species, including the bald eagle, Everglades snail
kite, and wood stork. The project will also reestablish the
Kissimmee River as a major recreational area, while at the
same time perform critical ecological functions that benefiC
downstream waterbodies.
The project is focused on restoring th~ physical form and
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hydrology of the river. The major compoh.ents of the project
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· recontouring 9 miles of former river channel ~
The project also includes a comprehensive evaluation pro-
gram to measure the success of the restoration project. The
evaluation program will provide information for science-
based adaptive management through the life of the restora-
tion project.
The Everglades Construction Project
The construction project is a major component of the
Everglades Program, a multistep restoration plan being
implemented by the Water District and the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). In addition
to construction, the Everglades Program includes a set of
research, monitoring, regulation, and exotic species control
projects mandated by the Florida Everglades Forever Act.
The purpose of the construction project is to
· improve the quality of agricultural and urban stormwater
runoff entering the Everglades
· reestablish sheetflow and increase the quantity of water deliv-
ered to the Everglades
· decrease the volume of freshwater entering coastal estuaries
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Phase 1 of the project emphasizes the use of man-made wet-
lands, termed stormwater treatment areas (STAs), and the
implementation of best l:n~nagement practices to reduce the
levels of contaminants in agx-~cultural and urban runoff. It
also entails canal improvemen'ts, designed to prevent excess
runoff from entering Lake Okeechobee and to redirect
excess runoff to the Everglades. Combined, these actions
will result in significantly improved water quality and a
greater volume of sheetflow in are$ that sorely need it.
A phase 1 pilot project, the Everglades Nutrient Removal
(ENR) Project, clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of
man-made wetlands. During it/first three years of opera-
tion, this 3,800-acre pilot project removed 83% (112,000
pounds) of unwanted phosphorus. In addition, incentive-
based BMP regulations sti~ceeded in reducing phosphorus
levels in crop runoff by an annual average of 51 %.
The current thrust of phase 1 is to complete acquisition of
the 47,000 acres of land needed for a total of six STA sites
and to complete ongoing STA construction. In addition to
the construction efforts, a major research effort has been
initiated to evaluate and optimize supplemental water qual-
ity treatment technologies. These technologies will be used
during phase 2 to meet the water quality and hydropattern
restoration goals of the project.
Central and Southern Florida Project Comprehensive Review
Study (the Restudy)
The 1992 Water Resources Development Act mandated a
systemwide review of the C&SF Project. The purpose of the
Restudy is to
· review how well the C&SF Project is functioning
· determine what modifications need to be made to the project
to restore the ecosystem, while still providing water and flood
control to urban and agricultural sectors
The Corps and the Water District are responsible for this
first comprehensive review of the entire C&SF Project. An
interdisciplinary, multiagency team has been assembled to
conduct the study. Personnel from over 16 agencies and
organizations are now participating in the effort.
The Restudy team is using the Corps' two-phase water resource
planning process. The first phase, the reconnaIssance, was
-
The C&SF Restudy is the first comprehensive review of this mas-
sive water management and distribution system
completed in 1991. It defined problems a nd opportunities in
the 16-county study area, assessed the roles of the Corps and
the Water District, and developed and evaluated alternative
plans to address the problems.
In 1995 the feasibility phase of the project began. This
phase will result in
· a comprehensive plan for the overall C&SF Project
· a process 10 implement the plan
· the tools necessary to evaluate the comprehensi'\e plan as well
as individual elements of the C&SF Project
The Water Resources Development Act of 1996 requires
that a report containing the comprehensive plan and a pro-
grammatic environmental impact statement be submitted to
Congress by July 1999. More detailed studies will continue
after the report is completed.
The Restudy is an ambitious, massive undertaking covering
numerous issues over an 18,000 square-mile area. Its rec-
ommendations are expected to have a profound effect on
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South Florida residents and natural environments.
Dovetailing with other restoration efforts, it is hoped that
the Restudy will enhance the region's ecological, economic,
and social values and, thus, improve the sustainability of the
total South Florida ecosystem.
Water Preserve Areas
One concept being pursued in the restoration effort is the
creation of a series of water preserve areas (WPAs) along
the eastern margin of the Everglades. The water preserve
areas will consist of an interconnected system of marsh-
lands, reservoirs, and aquifer recharge areas, spanning
Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.
This system will serve five purposes
· control seepage losses from the Everglades
· capture, store, and clean excess agricultural and urban
stormwater currently lost to tide
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· provide a buffer between expanding westward urban
development and the Everglades
· protect and conserve wetlands outside the Everglades
· protect and enhance the region's water supply
The selection ofWPA locations is based on intensive hydro-
logic modeling and land suitability analyses. The Water
District and the Corps, together with a partnership of local,
state, and federal agencies, and private organizations are
determining which lands should be acquired and designated
as water preserve areas.
Thus far, the WPA suitability analysis has identified a need
for approximately 71,500 acres. Not all of these lands will
have to be purchased. Some of the lands will be made avail-
able through mitigation land swaps. Other lands are already
owned by entities such as the federal government and
Florida Power and Light and will be made available for use.
Significantly two-thirds of the proposed WPA lands (56
acres) may not have to be purchased because they fall with-
in the Lake Belt Area, an area where a series of lakes may be
created through the excavation of limestone.
Prior to April 1996, the Water District purchased 9,600
acres for the WPA Project. Since April 1996 the Water
District and the U.S. Department of the Interior have pur-
chased another 6,100 acres under the Farm Bill. Federal,
state, and local governments are working rapidly to acquire
the remaining targeted lands before they are developed.
Once established the water preserve areas will function as a
vital step in reestablishing more natural hydropatterns for
the South Florida ecosystem.
RESTORING AND ENHANCING THE NATURAL
SYSTEM
Efforts to restore and enhance the natural environment are
also taking place at regionwide and subregional levels, and
focus on two primary components: species diversity and
habitat protection.
/
Multi-Species Recovery Plan
South Florida ecosystem supports 68 federally listed threat-
ened and endangered species. These species are indicators
of the health of many terrestrial and aquatic communities in
South Florida. The recovery of most of these species will
indicate the effectiveness of the overall restoration effort.
15
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In 1995 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was directed to
prepare a comprehensive ~trategy that addresses the recov-
ery needs of all of the federally listed species in South
Florida. Recovering threatened and endangered species
requires stopping and reversing their decline and then
ensuring their long-term survival in nature.
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Over the past two years a team of over 200 species experts
from federal, state, and local agencies, conservation groups,
industry, and private interests have been preparing a multi-
species recovery plan. The plan will consist of two volumes.
Volume 1 is a series of species accounts, covering the biolo-
gy, ecology, status, trends, recovery goals, and recovery
objectives for the 68 federally listed species.
Volume 2 will consist of biotic community accounts that
describe the major vegetative communities in South Florida.
Volume 2 also will identifY specific management actions
needed to restore South Florida's ecosystem and key
species, including federal candidate species, species listed as
threatened or endangered by the state of Florida, and other
species of concern.
J
When the plan is completed in 1999, it will be one of the
first in the nation specifically designed to meet the needs of
multiple species that do not occupy similar habitats. It also
will be one of the first recovery plans designed to approach
recovery by addressing the needs of an entire watershed.
The plan will provide a blueprint that federal, state, tribal,
and local governments and other partners can use to restore
the South Florida ecosystem and maintain a healthy base
for tourism, outdoor recreation, and other vital industries.
The plan should also serve as a model for other regional
and international recovery efforts.
16
The Southern Everglades Restoration Alliance
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Many restoration efforts are large in scale and involve many
players. The complexity of these projects makes coordina-
tion essential. The Southern Everglades Restoration
Alliance (SERA) was formed to meet this challenge.
Composed of representatives from federal, tribal, state, and
local government agencies - as well as numerous interest-
ed and affected stakeholders - the Alliance coordinates
and provides oversight for four important restoration
undertakings: the C-111 Project, the Modified Water
Deliveries Project, the L-28 Project, and the Experimental
Water Deliveries Program.
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When completed the C-111 Project will restore the historic
hydrological patterns for the southeastern portions of
Everglades National Park, including the Rocky Glades,
Taylor Slough, the eastern panhandle region, and northeast
Florida Bay. Its objective is to restore the predrainage
hydrologic conditions in Everglades National Park while
maintaining the other project purposes of flood control and
water supply. A system of levees, canals, and pump stations
will be constructed to direct the water to a buffer zone
before entering the park.
The Modified Water Deliveries Project will restore the cen-
tral portions of the Everglades, including portions of Water
Conservation Areas 3A and 3B and Shark Slough in
Everglades National Park. Funded by the Department of the
Interior, and scheduled to be completed in 2005, the project
calls for removing roads, degrading levees, filling canals, and
constructing additional water control structures. These fea-
tures will reduce the current compartmentalization between
BUILDING SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE
Develop New Information . Identify the pertinent issues. formulate critical
scientific questions related to the issues. and address the questions through
appropriate modeling. monitoring. and empirical studies.
Communicate. Promote improved communication among restoration sci-
entists and managers through scientific conferences. workshops. and the
mutual exchange ofinformation.
Synth~%e Sc:ientific . Knowledge Relevant to the Issues. Develop tech.
niques for integrating and synthesizing reStoration data and distribute the
techniques to others involved in restoration efforts.
Manage Integrated Data. Archive inventories and other available databas-
es in multigovernmental database management systems that are accessible
through the Internet and update regularly.
."
the water conservation areas and the park as well as correct
many problems associated with the volume, timing, and dis-
tribution of water discharge to the park. These changes will
also address the flooding problems in the 8.5 Square Mile
area, an urban development located outside of the protec-
tive levee system.
The purpose of the L-28 Project is to reestablish the histor-
ical hydrologic connections between Water Conservation
Area 3A, Everglades National Park, and the Big Cypress
National Preserve. The project will focus on removing or
degrading all or portions of the L-28 canal and its level sys-
tem. This system currently intercepts and diverts water
from its historical patterns and creates a physical barrier
between the water conservation area and Big Cypress. The
removal of these features will reconnect these areas and
allow a more natural water pattern to reassert itself.
The Experimental Water Deliveries Program allows differ-
ent structural and operational scenarios for delivering water
to Everglades National Park to be tested. Testing alternative
approaches, often developed and assessed through comput-
erize modeling, provides important feedback on the effec-
..
KEEPING ON COURSE - MODELS, MONITORING, AND PER-
FORMANCE INDICATORS
Visions and goals are inherently conceptual. Results are concrete. Translating
one into the other. especially on the scale required by the South Florida
ecosystem, is challenging. The restoration project is using models. monitoring.
and performance indicators to translate conceptual ideas to the real world.
adapt projects to changing conditions. and provide accountability.
Models - Restoration workers employ a series of computerized models to
predict the responses of key variables to changing environmental. social. or
economic conditions. Developing simulations that forecast responses to differ-
ent scenarios permits researchers to identify management alternatives as well
as target conditions that will yield desired goals. Computerized models also
can be updated as new information is gained, allowing predictions to be con-
tinually refined.
Monitoring - An adaptive management strategy demands continual feedback.
Developing and implementing monitoring programs are a major emphasis for
many restoration projects. Some monitoring tracks variables subject to rapid
change. Other monitoring programs record long-term trends. Monitoring data
are essential in assessing the effectiveness of restoration actions, tracking
progress. and identifying problems or the need for project modification.
Performance Indicators - The restoration project also uses quantitative
indicators (e.g., levels of phosphorus in runoff) and qualitative indicators (e.g..
quality of life) to track and assess projects. Comparing actual conditions
against predicted targets provides a yardstick for measuring the progress
(where are we now I how much farther to go?) and for evaluating the results
(what are the benefits I are they worth the cost?).
Models. monitoring, and performance indicators provide direction. feedback,
and accountability for both short and long-term actions. This affords flexible.
timely. and responsible management of projects and project funds.
tiveness of different delivery systems and the progress being
made in ecosystem restoration.
These projects are important components of the overall
ecosystem restoration effort in South Florida. The oversight
provided by the Southern Everglades Restoration Alliance
will help ensure that the projects are carried out effectively
and in a coordinated manner.
Environmental Impact Statement for Southwest Florida
As with much of South Florida, Lee and Collier Counties in
southwest Florida are experiencing rapid growth and devel-
opment. In the past few years the Corps has issued permits
to drain and fill wetlands for projects whose footprints cover
approximately 8 square miles. In the next few years the
Corps expects to receive increased requests for permits.
Ultimately decisions will be made on granting permits involv-
ing large portions of western Lee and Collier Counties.
This growth has raised concerns regarding the loss of
endangered species and other wildlife habitats, changes in
waterflows and timing (particularly flows entering Estero
Bay), and the adequacy of efforts to mitigate impacts to wet-
lands. Concerns also have been raised regarding whether
the Corps' review of individual permit requests is adequately
addressing the secondary and cumulative impacts resulting
from overall development.
After discussing this dilemma with the counties, state agencies,
and other interested parties, the Corps has decided to prepare
an environmental impact statement. The document will com-
prehensively review the environmental impacts of decisions the
Corps expects to make on permitting new development. As a
result of this document, the Corps should be able to more
expeditiously process developers' permit requests.
TRANSFORMING THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Projects designed to transform the built environment pre-
sent different, though equally challenging, problems.
Employing both scientific data and creative urban planning,
the goals of these projects are to: (1) balance growth and
resource protection and (2) enhance the quality of life In
urban areas.
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Eastward Hol
The purpose of the Eastw,ard Ho! initiative is to redirect a
greater proportion of the expected future development back
to the historical eastern corridor of South Florida. The ini-
tiative's major emphasis is to make the urban centers sus-
tainable by revitalizing older urban areas, improving ser-
vices, and enhancing the appeal of existing urban areas as
well as rural communities.
Recommended by the Governpr's Commission for a
Sustainable South Florida, the ~itiative is developing cre-
ative ways to manage growth/~nd development patterns.
Specific techniques include
This once run-down park is now a
vibrant village-within-a city bustling
with activity.
· promoting better
public transportation
and useing alternative
fuels
· acquiring more
green and open spaces
· turning brownfields
into productive lands
· assessing and
improving infrastruc-
tures
· providing increased
education and train-
ing opportunities
· creating good-pay-
ing jobs
· promoting more mixed-income housing in urban cores
The initiative also is exploring ways to facilitate redevelop-
ment and infill in urban core areas. By streamlining plan-
ning and permitting requirements, providing tax incentives,
and using innovative zoning, progress is being made in reju-
venating urban cores and enhancing the quality of life for
urban residents.
Finally, the initiative involves the application of urban best
development practices designed to limit waste, prevent pol-
lution, and maximize conservation and efficiency.
Several successes resulting from local government and pri-
vate sector leadership include the
· conversion of the aging Delray Beach school complex into a
combination museum, theater, and activity center
· transformation of Boca Raton's Mizner Park into a village-
within-a-city, consisting of retail shops, restaurants, luxury
and rental housing, cinemas, a performing arts amphithe-
ater, and landscaped park areas
· rejuvenation of Hollywood's downtown entailing the instal-
lation of a new drainage system, decorative landscaping and
lighting, and the conversion of existing buildings into art
galleries, cafes, and other businesses
· establishment of the Eastward Hol Brownfields Partnership
to coordinate the remediation and redevelopment of conta-
minated and abandoned or underused sites
· revitalization of downtown West Palm Beach, highlighted
by the Clematis Street area and the City Place project
These projects have encouraged capital infusion by
investors, stimulated local economies, and made these loca-
tions more desirable places in which to live. In addition to
raising the quality of life in urban cores, projects like these
redirect growth away from wetland and agricultural areas
and reduce expenses associated with extending utilities,
roads, and public services.
South Dade land Use I Water Management Planning Project
Transforming the built environment also involves develop-
ing strategies for supporting a viable, balanced economy that
includes agriculture, recreation, tourism, and smart urban
development. Dade County has initiated a complex plan-
ning effort to address these important but often competing,
concerns. The South Dade Land Use / Water Management
Planning Project entails three separate, yet integrated, plan-
ning components.
The Agricultural and Rural Lands Retention Plan will
develop policies and implementation strategies designed to
preserve and promote the agricultural and rural character of
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approximately 180 square miles of South Dade County. An
important element of the analysis will be an assessment of
the importance of agriculture, agribusiness, and related
activities to the economies of Miami-Dade County and
Sou th Florida.
The South Biscayne Bay Watershed Management Plan will
identify and analyze surface and groundwater uses and cor-
responding land uses. The analysis will identify water and
planning needs relating to
· sustaining and restoring the ecosystem
· promoting economically viable agriculture
· providing flood protection
· ensuring adequate drinking water supplies
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The plan will identify and protect the major drainage basins
that are essential for preserving the environmental, eco-
nomic, and community values of Biscayne National Park
and Biscayne Bay. Strategies ensuring that the rights of pri-
vate landowners are protected will be an essential element
in defining a balanced and sustainable economy.
The South Dade Wellfield Study is the final component of
the planning project. The study, which will be ready by
2005, will determine the future water supply for South
Dade County. Other state and federal efforts to reestablish
the quality, quantity, timing, and distribution of water in the
South Florida ecosystem will be key elements in this analy-
sis. Each of these planning efforts will be guided by a citizen
and a technological advisory committee.
The results of the planning project will determine the future
economic, social, and environmental sustainability for most
of urban and rural Miami-Dade County. They will also con-
tribute directly to other ongoing restoration and revitaliza-
tion efforts.
Florida Keys Carrying Capacity Study
The Florida Keys has experienced tremendous population
growth and development over the past several decades. This
growth has overwhelmed the area's fragile ecology. Vast
areas of hardwood hammocks have been lost and water
quality has declined. Development of existing and vacant
property is continuing to alter or degrade many of the Keys'
important natural resources.
In response to these impacts, the Florida's governor and
cabinet (through Executive Order 96-108) called for the
preparation of a carrying capacity analysis for the Florida
Keys. The state of Florida and the Corps are now teaming
up to provide funding for the carrying capacity study as a
critical restoration project. Under the direction of the
Florida Department of Community Affairs and the Corps,
and with the support of a broad partnership of public, pri-
vate, and nonprofit organizations within the Keys, the study
is scheduled to be completed by 2001.
The purpose of the study is to provide an information base
that managers can use to make decisions about balancing
economic and environmental needs. The st4dy is intended
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The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is the number one
dive destination in the world.
to identify indicators of sustainability and resource thresh-
olds. Exceeded thresholds could signal that resource degra-
dation is occurring.
The information from the study should enable planners to
interactively model different growth scenarios in a geo-
graphic information system (GIS) database and analyze
their implications. This will allow proactive decisions to be
made that will foster a sustainable lifeway that promotes an
active tourism base and healthy natural system.
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WE THERE YET?
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but considerable progress is being made. The suc-
cesses to date'-&Q?w that restoring the ecosy~'\em is pos-
Ie, and the benefits'ar~ real. Nevertheless, rees\ablishing
a healthy and sustainableS9u""h F10dda ecosystemi,'is a mas-
sive undertaking that will tak,e decades to completf and will
equire long-term funding codunitments. i
LESSONS ~EARNED
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In the pa,St fundamen-
mistakes were made
man,aging the South
orida ecosystem. But
ese "mistakes" often
re the result of pub-
attitudes, a desire
quick and simple
utions, and a gener-
lack of understand-
g of the functions
d dynamics of the
osystem.
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:~ lfrre changing. The nat-
u 'ural system's inherent
ctions to the built environment/ its economic values,
complexity of current problems are being recognized.
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SPON!fBILlTIES
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ms cotfronting us toda re not totally federal in
can tJey be traced sole to state, local, tribal, or
em from the combined
ng place over a long peri-
complex and far-reaching
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for anyone entity to address them alone. As the South
Florida ecosystem restoration effort progresses the cost,
resources, and staffing required must be shared fairly among
all the partners involved. Problems jointly made, must like-
wise be faced jointly.
THE NEXT STEP
The next step in the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration
Project is to build upon the framework that has evolved thus
far. This must be accomplished following two parallel
tracks: (1) the continuation and expansion of ongoing
efforts and (2) the development of a long-range, integrated
strategic plan that will synthesize existing plans and activi-
ties throughout the region and serve as the framework for
future adaptive management for the next 50 years. It will be
an overall blueprint for ecological, social, and economic bal-
ance that provides strategies for the short-term resolution of
critical issues as well as strategies for achieving long-term
restoration and sustainability of the ecosystem.
THE BUY.IN
A well-constructed plan does not guarantee success.
Consensus and buy-in from all levels of government, as well
as the public and private sectors, are needed to turn restora-
tion goals into reality.
The broad-based partnerships and coalitions forged
between governmental agencies, tribal governments, farm-
ers, corporations, and private individuals dearly demon-
strate the necessity of a shared sense of vision and commit-
ment. They also show how powerful a joint sense of vested
interest can be in achieving difficult objectives.
Yet, action takes money. Consistent and adequate funding,
from all available sources, will be needed to restore and
maintain the South Florida ecosystem. Dwindling or erratic
funding could undermine the gains made thus far.
WISE INVESTMENTS
For South Florida a healthy ecosystem is not a nicety, it is a
necessity. Linking and balancing the needs of both the natural
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and the built environments is the most viable way to ensure
that South Florida remains recognized as a special place
regionally, nationally, and internationally.
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The vision for South Florida is a sustainable, holistic, and
integrated ecosystem. A conceptual blueprint has been
drawn, and a healthy, productive start is underway. Already
the benefits of restoration are becoming more apparent.
Revitalizing urban core areas is creating new jobs. Reducing
the levels of phosphorus and the pulses of agricultural and
urban stormwater runoff are beginning to stop the degrada-
tion of estuaries and coastal breeding grounds, thus helping
to maintain commercial and recreational fishing. And best
management practices are resulting in improved farming
techniques that will guide this important industry into the
21 st century.
The effort is also generating a tremendous volume of data
on tropical and neotropical terrestrial and aquatic habitats.
Moreover, the models and data management systems being
developed will ensure that the accumulating databank will
be manipulated and interpreted to make informed manage-
ment decisions.
Equally important are the examples of building partner-
ships, streamlining management, and working collabora-
tively for common goals. The progress made in revitalizing
urban core areas and successfully balancing growth and
resource protection demonstrates that sustainability IS a
viable concept that can be achieved in the real world.
The advances made in South Florida show that ecosystem
restoration works. And the lessons, strategies, and methods
emerging from this effort have much broader applications.
The increasing knowledge on restoration methods holds rel-
evancy for similar habitats around the world, while the
strides made in fostering sustainable urban and agricultural
zones provides models and direction for urban areas inter-
nationally.
The South Florida ecosystem is a unique natural and cul-
tural system. There is no other like it in the world. The
future of this special place depends on its health, vitality,
and sustainability. Continued investment in the South
Florida Ecosystem Restoration Project will ensure success
in Florida - and will also lay the groundwork for successes
in many other ecosystems.
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GLOSSARY
ACRE-FOOT. The amount of water needed to fill 1 acre 1 foot-
deep, or the amount of water art average family of four requires for
one year.
ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT. A structured, iterative approach that
recognizes that the information used in decision making is imper-
fect and that, as decision are made, a pr~cess is in place to gain bet-
t
ter information and adjust the implemerHed action accordingly.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES/(BMPs). Agriculture and
other industry management activitie~Aesigned to achieve an impor-
tant goal, such as reducing farm runoff or optimizing water use.
BROWNFIELDS. Environme~tally contaminated sites located in
urban areas.
ECOSYSTEM. A community of organisms, including humans,
interacting with one another and the environment in which they
live.
EVERGLADES AGRICULTURAL AREA (EAA). The area of his-
tosols (muck) predominantly to the southeast of Lake Okeechobee
used for agricultural production.
EVERGLADES ECOSYSTEM / SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYS-
TEM. A water-dominated hydrologic unit beginning in the intercon-
nected lakes and marshes of central Florida and extending down-
stream through the Kissimmee River system, Lake Okeechobee, the
Everglades, Big Cypress Swamp, and into the estuaries of the Ten
Thousand Islands, Biscayne Bay, Caloosahatchee Estuary, Indian
River Lagoon, Florida Bay, and through the Florida Keys.
HYDROPATTERN. The full range of hydrologic parameters, which
include the depth of water, duration of inundation, and the timing
and distribution of freshwater flow.
HYDRO PERIOD. The frequency and duration of inundation or
saturation of an ecosystem. In the context of wetland habitats, the
term describes that length of time during the year in which the sub-
strate is either saturated or covered with water.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS. In this document, local governments
include regional, county, and municipal governments and their enti-
ties.
LOST TO TIDE. The excess amount of water leaving the system
that is beyond the amount needed by downstream estuaries.
NATURAL SYSTEM. A self-sustaining living system that supports
an interdependent network of aquatic, wetland-dependent, and
upland living resources.
RESTORATION. To recover the natural system's vitality and bio-
logical and hydrologic integrity in such a way that the stated levels
of health and ecological functions are maintained over time.
SEEPAGE. Hydrologic filtration. Normal seepage is vital for
groundwater recharge. However, the construction of dikes and other
features can create abnormal filtration rates that are detrimental to
the system.
SPECIES RECOVERY Stopping and reversing the decline of
species populations and ensuring their long-term survival.
STORMWATER. Surface water resulting from rainfall that does
not percolate into the ground or evaporate.
SUBSIDENCE. The lowering of the soil level caused by the shrink-
age of organic layers. This shrinkage is due to desiccation, consoli-
dation, and biological oxidation.
SUSTAINABILITY The state of having met the needs of the pre-
sent without endangering the ability of future generations to be able
to meet their own needs.
WATER CONSERVATION AREAS (WCAs). That part of the orig-
inal Everglades ecosystem that is now diked and hydrologically con-
trolled by people for flood control and water supply purposes.
These are located in the western portions of Dade, Broward, and
Palm Beach Counties, and comprise a total 1,337 square miles.
WETLANDS. Areas that are inundated or saturated by surface
water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to sup-
port a prevalence of vegetative or aquatic life that require saturated
or seasonally saturated soil conditions for growth and reproduction.
",,,,._,IIIn1' r
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ACRONYMS
BMP
C&SF
DEP
EM
ENR
FKNMS
SFWMD
STA
WCA
Best Management Practices
Central and South Florida
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Everglades Agricultural Areas
Everglades Nutrient Removal
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
South Florida Water Management District
Stormwater Treatment Area
Water Conservation Area
SOURCES
Douglas, Marjory Stoneman
1988 The Everglades: The River of Grass. Revised edition,
Sarasota, FL: Pineapple Press.
Governor's Commission for a Sustainable South Florida
1996 A Conceptual Plan for the C&SF Project Restudy. Coral
Gables, FL: Tallahassee: Governor's Commission for a
Sustainable South Florida.
1995 Everglades Water Budget Technical Advisory Committee of
the Governors Commission for a Sustainable South Florida.
Tallahassee: Governor's Commission for a Sustainable South
Florida.
1995 The Governor's Commission for a Sustainable South
Florida: Initial Report. Tallahassee: Governor's Commission for
a Sustainable South Florida.
National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior
1997 South Florida National Parks Coordinated Management
Framework. Denver, CO: Denver Service Center.
South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force
1997a Integrated Financial Plan, South Florida Ecosystem
Restoration Project Activities. Miami: Florida International
University.
1997b Cross-Cut Budget, Fiscal Year 1998. Miami: Florida
International University.
1997c Integrated Financial Plan, May 1997. Miami: Florida
International University.
1996 "South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Initiative." Draft.
Miami: Florida International University.
South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Working Group
1996 Annual Report. Miami: Florida International University.
South Florida Regional Planing Council
1996 Eastward Hol Revitalizing Southeast Florida's Urban Core.
Prepared in conjunction with the Treasure Coast Regional
Planning Council. Hollywood, FL: South Florida Regional
Planning Council.
South Florida Water Management District
1996a "Redesigning the Water Management System." Everglades
Connections 5 (2): 1,8-13.
1996b Everglades: 1996 Annual Report. West Palm Beach: South
Florida Water Management District.
1995 South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Plan. West Palm
Beach: South Florida Water Management District.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1996 South Florida Ecosystem Assessment, Monitoring for
Adaptive Management: Implications for Ecosystem
Restoration (Interim Report). EPA 904-R-96-008. Athens,
GA: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 4, Science
and Ecosystem Support Division.
WEB SITES
SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION TASK FORCE:
http://www.sfrestore.org
STATE OF FLORIDA:
http://www.sustainable.state.fl.us
HOLE-IN-THE DONUT RESTORATION PROJECT:
http://evergladesJiu.edu/hid/index. h tml
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS RESTUDY:
http://www. res tudy.org
SOUTH FLORIDA REGIONAL PLANNING
COUNCIL (EASTWARD HO!):
http://www.sfrpc.com
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SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION TASK FORCE
Buddy MacKay
Lieutenant Governor of Borida
The Capitol, Room PL-05
Tallahassee, Borida 32399 - 0001
850/488-4711
850/922-2894
Clarence E. Anthony
Mayor, City of South Bay
335 Southwest 2nd Avenue
South Bay, Borida 33493
561/996-6751
561/996-7950
Alex Penelas
Mayor, Metropolitan Dade County
111 Northwest 1st Street, Suite 17-201
Miami, Borida 33128
305/375-5071
305/375-3618
Robert Perciasepe
Assistant Administrator for Water
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW (MS - 4101)
Washington, DC 20460
202/260-5700
202/260-5711
Patricia J. Beneke *
Assistant Secretary for Water and Science
U. S. Department of the Interior
1849 C Street, NW, Room 6660
Washington, DC 20240
202/208-3186
202/371-2815
Michael 1. Davis
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works)
108 Army Pentagon
Room 2E569
Washington, DC 20310-0108
703/695-1370
703/697-3366
Terrence "Rock" Salt
Executive Director
South Borida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force
c/o Borida International University
OE Building, Room 148
University Park Campus
Miami, Borida 33199
E-mail: rsalt@sfrestore.org
305/348-1665
305/348-1667
John Horsley, Section 3
Associate Deputy Secretary and Director
Office of Intermodalism
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 Seventh Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20590
202/366-5781
Glenda Humiston
Deputy Secretary for National Resources
U.S. Department of Agriculture
14th and Independence Avenue SW Room 217E
Washington, D.C. 20250
202/720-7173
Lois Schiffer
Assistant Attorney General
Environment and Natural Resources
U. S. Department ofJustice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room 2143
Washington, DC 20530-0001
202/514-2701
202/514-0557
Dexter Lehtinen
Special Assistant for Everglades Issues
to the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians
7700 N. Kendall Drive, Suite 303
Miami, Borida 33156
305/279-3353
305/279-5082
Jim Shore
General Counsel to the Seminole Tribe of Borida
6300 Stirling Road
Hollywood, FL 33024
954/967-3950
954/967-3487
* chair
** vice chair
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Virginia Wetherell (retiring from Task Force)
Secretary, Florida Department of Environmental Protection
3900 Commonwealth Boulevard., Mail Station 10
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000
850/488-1554
850/922-1432
Frank "Sonny," Williamson]r.
Chairman, South Florida Water Management District Governing Board
9100 Northeast 12 Drive
Post Office Box 248
Okeechobee, Florida 34973
941/763-4740
941/763-1732
Sally]. Yozell
Deputy Assistant Secretary - Oceans and Atmosphere
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration
U. S. Department of Commerce
14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 5804
Washington, DC 20230
202/482-3567
202/482-6318
SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION WORKING GROUP
Charles (Chuck) Aller
Director, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs
The Capitol, Room LL-29
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0810
E-mail:allerc@doacs.state.fl.us
850/488-3022
850/488-7585
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Ernest (Ernie) Barnett
Director of Ecosystem Planning and Coord
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
3900 Commonwealth Boulevard (MS-45)
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000
E-mail: Barnett_E@epic6.dep.state.fl.us
850/488-4892
850/922-5380
* chai r
** vice chair
G. Ronnie Best
Branch Chief and Supervisory Ecologist
U.S.G.S. Biological Resources Division
c/o Florida International University
OE Building, Room 148
University Park Campus
Miami, Florida 33199
Miami, Florida 33199
E-mail: Ronnie_Best@USGS.gov
Bradford E. (Brad) Brown
Director, Southeast Fisheries Science Center
National Marine Fisheries Service
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
U. S. Department of Commerce
75 Virginia Beach Drive
Miami, Florida 33149
E-mail: brad_brown@noaa.gov
305/361-4284
305/361-4219
Billy D. Causey
Sanctuary Superintendent
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
U. S. Department of Commerce
P.O. Box 500368
Marathon, Florida 33050
E- mail:bcausey@ocean.nos.noaa.gov
305/743-2437
305/743-2357
Barbara Bernier Culhane
District Environmental Administrator
Florida Department of Transportation
District 6 Environmental Management Office 1000
Northwest 111 Avenue, Room 6101
Miami, Florida 33172
E-mail: barbara.culhane@dot.stse.fl.us
305/470-5220
305/499-2308
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Wayne E. Daltry
Executive Director
Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council
4980 Bayline Drive, 4th Floor
North Fort Myers, Florida 33917
E-mail: swfrpc@peganet.com
941/656-7720
941/656-7724
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Frank M. Duke
Director, Palm Beach County Planning Department
100 Australian Avenue, 5th Floor
West Palm Beach, Florida 33406
E-mail: fduke@co.palm-beach.fl.us
561/233-5300
561-233-5365
Aaron Higer
Coordinator, U.S. Geological Survey - Water Resources Division
Ecosystem Restoration Programs
U.S. Department of the Interior
3301 Gun Club Road
West Palm Beach, Florida 33416-4680
E-mail: aaron.higer@sfwmd.gov
561/687-6560
561/697-9784
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Truman Eugene (Gene) Duncan
Water Resources Director
Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida
P.O. Box 440021, Tamiami Station
Miami, Florida 33144
E-mail: duncan2u@ao!.com
305/223-8380
305/223-1011
Lisa Hogan
Assistant United States Attorney
U.S. Attorney's Office - Civil Division
99 NE 4th Street, Room 328
Miami Fl 33132-2111
E-mail: Lhogan@justice.usdoj.gov
305/961-9003
305/530-7139
Steve Forsythe
Florida State Supervisor
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U. S. Department of the Interior
P.O. Box 2676
Vero Beach, Florida 32961-2676
E-mail: R4FWE_ VBFL@mai!.fws.gov
561/562-3909
561/562-4288
Kristina B. Katsaros
Director National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration -
AOML
4301 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami, Florida 33149-1026
E:mail: katsaros@aom!.noaa.gov
305/361/4300
305/361/4449
Jim Harriman
Natural Resources Officer, Eastern Area Office
Bureau of Indian Affairs
U. S. Department of the Interior
3701 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 260
Arlington, Virginia 22203
E-mail: jim_harriman@ios.doi.gov
703/235-3044
703/235-8610
Neal McAliley
Trail Attorney
U.S. Department ofJustice
Environment and Natural Resources Division
99 NE 4th Street, Room 415
Miami, Florida 33132-2111
E-mail: nea!.mcaliley@usdoj.gov
305/961-9415
305/536-4651
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Richard Harvey
Director, EPA South Florida Field Office
400 N. Congress Avenue, Suite 120
West Palm Beach, FL 33401-5116
E-mail:harvey.richard@epamail.epa.gov
561/615-5292
561/615-6959
Co!. Joe R. Miller
District Engineer, Jacksonville District
Corps of Engineers
U.S. Department of the Army
P.o. Box 4970
Jacksonville, Florida 32232
E-mail: joe.r.miller@saj02.usace.army.mil
904/232-2241
904/232-1213
* chair
** vice chair
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Mary Ann Poole
Office of Environmental Services
Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission
255 - 154th Avenue
Vero Beach, Florida 32968-9041
E-mail: poolema@mail.state.fl.us
561/778-5094
561/778-7227
Richard G. (Dick) Ring
Superintendent, Everglades National Park
National Park Service
U. S. Department of the Interior
40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, Florida 33034-6733
E-mail: Dick_Ring@nps.gov
305/242-7710
305-242-7711
Sam Poole
Executive Director, South Florida Water Management District
p.o. Box 24680
3301 Gun Club Road
West Palm Beach, Florida 33406-4680
E-mail: sam.poole@sfwmd.gov
561/682-6202
561/682-6200
Jim. Skinner
Division Administrator
Federal Highway Administration
U. S. Department of Transportation
227 North Bronough Street, Room 2015
Tallahassee, Florida 32301
E-mail: JSkinner@intergate.dot.gov
850/942-9582
850/942-9691
Fred Rapach
Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department
2065 Prairie Road
West Palm Beach, Florida 33406
E-mail: frapach@co.palm-beach.fl.us
561/641/3429
561/641/3472
Richard (Rick) Smith
Senior Governmental Analyst
Office of the Governor of Florida
The Capitol, Room 1501
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0001
E-mail:Rick.Smith@laspbs.state.fl.us
850/487-7914
850/922-6200
John Renfrow
Director, Dade County Department of Environmental
Resources Management
33 SW 2nd Avenue
Penthouse 2
Miami, FL 33130
E-mail: alspas@td.metro-dade.com
305/372-6754
305/372-6759
Ron Smola
Environmental Liaison
Natural Resources Conservation Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
c/o South Florida Water Management District
3301 Gun Club Road
West Palm Beach, Florida 33406
E-mail: ron_smola@sfwmd.gov
561/686-8800, Ext. 2857
561/478-4074
Terry Rice
Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida
c/o Florida International University
OE Building, Room 148
University Park Campus
Miami, Florida 33199
305/348-3095
305/348-4096
Steve Somerville
Director, Broward County Department of Natural Resource Protection
218 Southwest First Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
E-mail: ssomerville@co.broward.fl.us
954/519-1202
954/519-1493
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** vice chair
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1. Benjamin Starrett
Department of Community Affairs
Strategic Planning and Coordination Unit
2555 Shumard Oak Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100
E-mail: ben.starrett@dca.state.fl.us
850/922-1600
850/922-9881
Craig D. Tepper
Water Resources Director
Seminole Tribe of Florida
6073 Stirling Road
Hollywood, Florida 33024
E-mail: water@gate.net
954/967-3401
954/967-3489
SPECIAL ADVISORS
Bonnie Kranzer
Executive Director
Governor's Commission for a Sustainable South Florida
1550 Madruga Avenue, Suite 220
Coral Gables. Florida 33146
E- mail:bonnie.kranzer@sfwmd.gov
305/669-6973
305/669-6974
Terrence "Rock" Salt
Executive Director
South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force
c/o Florida International University
OE Building, Room 148
University Park Campus
Miami, Florida 33199
E-mail: rsale@sfrestore.org
305/348-1665
305/348-1667
For more information about the Task Force, the Working Group, or related
sub-groups, please write or call:
Mary Plumb
Office of Public Affairs
South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force
c/o: Florida International University
University Park, OE 148
Miami, FL 33199
Phone: 305/348-1662
E-mail: mplumb@sfrestore.org
* chair
** vice chair
.,,, "'-""-,~.,,"
GOVERNOR'S COMMISION FORA SUSTAINABLE SOUTH FLORIDA
Chairman
Richard A. Pettigrew,
Vice Chair
Virginia Wetherell (retiring from Task Force)
Members
Burt Aaronson
Luis Ajamil
Chuck Aller
John C. Anderson
Thomas F. Barry,]r.
Richard G. Bashaw
Mitchell Berger
Ernie Caldwell
Michael Collins
W. Arthur Darling
John M. DeGrove
Miguel Diaz de la Portilla
Willard Dover
Robert Duane
Loly Espino
Suellen H. Fardelmann
John F. Flanigan
Sen. Howard C. Forman
Debra S. Harrison
Quinton Hedgepeth
Noble Hendrix
Maggy Hurchalla
Dexter W. Lehtinen
Jack London
Pamela S. Mac'Kie
Margaret F. Megee
James F. Murely
Lori Nance Parrish
William]. Payne
Rep. John Rayson
Terry 1. Rice
Carol B. Rist
Herbert Robinson
Roy Rogers
Steve Shiver
Stuart Strahl
Michele Thomas
Malcolm S. Wade, Jr.
Clara Williams
Bernard Yokel
Charles]. Zwick
Ex Officio /
Billy Causey
John H. Hankinson,]r.
Col.Joe R. Miller
Richard G. Ring
Terrence (Rock) Salt
* chalT
** vice chair
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INTEGRA TED STRA TEGY
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A Pathway to Success
South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force
Integrated Strategy Team
Marilyn Hof-JQhn Hoesterey-Jan Harris-Linda Friar-Julio Fanjul -Linda Dahl - Allyn Childress-Carrie Beeler
FlU University Park, OE Building Room 148-Miami Florida 33 199
Phone 305/348..(i745 Fax 305/348-1667
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South Florida
Ecosystem
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South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force
Integrated Strategy
Overview Phased Strategy Development
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SYITIESIS IF .USE 111FIIUnlll
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Refine Strategies to Achieve
Vision based on
Background Document
Stratl.lc 1IIIIcatlrs
Tlcllllcal Tla.
Concurrent to Symposium
Develop Success indicators
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aclli8Villl SIstaiIabII SoIdIReridI
South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force, Office of the Executive Director, strategic Planning Team
Staff Contacts: Unda Dahl - Project Leader, Unda Friar - Florida Coordinator
FlU 0E/148 University Pari<, Miami, Florida 33199 Phone 305-348-6745 or 305-348-1660
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Task Force
Charter
and
Membership
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SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION TASK FORCE
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Task Force Charter
August 1,1997
1. AUTHORIZATION. The South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force was established by section 528(t) of
Public Law 104-303, the Water Resources Development Act of 1996 (hereinafter referred to as the Act), enacted
October 12, 1996.
/
2. DUTIES. The Task Force was established to:
a. Consult with, and provide recommendations to, the Secretary of the Army and the non-Federal project sponsor in
developing a comprehensive plan for the purpose of restoring, preserving, and protecting the South Florida
ecosystem. in accordance with sections 528(b)(1) and 528(t)(2)(A) of the Act.
b. Coordinate the development of consistent policies, strategies, plans, programs, projects, activities, and priorities
for addressing the restoration, preservation, and protection of the South Florida ecosystem, as provided in section
528(f)(2)(B) of the Act. Such coordination shall include cooperation with the Secretary of the Army and the non-
Federal project sponsor in determining whether a critical restoration project for the South Florida ecosystem will
produce independent, immediate, and substantial restoration, preservation, and protection benefits, and will be
generally consistent with the "Conceptual Plan for the Central and Southern Florida Project Restudy" prepared by
the Governor's Commission for a Sustainable South Florida, in accordance with section 528(b)(3)(A) of the Act.
c. Exchange information regarding programs, projects, and activities of the agencies and entities represented on the
TaskForce to promote ecosystem restoration and maintenance, as provided in section 528(t)(2)(q of the Act.
d. Establish a Florida-based working group to fonnulate, recommend, coordinate, and implement the policies,
strategies, plans, programs, projects, activities, and priorities of the Task Force, in accordance with section
528(f)(2)(D) of the Act
e. Facilitate the resolution of interagency and intergovernmental conflicts associated with the restoration of the
South Florida ecosystem among agencies and entities represented on the Task Force, as provided in section
528(f)(2)(F) of the Act
f. Coordinate scientific and other research associated with the restoration of the South Florida ecosystem, as
provided in section 528(t)(2)(G) of the Act.
g. Provide assistance and support to agencies and entities represented on the Task Force in their restoration
activities, as provided in section 528(f)(2)(H) of the Act.
h. Prepare an integrated rmancial plan and recommendations for coordinated budget requests for the funds proposed
to be expended by agencies and entities represented on the Task Force for the restoration, preservation, and
protection of the South Florida ecosystem, as provided in section 528(f)(2)(I) of the Act
i. Submit a biennial report to Congress that summarizes the activities of the Task Force; the policies, strategies,
plans, programs, projects, activities, and priorities planned, developed, or implemented for the restoration of the
South Florida ecosystem; and progress made toward the restoration, as provided in section 528(t)(2)(J) of the Act.
3. POWERS. The Task Force may -
a. Establish advisory bodies as it deems necessary to assist the Task Force in its duties, including advisory bodies on
public policy and scientific issues, in accordance with section 528(t)(2)(E)(i) of the Act.
b. Select as an advisory body any entity, such as the Govemor's Commission for a Sustainable South Florida, that
represents a broad variety of public arid private interests, as provided in section 528(t)(2)(E)(ii) of the Act.
c. Seek advice and input from any interested, knowledgeable, or affected party as it determines necessary to perform
its duties, as provided in section 528(t)(3)(B).
4. MEMBERSmp.
a. The Task Force consists of 14 members, as follows, pursuant to section 528(f)(l) of the Act:
(1) Seven Federal members, each of whom maybe represented by a designee at the level of assistant secretary or the
equivalent:
(i) The Secretary of the Interior, who shall serve as chairperson.
(ii) The Secretary of Commerce,
(iii) The Secretary of the Army.
(iv) The Attorney General.
(v) The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
(vi) The Secretary of Agriculture.
(vii) The Secretary of Transportation.
(2) One member from each the following Indian Tribes, each of whom shall be appointed by the Secretary of the
Interior based on the recommendations of the respective tribal chairman:
(i) The Seminole Tribe of Florida.
(ii) The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida.
(3) Two representatives of the State of Florida appointed by the Secretary of the Interior based on the
recommendations of the Governor.
(4) One representative of the South Florida Water Management District appointed by the Secretary of the Interior
based on the recommendations of the Governor.
(5) Two representatives oflocal government in the State of Florida to be appointed by the Secretary of the Interior
based on the recommendations of the Governor.
b. There is no time limit for the term of any member. A person's membership shall terminate after leaving the office
from which that member was appointed or designated. Any of the federal officials listed in subparagraph 4.a.(I),
above, may at any time designate a substitute member at the level of assistant secretary or the equivalent Any
member appointed by the Secretary of the Interior based on the recommendation of the Governor may be removed
or replaced by the Secretary of the Interior based on the recommendation of the Governor. Any member appointed
by the Secretary of the Interior based on the recommendation of a tribal chairman may be removed or replaced by
the Secretary of the Interior based on the recommendation of the chairman of the same Tribe.
c. Any vacancy on the Task Force shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.
d. A member shall receive no additional compensation for service on the Task Force, in accordance with section
528(f)(4) of the Act.
S. ADMINISTRATION.
a. An Executive Director shall assist the Secretary of the Interior and the Task Force in carrying out their
administrative and procedural duties, including the requirements in section 528(f)(3)(ii) of the Act. The Executive
Director shall be appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, and shall be an employee of the United States
Department of the Interior.
b. The Task Force will meet at the call of the Chairperson or of a majority of the members, but not less often than
semi-annually.
c. A majority of the members then serving will constitute a quorum.
~
d. Travel expenses incurred by a member of the Task Force in the performance of services for the Task Force shall
be paid by the agency, tribe, or government that the member represents, as provided in section 528(f)(5) of the Act.
e. The Task Force is not considered an advisory committee subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, and it
may seek advice or input from interested, knowledgeable, or affected parties without being subject to the Federal
Advisory Committee Act, pursuant to section 528(t)(3)(C) of the Water Resources Development Act of 1996.
f. The Task Force shall implement procedures to facilitate public participation in its functions, Those procedures
shall include providing advance notice of meetings, providing adequate opportunity for public input and comment,
maintaining appropriate records, and making a record of the proceedings of meetings available for public inspection,
as required by section 528(t)(3)(A)(i) of the Act
g. The Task Force may adopt principles and operational guidelines to set forth the required procedures for public
participation, and for any other purpose necessary or convenient for the accomplishment of the duties of the Task
Force.
h. In the absence of procedures adopted by the Task Force, the Executive Director may establish protocols for
accomplishment of the duties of the Task Force. The Executive Director will promptly notify all members of the
protocols. Such protocols may be amended by the Task Force.
i. Nothing in this Charter shall be construed to prejudice the appointments of members already made pursuant to the
Act, or the activities of the Task Force since October 12, 1996.
6. PERSONNEL.
a. The Executive Director shall provide staff support to the Task Force.
b. The Executive Director may be assisted by a permanent staff of the executive directorate; personnel on temporary
assignment to the executive directorate from agencies, governments, or tribes represented on the Task Force or the
Working Group; by members of the Task Force or Working Group or the staffs of such members; or by contractors.
The Task Force may authorize the Executive Director to request, from the head of any Federal agency not
represented on the Task Force, personnel to be detailed to assist the Executive Director or the Task Force.
7. TERMINATION. The Task Force shall continue to exist only for so long as it is authorized by Federal law.
Signed By:
Secretary of the Interior - Broce Babbitt
SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION TASK FORCE
1
Telephone
Fax
Clarence Anthony
Mayor, City of South Bay
335 Southwest 2ad Avenue
South Bay, Florida 33493
561/996-6751
561/996-7950
PllIricill J. Beneke*
Assistant Secretary for Water and Science
U.S. Deparbnent of the Interior
1849 C Street, NW, Room 6660
Washington, DC 20240
202/208-3186
2021208-3324
Michael Collins
Chairman, SFWMD Governing Board
P.O. Box 803
Islamorada, Florida 33036
305/852-5837
305/852-0240
Michael L. Davis
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army
108 Army Pentagon
Room 2E569
Washington, DC 20310-0108
703/695-1370
703/697-3366
J. Allison DeFoor, II
Environmental Policy Coordinator
State of Florida
1501 The Capitol
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0001
850/488-5551
850/922-6200
Jonathan Charles Fox
Assistant Administrator for Water
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
401 M Street, SW (MS - 4101)
Washington, DC 20460
2021260-5700
2021260-5711
Vacant
U.S. Deparbnent of Transportation
400 _7th Street, SW, Room 10408
Washington, DC 20590
2021366-5781
2021366-0263
Glenda Humiston
· Task Fora: Chair
202/720-7173
202/720-4732
Updated May 17, 1999
SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION TASK FORCE
2
Telephone
Fax
Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources
U.S. Department of Agriculture
14m Street and Independence Avenue, SW, Room 217E
Washington, DC 20250
Dexter Lehtinen
Special Assistant for Everglades Issues
To the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians
7700 North Kendall Drive, Suite 303
Miami, Florida 33156
305/279-3353
305/279-5082
Lois Schiffer 2021514-2701
Assistant Attorney General- Environment and Natural Resources
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room 2143
Washington, DC 20530-0001
2021514-0557
Jim Shore
General Counsel to the Seminole Tribe of Florida
6300 Stirling Road
Hollywood, Florida 33024
954/967-3950
954/967-3487
David B. Struhs
Secretary, DEP
3900 Commonwealth Blvd., Mail Station 10
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000
850/488-1554
850/488-7093
Raul J. Valdes-Fau!i
Mayor, City of Coral Gables
405 Biltmore Way
Coral Gables, Florida 33134
305/460-5221
305/460-5247
Sally J. Yoz.eU
Deputy Assistant Secretary - Oceans and Atmosphere
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
U.S. Department of Commerce
14m Street and Constitution Avenue, NW, Room 5804
Washington, DC 20230
202/482-3567
202/482-6318
Terrence "Rock" Salt
305/348-1665
305/348-1667
· Task Force Chair
Updated May 17, 1999
SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION TASK FORCE
3
Telephone
Fax
Executive Director
South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force
c/o Florida International University
DE Building, Room 148
University Park Campus
Miami, Florida 33199
· Task Force O1air
Updated May 17. 1999
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Working Group
Charter
and
Membership
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SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION WORKING GROUP
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Charter
South Florida Ecosystem RestoratioD WorkiDg Group
1. AlITBORIZATlON. Section 528(t)(2)(D) of Public Law 104-303, the Water R.esources Development
Act of 1996 (hereinafter refcaed to as the Act1 enacted October 12, 1996, requires the South Florida
Ecosystem Restoration Task Force to establish a Florida-based working group (h~ referred to as the
Working Group.)
z. MISSION. The mission of the Woddng Group and its subgroups is to support the Task Force in its
efforts to achiev~ in cooperation with aU interested parties, the res1oratioD, preservation and protection of
the ecosystem while promoting a sustainable South Florida.
3. DUTIES. The Working Group is established to formulate, recommend, coordioate, and implement the
policies, strategies, plans, programs, projects, activities, and priorities of the Task Force, pursuant to section
S28(t)(2)(D) of the Act.
alTo assist the Task Force in its duty to "consult with, and provide reco~tiODS to, the SecIetary (of
the Army) during the development of the comprehensive plan (C&SF Restudy)." pursuant to section
528(f)(2)(A) of the Act, the Wodcing Group shall develop for Task Force approval proposed
recommendations to the SecretaIy of the Army.
b) To assist the Task Force in its duty to "coordinate the development of consistent policies, strategies,
plans, programs, projects, activities, and priorities for addressing the restoration, preservation, and
protection of the South Florida ecosystem," pursuant to section 528(f)(2)(B) of the Act, the WodcingGroup
shall:
1) establish procedures to achieve this coordination and report the results of these efforts
to the Task Force.
2) develop for Task Force approval an integrated strategic plan for restoring and
sustaining the South Florida ecosystem descnDing the applicatioDS and linkages among
governmental programs or projects to acbieve shared ecosystem goals in the region. The
strategic plan will be forwarded to the Task Force within two years of the approval of this
charter and revised periodically.
3) develop for Task Force approval a strategy to control and eradicate exotic species.
4) develop for Task Force approval a strategy for public outreacb and participation
regarding the restoration activities of the Task Force and the Working Group.
c) To assist the Task Force in its duty to "exchange information regarding programs, projects, anll activities
of the agencies and entities represented on the Task Force to promote ecosystem restoration and
maintenance, n pursuant to section 528(t)(2Xc) of the Act, the Working Group will establish procedures for
the effective exchange of information and win report the results of its efforts to the Task Force.
d) To assist the Task Force in its duty to "facilitate the resolution of interagency and intergovernmental
conflicts associated with the restoration of the South Florida ecosystem among agencies and entities
represented on the Task Force. It pursuant to section 528(f)(2)(F) of the Act, the Working Group will
identify problems or differing agency positions that have a material and substantial impact on the
implementation of shared ecosystem goals or programs. Wherever feasible, the Working Group should
offer assistance to the agencies involved in addressing these issues. The Working Group will report its
efforts to identify or resolve interagency or intergovernmental conflicts to the Task Force.
e) To assist the Task Force in its duty to "coordinate scientific and other research associated with the
restoration of the South Florida ecosystem," pursuant to section S28(t)(2XG) of the Act, the Wolking
Group will promote science based restoration programs by preparing and recommendil'lg a prioritized,
independently-reviewed science plan for the South Florida ecosystem to the Task Force which includes
development of a baseline scientific assessment and indicator monitoring program, special process-oriented
and socio-economic studies, and appropriate biological and hydrological modeling to evaluate ecosystem
restoration objectives and programs.
t) To assist the Task Force in its duty to "provide assistance Uld support to agencies and entities
represented on the Task Force in their restoration activities," punuaDt to section S28(t)(2)(H) of the Act,
the Working Group shall:
1) support the agencies and governments represented om the Working Group in their
responsibili1ies to promote water quality improvements in the South Florida ecosystem.
2) support expedited implementation and provide timely support to the CoIps of
Engineers, the South Florida Water Management District BIld other respoDSlble agencies
in hydrological restoration projects, especially the C&SF Restudy, Critical Projects,
Kissimmee River Restoration, C-lll, Modified Water Delivery Project to Everglades
National Park, and the projects described in the Everglades Forever- Act and in various
Water Supply Plans in the region. This shall include the land acquisition programs
necessary to implement these projects.
3) support the Environmental Protection Agency and tile Corps of Engineers in the
expedited development and implementation of a comprehcmsive conservation, permitting
and mitigation strategy for wetlands and other sensitive habitats.
4) support the US Fish and Wildlife Service in the development and implementation of a
multi-species recovery plan for threatened and endangered species in the South Florida
ecosystem.
S) provide additional assistance and support when requested by agencies and entities
represented on the Task Force, Working Group or its subgroups in their restoration
activities.
6) report its efforts to assist and support to the Task Force.
g) To assist the Task Force in its duty to "prepare an integrated tmancial plan and recommendations for
coordinated budget requests for the funds proposed to be expended by agencies and entities represented on
the Task Force for the restoration, preservation, and protection of the South Florida ecosystem," pursuant to
section 528(f)(2)(I) of the Act, the Working Group will develop for Task Force approval an annual
integrated financial plan, and recommendations for coordinated budget requests, that retlects the
coordination of federal, state, Tobal and local government funding requirements for projects essential to
ecosystem restoration.
h) To assist the Task Force in its duty to "submit a biennial repoIt to Congress that summarizes- (i) the
activities of the Task Force; (ii) the policies, strategies, plans, prognms, projects, activities, and priorities
planned, developed, or implemented for the restoration of the South Florida ecosystem.; and (iii) progress
made toward the restoration," pursuant to section 528(t)(2XJ) of the Act, the Working Group will prepare
and recommend a draft biennial report for Task Force approval and submission to the Congress, Florida
Legislature, the Councils of the two Tobes and other appropriate entities designated by the Task Force. In
the alternate years, the Working Group will submit an interim anJlual report to the Task Force, detailing
achievements. ongoing activities and projected accomplishments of the Working Group and its member
agencies.
i) To assist the Task Force in meeting its responsibilities to "implement procedures to facilita1e public
participation in the advisory process, "pursuant to section S28(t)(3)(A) of the Act, the Working Group win
develop and propose procedures for Task Force review and adoption.
Jl1be Working Group sba1l bring to the Task Force for its consideration matters the Working Group
believes are relevant to the Task Force mission.
k) The Working Group sba1l carry out other assignments and adjust its priorities as directed by the Task
Force,
4. POWERS. The Working Group may -
a. Establish advisory bodies as it deems necessary to assist the Working Group 01' the Task Force in their
duties, including advisory bodies on public policy and scientific issues, in accordance with section
S28(f)(2)(E)(I) of the AcL
b. Select as an advisory body any entity that represents a broad variety of public and private interests, as
provided in section S28(f)(2)(E)(ii) of the Act.
c. Seek advice and input from any interested, knowledgeable, or affected party as it determines necessary to
perform its duties, as provided in section 528(f)(3)(B).
5.MEMBERSBIP.
a. The Working Group sba1l consist of a senior representative from the fonowing agencies and
govemmcnts authorized to represent that agency's or government's interest on matters pertaining to the
responsibilities of the Working Group:
Department of the Interior:
(a) National Park Service.
(b) Fish and Wildlife Service.
(c) United States Geological Survey.
(d) Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
(a) National Marine Fisheries Service.
(b) National Ocean Service.
(c) Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research
Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers.
Environmental Protection Agency (EP A).
Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service,
Department of Transportation.
(a) Federal Highway Administration.
(b) Federal Transit Authority.
Department of Justice.
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Miccosukee Tnoe of Indians of Florida.
Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Florida Deparbnent of Community Affairs,
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission.
Florida Department of Transportation.
Office of the Governor.
South Florida Water Management District.
No more than five (5) representatives of local governments or n:gional planning councils.
b. The Executive Director of the Task Force and the Executive DiIector of the Governor's Commission for
a Sustainable South Florida will participate as special advisors to the Working Group and will be consulted
by the Working Group prior to action on any matters pertaining to tI1eir respective responsibilities.
c. The Task Force may appoint other persons to the Working Group as representatives of othet agencies or
governments.
d. (I) Each Federal member of the Task Force will appoint the working group representatives for that
department or agency,
(2) For each Federal department or agency listed in subsection (a) not represented on the Task Force, the
head of such agency or designee thereof will appoint the working group representative for that department
or agency.
(3) Each chairman of a Tn"be represented on the Task Force shall appoint that Tn"be's representative to the
Working Group.
(4) Each State member of the Task Force, including the member from the South Florida Water
Management District, will appoint the Working Group representative for that department, agency, or
district.
(5) The Governor will appoint the Working Group representative for each State deparbnent or agency listed
in subsection (a) not represented on the Task Force.
(6) Each local government member of the Task Force may appoint one representative to the Working
Group, or will waive the right to appoint a member by notifyiag the Governor and the Task Force
Chairperson in writing .
(7) The Governor may appoint additional local government or regional planning council representatives to
the Working Group provided that there shall be a total of no I1>>re than five (5) local government or
regional planning council members appointed to the Working Group by the Governor or the local
government members of the Task Force. Nonetheless, the Task Force may appoint additional
representatives from local governments or regional planning cOUl1cils pursuant to subsection c of this
section.
'I
(8) Appointments to the Working Group shall be made by notifYing the Task Force Cbairperson or
.Executive Director in writing. Upon receipt, the Executive Director sha1I forward the notification to the
Task Force CbaiIperson and the Working Group Chairperson. The Executive Director shall notify the other
members of the Working Group within a reasonable time.
e. Each member of the Working Group serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority.
f. Anyvacancy on the Working Group shaD be filled as specified in paragraph Sed) above.
&- Any member of the Working Group may designate an alternate for a Working Group meeting by
IIOtifying the Working Group Chairperson or Executive Director prior to or during that meeting.
h. A member or alternate shaD receive no additional compensation for service on the Working Group, in
accordance with section 528(f)(4) of the AcL
6. ADHlNISTRATION.
a. The Working Group will elect one of its members as Cbairperson and one as Vice Cbairperso~ for such
1mDS as the Working Group may select. The Vice Cbairperson will serve as Chairperson in the absem:e of
the Chairperson.
b. The CbaiIperson of the Worlcing Group, with the assistance of the Task Force Executive Director', is
responsible to the Task Force for the management of the affairs of the Working Group and for reporting to
the Task Force on Working Group activities.
c. The Working Group may create, reorganize, or dissolve subgroups of its membeD to study specified
issues or work on tasks, and to report to the Working Group as a whole. For purposes of this subparagraph,
any elected official or designated employee of any local government may be appointed as an advisor to a
subgroup by the Working Group. Any elected official or designated employee of any local government so
appointed may participate fully in meetings, recommendations, and reports of the subgroup.
d. The Working Group shall implement procedures to facilitate public participation in its meetings or
functions and those of its subgroups. Those procedures sbal1 include providing advance notice of meetings,
providing adequate opportunity for public input and comment, maintaining appropriate records, and
making a record of the proceedings of meetings available for public inspection, as required by section
S28(t)(3)(A)(I) of the AcL
e. The goal of the Working Group will be to build consensus among its members regarding their respective
policies, projects, activities, and priorities for addressing the restoratioD, preservation and protection of the
South Florida ecosystem. Where complete consensus is unattainable, a two-tbirds majority vote will suffice
for final Working Group actioD, and actions other than fmal actioDS may be taken by a simple majority
vote.
f. The Worlcing Group may adopt additional principles, operational guidelines or procedures to facilitate
the accomplishment of the duties descn"bed in section 3 of this Charter, provided those protocols are
consistent with the Act and Task Force guidance.
g. The Working Group shall meet at the caD of the Chairperson or of a majority of the members, but not
less often than quarterly.
h. A majority of the members or alternate members then serving will constitute a quorum.
i. Travel expenses incurred by a member of the Working Group in the performance of services for the
Working Group shall be paid by the agency, Tribe, or government that the member represents, as provided
in section S28(f)(5) of the Act.
j, The Working Group is not considered an advisory committee subject to the Federal Advisory Conunittee
Act, md it may seek advice or input from interested, knowledgeable, or affected parties without being
subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act, pursuant to section S28(t)(3)(C) of the Water Resources
Development Act of 1996.
Ie. Any advisory body selected or established by the Task Force, and any individual advisor recognized by
the Task Force, may also render advice to the Working Group without further action by the Working
Group.
I. The Executive Director of the Task Force shall advise the Wolking Group on behalf of the Task Force
and will assist the Working Group in canying out its adminilltrative and procedural duties, including the
requirements in section S28(f)(3)(ii) of the Act The Executive Director of the Task Force will advise the
Working Group on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior regarding those responsibilities of the Secretary
specified in the Act.
10. Nothing in this Charter shall be construed to disavow the activities of the Working Group since October
12, 1996, which have been duly reported to the Task Force.
D. Actions, recommendations, votes, or discussions by the Working Group shall Dot be construed to limit
the discretion or to override the decisions of any government or agency represented on the Working Group.
Nothing in this charter compromises or restricts the authority or power of any government or agency.
7. PERSONNEL. The Executive Directorate of the Task Force shall provide staff support to the Working
Group, and may request the assistance of any member of the Wolking Group or the staff of such member.
8. AMENDMENT. This Charter may be amended by the Task Force. Any member of the Task Force may
propose an ameudment All members of the Task Force shall be notified of the proposed amendment The
Task Force may vote on the amendment at any meeting held at least thirty'days after notification of the
proposed amendment The amendment may be approved only on two-thirds majority vote of the Task
Force.
9. TERMINATION. The Working Group shall continue to exist only for so long as it is authorized by
Federal law.
By the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force:
Patricia J. Beneke, Chairperson
Attest:
Terrence C. Salt, Executive Director
As approved on December IS, 1997
SOUTH FLORIDA. ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION WORKING GROUP
Telephone
Fax
CIu.uIa (CIe.ck) Aller 8501488-3022
Director, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer AfJaiJs
The Capitol, Room LL-29
TaIJal..,,ge"". Florida 32399-0810
E-mail: allerc@doacs.state.fl.us
850/488-7585
Enust (Emie) ""'<<1**
Director of Ecosystem Planning and Coordination
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
3900 Commonwealth Boulevard (MS-45)
Tal..hllllScc, Florida 32399-3000
E-mail: Bamett_B@epic6.dep.state.fl.us
8501488-4892
8501922-5380
G. RoIUIie Bell
Branch Chief &: Supervisory Ecologist
USGS Biological Resources Division
c/o Florida International University
University Park OR Building - Room 148
Miami. FL 33199
E-mail: Ronnie _ Best@USGS.gov
305/348-3095
3051348-4096
Muk llrw4fortl
Bueau of Indian AtTain (BIA)
Office of Trust Responsibilities
1849 C Street, NW,
MS 4513 - Main Interior Bldg.
Washington, DC 20240
E-mail: mark_bradford@ios.doi.gov
2021208-3598
202/219-1255
Bratlfonl E. (Brw4) Brow,.
Director, Southeast Fisheries Science Center
National Marine Fisheries Service
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
U. S. Department of Commerce
7S Virginia Beach Drive
Miami, Florida 33149
E-mail: brad _ brown@noaa.gov
305/361-4284
305/361-4219
Billy D. CIIllSey
Sanctuary Superintendent
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
U. S. Department of Commerce
P.O. Box 500368
Marathon, Florida 33050
E-mail: billy.causey@noaa.gov
305n43-2437
305n43-23S7
Wayne E, Daltry
941/656-7720
941/656-7724
· Workin& Group Chair
.. Working GrOllp Via: OIair
Updated AUCUJC 19. 1999
soum FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION WORKING GROUP 2 ""-'
Telephone Fax
Executive Director
Southwest Florida Regional Planning Council
4980 Bay1ine Drive. 4" Floor
North Fort Myers. FL 33918-3455
E-mail: swfrpc@peganet.com
CBOl Eo A. Degrsffenreidt 305/961-9330 3051530-7139
U.S. Attorney's Office - Civil Division
99 NE 4th Street, Room 330
Miami, Florida 33132-2111
E-mail:
Frank M. Duke 561/233-5300 561/233-5365
Director
Palm Beach County Planning Department
100 Australian Ave,S" Floor
West Palm, Florida 33406
E-mail: fduke@co,paIm-beach.fl.us
TftUIIIUt Eagene (Gene) Da"ctUI 305/223-8380 3051223-1011
Water Resources Director
Miccosukee Tn"be of Indians of Florida
P.O. Box 440021, Tamiami Station
Miami, Florida 33144
E-mail: duncan2u@aotcom
Gtlty El1inlc 850/487-2781 850/922-7217
State Ecologist
Florida Deparbnent of Transportation
MS #37,605 Suwanee Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
E-mail: gary ,evink.@dot.state.fl.us
FnmIc Fillch 561/682-6399 561/682-6002
Executive Director
South Florida Water Management District
3301 Gun Club Road
West Palm Beach. Florida 33406-4680
E-mail: lsori@Sfwmd.gov
Stephell Forsythe 561n78-0896 561/564-7393
Florida State Supervisor
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
P.O. Box 2676
Vero Beach, Florida 32960
E-mail:stephen _ forsythe@fws.gov
Michael Goldstein 305/376-6007 305/376-6010
· Working Group Chair .. Working Group Vice OIair updaIed Augu. 19, 1999
SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION WORKING GROUP
3
Telephone
Fax
GUDSter, Yoakely, Valdes-Fauli &. Stewart, P.A.
One Biscayue Tower, Suite 3400
Two South Biscayne Boulevard
Miami, FL 33131-1897
B-maU: mgoldstein@guoster.com
lllclltll'll HII111q*
Director, EPA South Florida Office
400 N. Congress Avenue
S1lite 120
West Palm Beach, FL 33401-5116
E-mail: Harvey.Richard@epamail.epa.gov
561/615-5292
561/615-6959
Autl,. Riger
Coordinator, U. S, G. S. - Water Resources Division
Ecosystem Restoration Programs
U. S. Deparbnent of the Interior
3301 Gun Club Road
West Palm Beach, Florida 33416-4680
E-mail: aaron,higer@sfwmd.gov
561/687-6560
561/697-9784
KriItina B. KatsaTOs
DirectorNOAA-AOML
4301 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami. Florida 33149-1026
E-mail:katsaroS@aoml.noaa.gov
305-361-4300
305-361-4449
Netll McAliley
Trial Attorney
U.S. Deparbnent of Justice
Environment and Natural Resources Division
99 NE 4th Street, Room 415
Miami, Florida 33132-2111
E-mail:
305/961-9415
305/536-4651
COL Joe R. MiUer
District Engineer, Jacksonville District
Corps of Engineers
U.S. Department of the Army
p ,0. Box 4970
Jacksonville, Florida 32232
E-mail: joe.r.mi11er@saj02.usace.army.mil
904/232-2241
904/232-1213
Mary Ann Poole
Office of Environmental Services
561/778-5094
561/778-7227
· WDrkiog Group 0Iair
.. Working Group Vice 0Iair
Updab:d Aupst 19, 1999
SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION WORKING GROUP
4
Telephone
Fax
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
255 - 154* Avenue
Vero Beach, Florida 32968-9041
E-mail: poolemal6m1ail.state.ft.us
Fred RIIJIach
Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department
2065 Prairie Road
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
E-mail: fraj)8C.htiiJco.palm-beach.ft.us
561/641-3429
561/641-3472
Terry Rice
Miccosukee Tn"be of Indians of Florida
c/o Florida International University
OE Building, Room 148
University Park Campus
Miami, Florida 33199
E-mail:t1rlce@adelphia.net
305/348-3095
305/348-4096
RkhfUYl G. (Dick) Rbag
Superintendent, Everglades National Park
National Park Service (ENP)
U. S, Depar1ment of the Interior
40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, Florida 33034-6733
E-mail: Dick_ Ring@nps.gov
3051242-n10
305-242- nil
r,., Robinson
Department of Community Affairs
Assistant Secretary
2555 Shumard Oak. Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2100
E-mail: james.robinson@dca.state.fl.us
850/488-8466
850/921-0781
Rkhard (Rick) Smith
Senior Governmental Analyst
Office of the Governor of Florida
The Capitol, Room 1501
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0001
E-mail: Rick.Smith@laspbs.state.fl.us
850/487-7914
850/922-6200
Ron Smola
Environmental Liaison
Natural Resources Conservation Service
561/686-8800
Ext. 2857
561/478-4074
· Working Group OIair
.. Working Group Vice Chair
Updaled AlIIU5\ 19, 1999
SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION WORKING GROUP
5
Telephone
Fax
u. S. Department of Agriculture
c/o South Florida Water Management District
3301 Gun Club Road
West Palm Beach, Florida 33406
E-mail: roo.smola@sfwmd.gov
Stwe Somenille 954/519-1202
Director
Broward County Department of Natural Resource Protection
218 Southwest First Avenue
Ft, Lauderdale. Florida 33301
E-mail: ssomerville@co.broward.t1.us
954/519-1493
J8Ies E. SL Job 850/942-9582
Division AdmiDistrator
Federal Highway Administration
U. S. Department of Transportation
227 North Bronough Street, Room 2015
TallaMace, Florida 32301
E-mail: James.E.StJobn@fhwa.dot.gov
8501942-9691
C",ig D. TepJH!l' 954/967-3402
Water Resources Director
Seminole Tn"bc of Florida
6300 Stirling Road
Hollywood, Florida 33024
E-mail: water@gate.net
954/967-3489
~a1 Advisors
Bonnie Krtlllur' 305/669-6973
Executive Director
Governor's Commission for A Sustainable South Florida
1550 Madruga Avenue, Suite 412
Coral Gables, Florida 33146
E-mail: bonnie.kranzer@sfwmd.gov
305/669-6974
941/338-2936
TelUltCtl "Roc1c" Slllt 305/348-1665
Executive Director
South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force
c/o Florida International Univenity
OE Building, Room 148
University Park Campus
Miami, Florida 33199
E-mail: rsalt@sfrestore.org
305/348-1667
· Working Group Chair
.. Working Group Vice Chair
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