The Greater Everglades Ecosystem is one of the most ecologically significant wetlands on earth, and is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. From the Kissimmee River, through Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades, the Big Cypress/Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed, Florida Bay, the Ten Thousand Islands, and down through the Keys, South Florida is a unique and world-renowned eco-region. It is also an international center for business, agriculture, and tourism, with a rapidly growing population of varied ethnic, economic, and social values - all dependent on a fully functioning Everglades ecosystem for an adequate freshwater supply, a healthy and sustainable economy, and overall quality of life.

Due to the combined effects of water mismanagement and urban and agricultural pollution, the Everglades ecosystem is among the most endangered ecosystems in the world. Populations of wading birds and other critical indicator species have been decimated, and Lake Okeechobee and the tropical estuaries on the edges of the Everglades ecosystem have been severely damaged.

It is often noted that the decline of the once widespread flocks of wading birds was the first sign that the Everglades ecosystem was threatened. Birdlife still serves as an indicator of ecological health, and a principal measure of success for the Greater Everglades Ecosystem is the return of abundant bird populations. Everglades restoration will repair much of the damage from drainage and development, bringing back the wading birds that once filled the South Florida landscape and restoring hundreds of thousands of acres of wetlands and estuarine habitat.

After years of public outcry for restoration, in 2000 Congress and the State of Florida approved the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) as a framework for rescuing the South Florida ecosystem. The CERP, along with Kissimmee River Restoration, Modified Water Deliveries, and the C-111 project, are needed to restore, preserve, and protect the South Florida ecosystem, while providing for other water-related needs of the region.

Restoring the Greater Everglades Ecosystem is one of our highest nationwide priorities. Audubon experts in public policy and land-use planning have been at the forefront of changing political will in favor of restoration of our natural ecosystems. Everglades restoration will repair much of the damage from drainage and development, bringing back the wading birds that once filled the South Florida landscape and restoring hundreds of thousands of acres of wetlands and estuarine habitat.

Written Summaries of Presentation

• Author's pre-conference summary of the presentation
• Goodwin-Niering Center Certificate student's summary of presentation.