Most of us are familiar with the name, if not the actual wetlands, known as the Florida Everglades. A hotspot of biodiversity and fragile eco-systems, the location is a world famous destination for both naturalists and others. But, as is true of most of earth’s natural wonders in this 21st Century, the Florida Everglades, or ‘River of Grass’ as it has been called, has been in danger for some time because of man’s negative impact on the environment.
A recent report by the National Research Council is highlighting the urgency of the situation, stressing that the wetlands may undergo irreversible loss of eco-systems and species due to bureaucratic delays, financing shortfalls, and over development. An eight year, multi-billion dollar restoration program has apparently done little to halt the damage, according to the report. The chairman of the committee heading the review, William Graf, said “There is no other place like this. It’s existed for 5,000 years this way, and we’re in danger of losing it for our kids and their kids.”
Urgent action is required from both the federal and state governments to implement changes. On top of the list is the need for major changes in water flow, delivery and management in South Florida. Improvements in water quality are also necessary, especially in reducing fertilizer and pesticide pollution due to near-by agriculture such as sugar cane production. Substantial additional land acquisition is a must to complete the actual boundaries of conservation land and to restore water flows through the system. A commitment in investment of funds for research, monitoring, land acquisition and must more by all levels of government and private entities must also take place.
It remains to be seen if the extraordinary, biologically rich Everglades will benefit from this proposal in time to survive, but one thing is for sure: a ‘wait and see’ attitude or a ‘hope for the best’ outlook just won’t be enough. Few places in the world have as much to lose as the “River of Grass”.
