Restoring the Everglades is a national, state, tribal, and local priority. The South Florida ecosystem provides a rich natural heritage for all Americans and supports the economy and the high quality of life of Floridians and Native American Indians who live there. The American people have a strong interest in preserving this 18,000-square-mile region of subtropical uplands, wetlands, and coral reefs that extends from the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes south of Orlando through Florida Bay and the reefs southwest of the Florida Keys.
This complex and challenging restoration is being carried out through a combination of federal, state, local and tribal initiatives. To facilitate the coordination of these initiatives, Congress established the intergovernmental South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force in 1996. A Florida-based Working Group and Science Coordination Group assist the Task Force in fulfilling its responsibilities. These federal, state, local, and tribal representatives work cooperatively and communicate with all stakeholders in this unprecedented conservation endeavor.
