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Introduction
Against a backdrop of biogeologic connectivity, deteriorating coastal environments, rising sea level and increasing pollution, the problem lies in not knowing how the Everglades restoration will affect the stressed co-joined systems. The Florida Everglades, designated a National Park in 1947, comprise the largest area of wetlands and mangrove swamps in North America. In the late 1940s following back-to-back hurricanes, a massive flood-control project was instigated to construct levees and canals throughout Central and South Florida. By draining 500,000 acres south of Lake Okeechobee (Fig. 1, below) and diverting freshwater flow for cattle farming, urban development, and agricultural, industrial, and municipal water supplies, the infrastructure irreversibly damaged the wetlands and associated ecosystems. The canals severely altered regional hydrology and salinity (a measure of dissolved salts) along with habitats and natural fire resistance (Douglas, 1947). Introduction of agrichemicals and pesticides affected wildlife. Since the 1950s, the wetlands have been mined for limestone for use in cement, concrete, and asphalt. Miners have excavated thousands of acres, leaving barren rock pits in place of fertile swamps, and plan to expand operations to include thousands more.
The original Everglades watershed was 80 km wide, covered an area of 14,480 km², and extended for 400 km as a single hydrologic unit that flowed from the vicinity of Orlando to Florida Bay. Though only centimeters deep, the watershed was capable of filtering and removing most nutrients from the water. Today, reduced to less than half its size, the watershed filters far less and removes far fewer nutrients than in the past. Restoration of the Everglades is a National priority of branches of both State and Federal governments. |
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 Chemical Pollutants and Toxic Effects on Benthic Organisms, Biscayne Bay: A Pilot Study Preceding Florida Everglades Restoration USGS Open File Report 02-308
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U. S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
