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Current Situation and Objectives
Environmental
restoration focuses on improving the functions and stability of streams,
wetlands, and sensitive riparian areas. Major regional needs are
associated with watershed impairments resulting from hydromodification,
agriculture, urbanization, forestry, mining, and other land
uses. Compensatory mitigation programs administered by state and federal
agencies require state-of-the-art technologies for environmental
restoration planning, design, construction, and evaluation. Extension is
a leader in providing education to natural resource professionals on
effective techniques for natural stream channel design, wetland
restoration, and riparian protection. The objective of this focus area
is to coordinate regional efforts in technology development, training,
and information sharing to promote effective environmental restoration
in impaired watersheds.
Expected Impacts of Extension Program
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Enhanced
regional and multi-agency collaboration for environmental
restoration research and education program development and delivery.
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Increased
adoption of effective environmental restoration techniques.
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Improved
capabilities of natural resource professionals to implement
environmental restoration.
Areas of Concern
The
Everglades, the largest wetland in the world, has decreased considerably
in size since 1900 due to
human activities. It is the home of a wide variety of flora and
fauna and provides refuge to many migrating bird species. Recently, the
awareness of wetland system value and function have
increased. Many agencies including UF-IFAS are actively involved in
restoration of the Everglades.
In the past, a wide Kissimmee River floodplain stretched over a 103-mile distance from
Lake Kissimmee to Lake Okeechobee. Between 1962 and 1971, the river was channelized and deepened to prevent flooding. The purpose was
achieved, but not without the consequences of a degraded ecosystem.
Florida has a huge amount of natural water resources. Lake
Okeechobee, Lake Apopka, Tampa Bay, The Indian River Lagoon, and the
Everglades are well-known examples of the state's surface water bodies. The maintenance of these surface water resources is
critical.
Lake Okeechobee is the second largest freshwater lake in the continental
United States. It spreads over five counties, it is the main source of
drinking water for the south Florida urban population, and it also
provides irrigation water for agricultural
lands. It is also home to a large population of fish and waterfowl.
It is so closely connected to the Everglades ecosystem that many call it
the "heart" of south Florida. Hydrological and developmental
modification in surrounding areas have resulted in increased phosphorus
concentration in the lake water. The multipurpose use of the lake
makes the maintenance of good water quality a high priority issue.
Populations of many wildlife species have been reported
to be on the decline around the lake. The Everglades was once a healthy habitat
for a diverse bird population, but in recent years a declining trend
has been observed, particularly in the wading bird population. The Florida
panther, once found all over the state, is near extinction. Ecosystem
restoration has helped restore the population of American
alligator. Similar restoration practices are needed to improve the
ecosystem for other species as well.
Environmental Restoration Programs and Resources
There are a number of government, educational, and
private organizations that are active in environmental restoration in
Florida. Some of the programs that are maintained by the South Florida
Water Management District (SWFMD) are shown below.
The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program is
attempting to
restore the south Florida ecosystem, mainly the Everglades. It also
addresses water issues like urban and agricultural water supply, and
flood prevention and protection.
The main objective of the
Kissimmee River Restoration Evaluation Program is to gather, assess, and distribute information regarding
river restoration.
The
Surface Water Improvement and Management Act, better known as SWIM, was
passed in 1987. This act enforces preservation and protection of
prioritized surface water bodies. The five water management districts in the state
implement SWIM on the
priority water bodies defined by the state.
Considering the versatile use of Lake Okeechobee's water, SFWMD has
defined various restoration aims for the lake. A detailed account of all
the components of
Lake Okeechobee Protection Program defines the multifaceted
restoration efforts.
The
Endangered Species Act enforces determination of endangered and
threatened species, and helps the state develop programs to conserve
them.
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