FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 7, 2004
CONTACT: ALIA FARAJ, (850) 488-5394
Governor Bush Celebrates Two Decades of Restoration Along
Kissimmee River
Recovery benefits historic waterway, Lake Okeechobee,
America's Everglades
KISSIMMEE RIVER - Governor Jeb Bush today joined federal, state and
local partners to celebrate two decades of environmental restoration along the
Kissimmee River -- the headwaters of America's Everglades. Water managers
completed the first phase of a half billion dollar plan that will restore 27,000
acres of wetlands and reestablish a natural flow of water to 43 miles of river.
"Delivering the right amount of water to the right places is restoring
habitat and improving water quality," said Governor Bush. "Our unparalleled
efforts to restore and protect the Kissimmee River are providing environmental
benefits downstream to Lake Okeechobee and America's Everglades."
Flowing from Lake Kissimmee in the center of the state, the Kissimmee River
once meandered for 103 miles south to Lake Okeechobee, providing lush habitat
for fish and wildlife. In the 1960s, engineers altered the river's natural flow
for flood control. While the project provided flood protection, the
channelization drained surrounding floodplains and led to habitat loss and a
decline in wildlife.
Today, the South Florida Water Management District and the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers are returning areas of the Kissimmee River to historic conditions.
Eighty percent of the lands needed to complete the Kissimmee restoration --
85,000 acres -- are already in public ownership.
The first phase of restoration, completed in 2001, backfilled seven and a
half miles of canal, reconnected 15 miles of river, carved a new river channel
and reestablished flow to replenish 11,000 acres of wetlands. Scientists have
already documented a threefold increase in bird populations and improvements in
water quality.
"Florida's accomplishments are proof positive of our continued commitment to
improve the flow and quality of water in our rivers, streams and wetlands," said
Governor Bush. "Our actions to protect these unique natural systems speak louder
than words."
During the next decade, the massive environmental project will recarve nine
miles of river channel and revive habitat for more than 300 species of wildlife.
The restoration will replenish 40 square miles of floodplain and marsh,
filtering nutrients and providing water storage to benefit Lake Okeechobee,
downstream estuaries and the wider Everglades ecosystem.
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