Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program Bill Passed by Legislature

Passed by the State Legislature on May 2, the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program, or Senate Bill 0392/House Bill 7157, expands the existing Lake Okeechobee Protection Program to include the Caloosahatchee River and St. Lucie Watersheds, including the estuaries. Effective July 1, 2007, the legislation requires the development of restoration plans and schedules, and provides dedicated funding to improve and protect the northern Everglades, including Lake Okeechobee and the two estuaries.

“This legislation clearly signifies Florida’s continued commitment toward protecting and restoring our precious aquatic communities,” said Secretary Michael W. Sole. “Developing a comprehensive plan and schedule for increasing water storage, enhancing treatment and improving best farming practices north of the lake will ultimately serve to enhance and improve the entire South Florida ecosystem.”

As part of the plan to improve the health of the northern Everglades, the State will set aside land, construct treatment wetlands and identify the water storage areas needed to improve the quality, timing and distribution of water in the natural system. The State will work in partnership with local governments to develop comprehensive plans to restore and protect the waterways of those whose economy and quality of life depends on the health of the estuaries. The plan also ensures the use of best management practices on urban and agricultural lands, and the best available ‘green technologies’ to reduce phosphorus loads and improve water quality in the natural system.

The new legislation dedicates an additional $100 million annually to protect and restore the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries and expands the use of Everglades Restoration Bonds to further protect and restore the Lake Okeechobee watershed and the coastal estuaries. The Save Our Everglades Trust Fund also includes protection and restoration of the Lake Okeechobee watershed and coastal estuaries and will be extended for 10 years through 2020.

The bill will be sent to Governor Crist for his signature into law.