America’s River of Grass Recognized by U.S. House of Representatives

The Everglades is one of the most valuable natural treasures and the restoration of this one-of-a-kind ecosystem is an issue of national importance. Last month, the United States House of Representatives passed two resolutions recognizing and reaffirming the significance of America’s Everglades.

House Resolution 807 was passed to honor the life of Marjory Stoneman Douglas on the 60th anniversary of the publication of her book, The Everglades: River of Grass. The bill described Douglas as a “champion of the Florida Everglades and founder of Florida’s environmental movement.” The bill’s passing resolved to honor her life, achievements and distinguished career, including the founding of the group “Friends of the Everglades.” The bill also credits the publication of her book with helping to encourage public support for the designation of Everglades National Park, and in turn helping to preserve a large area of the River of Grass.

The House recognized another 60th anniversary with the passing of Resolution 845, acknowledging Everglades National Park as an International Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site and a Wetland of International Importance, in “recognition of its significance to all the people of the world.”

Through Resolution 845, the House also “dedicates itself to the success of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP),” the 30-year, $10.9 billion restoration plan funded by a 50-50 cost share between the state of Florida and the federal government. CERP is working to improve the quality, quantity, timing and flow of water in the Everglades ecosystem, which stretches throughout 16 counties over an 18,000 square mile area and includes Everglades National Park.

The state of Florida has taken the lead implementing CERP, which will improve the quality of life for the seven million residents of south Florida by providing flood control, improving the amount of water available for the ecosystem and restoring habitat for more than 60 endangered species native to the Everglades while protecting the natural plant life for future generations.

To date, Florida has invested more than $2 billion in the plan and acquired 57 percent (more than 221,000 acres) of the land required for CERP’s 68 projects. To expedite restoration, Florida launched its Accerler8 initiative, which is stepping up the pace of funding, design and construction of eight CERP projects. The initiative is restoring 70,000 acres of wetlands and providing 425,000 acre-feet of additional water storage for the ecosystem.

Florida has also invested an additional $1.8 billion toward improving water quality in the Everglades. Through the implementation of Best Management Practices on farmlands and the construction of 45,000 acres of stormwater treatment areas, including the largest in the world, Florida has prevented more than 2,650 metric tons of phosphorous from entering the Everglades, helping to restore the sensitive balance within America’s largest wetland.