Lake Okeechobee is at the north of the Everglades region and it continues into the Florida Bay and the southern peninsula of the state. The Everglades region is the only of its kind in the U.S. It is composed of freshwater marshes, wetland tree islands, and mangrove swamps among others. There is a lot of biodiversity in the area, and plants and animals there have adapted to low nutrient levels that were present before human activity changed the nutrient levels in the area. Minor changes in the ecosystem are devastating to different species living there. There are 56 plant and animal species living there that are on the endangered species list. The Restoration Project is an urgent attempt to bring the Everglades region back to its former self. After a series of hurricanes hit the area and massive flooding ensued, the everglades region was drained with canals diverting its water into the Gulf and the Atlantic. In the 80's after serious droughts that resulted in the major drying up of the area has resulted in the "Save our Everglades" campaign.
There has also been a major problem with the water table levels due to the drying up the Everglades, and is a concern because it is the main source of groundwater for the east coast. Also there has been major problem with algae blooms, a huge one occurring in 1986 due to nutrient overload in the area which led to legislation controlling water quality and an act which required a 40% reduction in phosphorus dumping into Lake Okeechobee. Today it receives 1.5 tons of phosphorus a day from fertilizer runoff and raw waste from dairy farms. The area contains 10-20 times the normal levels of phosphorus and nitrogen. This causes problems for native vegetative species as those that thrive in these over fertile conditions take over. There is an Everglades Restoration Project that will restore and clean the Everglades as well and the Everglades Nutrient Removal Project.
Reference:
http://www.ce.utexas.edu/prof/maidment/grad/dugger/GLADES/glades.html
Improved water quality and water flow are two important features that are important parts of the restoration. I hope to have the opportunity to visit this beautiful ecosystem one day, and see its expansive saw grass marshes, wildlife, and flowing waters. Through partnerships and plans, the Everglades and Lake Okeechobee will be better places than they are today, and one which will remain strong and healthy for our future families. Today it receives 1.5 tons of phosphorus a day from fertilizer runoff and raw waste from dairy farms. The area contains 10-20 times the normal levels of phosphorus and nitrogen. To clean this up will take time, but if we never start, it will never get cleaned up. With actions like this, it will happen one day.
ReplyDeleteThe restoration project is an excellent idea for the Everglades. We should use this concept for the rest of the world. Though it will take decades to help restore the everglades, we are taking steps into the right direction. It is very important to consider maintaining and preserving the rest of the world also. We can use the Everglades as a good start. With continuous strives for a healthier planet will result in a more ecological feasible way of living.
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of plants and animals on the endangered list in the Everglades. Restoration and preservation of this important ecosystem is necessary to give them the best possible chance at survival. Very informative post.
ReplyDeleteIt is great to see that there is a project like the Restoration project that is attempting to do something for our land and animals. I feel that this project is a great idea and am very wiseful it will be of very high success.
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