The good news is that several long sought Everglades projects are on their way to completion: A one-mile bridge is lifting US 41 from impeding the flows into Everglades National Park. The C-111 project will improve flows into Florida Bay.

This progress must be followed up on to be effective. That is why Audubon is urging state agencies to focus on three critical areas:    

• Funding scientific monitoring and analysis 
• Building projects and managing water to benefit the natural environment
• Cleaning up polluted water before it’s released into theEverglades

As the bridge and C-111 projects become operational, monitoring and science is essential to understand ecological responses to changes in timing and delivery of fresh water. For these projects to succeed state and federal agencies need to put science back to work.

Everglades restoration is slowing down as a state agencies trim budgets and programs. Recent droughts illustrate the wisdom of working with nature to restore natural drainage patterns to South Florida. To slow and direct water in ways that benefit the environment while creating jobs, agencies need to put restoration back to work.  

Water that should be going into the Everglades is still too dirty – carrying farm and urban chemicals that alter life forms. The state has delayed complying with laws and court orders to improve water quality. Agencies need to get back to work on cleaning up the fertilizers in Everglades water.   

Florida is falling behind on Everglades restoration. Its time to get back to work with science, money for construction, and cleanup.