Governor Rick Scott's meeting with the Obama Administration to set common goals for restoration appears to commit the State of Florida to resolving the two most important Everglades issues.  By focusing on projects and planning for projects to meet state water quality standards and move clean water south into the natural Everglades, the Florida and the federal government may finally find the winning formula to make restoration work.

For many years, Audubon has urged for this type of focus and communication regarding the state and federal partnership on Everglades restoration (see our December 2008 blog post and fact sheet). We are encouraged by these recent developments.

Audubon of Florida Executive Director Eric Draper said:

"Governor Scott, Secretary Salazar, Secretary Darcy, Attorney General Holder and Administrator Jackson are to be commended for charting a new path. While we will have some recommendations for how to improve the proposal, this is a good start."  

The proposal appears to be based on maximizing and expanding stormwater treatment areas to treat farm runoff and on planning and implementing restoration projects to allow water to flow freely through the state owned water conservation areas. Prioritizing these efforts and setting a timeline is the right first step.  In addition, Audubon will urge controlling sources of pollution both in the EAA and in Lake Okeechobee and managing water use more efficiently.

Executive Director Eric Draper added:

"Everglades restoration is based on delivering clean water for the environment. Part of that is accomplished with projects and part is accomplished with how water is managed."

Download Governor Scott's presentation to President Obama's administration by clicking here.