Florida’s official comments on the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and Conservation Area werejust released, and the state is supporting this 150,000-acre conservation proposal. Through a combination of acquisition and conservation easements, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hopes to protect wildlife habitat and maintain lands that form the headwaters of the Everglades in their natural state.

In a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida’s official comments read:

“The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) concur that the establishment of an Everglades Headwaters NWR and Conservation Area offers a potential opportunity to protect natural and cultural resources for the future. It also provides an opportunity to collaborate with private landowners and a variety of organizations with resource management interest to develop a cost-effective way to acquire and manage the NWR and Conservation Area for compatible public use, research and enjoyment.”

It’s now time for conservationists in Florida who have not yet commented on this important plan to send their comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Headwaters NWR and Conservation Area will utilize full-fee acquisition as well as innovative conservation easements with the owners of Central Florida ranchlands to protect vast tracts of critical habitat essential to the ecology and hydrology of the Northern Everglades. Send your comments of support before the comment period closes on November 25. Support the refuge; send comments using our easy email form by clicking here.

Audubon of Florida Executive Director Eric Draper testified earlier this month before Members of Congress about the recent progress in Everglades restoration and the opportunities to achieve the goals of water quality and habitat protection in the Northern Everglades. Click here to read more about this public hearing and read Draper's written comments.