Last week the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board voted unanimously to support eight projects that store collectively 4800 acre feet of water per year in the Northern Everglades. Audubon congratulates the SFWMD and partnering landowners for pursuing the first round of these water storage projects, known as dispersed water management.
The rain over the last week illustrates the importance of water storage in the Everglades. Our region suffered a severe drought this year and even with the recent rainfall, water levels will probably still be below normal. The beauty of water storage is that it captures rain water and stores it, instead of the SFWMD having to release the water to tide for flood protection, a practice currently done to protect public safety.
Several state conservation groups have been vocal advocates of the projects, which they say could provide benefits to both water storage and water quality. Audubon of Florida proposed a similar project (.pdf) in 2010, saying that retrofitting canals and ditches with relatively small water control structures would allow for increased water retention for miles upstream.
Each of the eight dispersed water management projects will operate within six months. The price per acre is cost effective, ranging from 98.80 to $158 per acre for projects, the average being $134.
Most importantly, the projects build partnerships and lasting relationships with landowners. As we move ahead with restoration in the Northern Everglades, garnering support from people who share a mutual appreciation for the land is a step toward progress.
Join us in congratulating the SFWMD for a bold step toward progress in the Northern Everglades.
