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Audubon of Florida News Blog

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The official news blog for Audubon Florida.
URL: http://audubonoffloridanews.org
Updated: 2 days 21 hours ago

VIDEO: The Dredging and Draining of Cowbone Marsh

Fri, 06/14/2013 - 15:39

Five thousand acres of wetland habitat, part of the Greater Everglades, was harmed when government agencies yielded to boaters and dredged a fifteen foot ditch through this sensitive marsh. Federal agencies issued cease and desist orders to stop the dredging but the area was abandoned by protected Swallow-tailed Kites.

Audubon Florida has called for restoration of Cowbone Marsh, which was prevented this year by a lawsuit brought by boaters who think that right of passage is more important than protecting the wetlands.

 

Tell the SFWMD to Support the Central Everglades Planning Project – June 13

Wed, 06/12/2013 - 13:53

Join Audubon on June 13 to support the next phase of Everglades restoration.

Everglades restoration is critically important to the health of Florida’s water supply, environment, and economy. We need your help today to ensure the next phase of restoration begins as soon as possible – there’s no time to waste.

Join Audubon at the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board meeting at 9:00 a.m. on June 13 in Key Biscayne. Ask the Governing Board to support CEPP and take action to ensure this critical restoration effort is implemented as quickly as possible. Meeting information can be found by clicking here.

The Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) is the next big increment to help restore America’s Everglades. Some of the many benefits of will CEPP include:

  • 28% increase in wildlife habitat for native species
  • 67 billion gallons of freshwater delivered to the southern ecosystem annually
  • Decrease in harmful flows to the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries
  • Improved bass fisheries and recreational fishing opportunities
  • Increased supply for over 6 million people who rely on the Everglades for water

In order for CEPP to move forward this year, the South Florida Water Management District must agree to support this plan, act as the local agency sponsor, and provide a draft Project Implementation Report for public review. The next month is a critical juncture and failure to act quickly could preclude the opportunity for Congressional approval of this project for years to come.

The longer this process is delayed, the longer it takes to achieve the significant benefits CEPP has to offer. If you are planning to attend this important meeting, please email everglades@audubon.org for more information.

June 13, 2013 - 9:00am
Village of Key Biscayne Council Chamber
560 Crandon Boulevard
Key Biscayne, FL 33149