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2 Executive Summary
3 Introduction
5 Priority I
Provide consolidated objectives on ecosystem restoration to the USAGE redesign of the Central
and Southern Florida (C&SF) Project and continue to provide timely support.
7 Priority II
Establish research priorities and implement a process for coordinating research on the South
Florida ecosystem, including Florida Bay, which includes development of a baseline scientific con-
dition assessment and indicator monitoring program, and appropriate biological and hydrological
modeling to evaluate ecosystem restoration objectives and programs.
15 Priority III
Establish partnerships with state and local agencies to support land acquisition initiatives in the
South Florida ecosystem.
18 Priority IV
Support development of an effort to integrate actions essential for the recovery of threatened and
endangered species and undertake a multi-species recovery plan in the South Florida ecosystem.
21 Priority V
Support expedited implementation of Corps projects in the Everglades ecosystem including
Modified Water Deliveries to ENP, C-111, and the Kissimmee Restorations.
27 Priority VI
Create a South Florida Comprehensive Conservation Permitting And Mitigation Strategy
Summary.
29 Priority VII
Develop an integrated long-term proposal and budget for ecosystem restoration, maintenance and
protection, detailing current activities, achievements, and projected accomplishments.
31 Priority VIII
Implement a continuing process that identifies and integrates immediate management goals and
priority projects, and funding needs for the South Florida ecosystem.
34 Priority IX
Fully integrate the state and SFWMD into the Task Force and build partnerships with appropriate
Tribal and local governments.
36 Priority X
Facilitate implementation of the Everglades Forever Act.
39 Priority XI
Support program to eradicate invasive exotics, particularly Ft. Lauderdale Melaleuca U.S.D.A.-
ARS Quarantine Facility Melaleuca quinquenervia (Australian paperbark), Hibiscus tiliaceus (sea-
side mahoe), Casuarina equisetifolia (Australian pine) and Scaevola sericea and Schinus tere-
binthifolius (Brazilian pepper) and Lygodium microphyllum (old world climbing fern).
41 Priority XII
Implement Water Quality Protection Program For the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
43 Priority XIII
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary - Draft Management Plan and Environmental Impact
Statement (DMP/EIS).
45 Revised Task Force Priorities
48 Acronyms and Abbreviations
50 Working Group Members
Cover : South Florida Satellite Image
map produced by the U.S. Geological
Survey from 1992 and 1993 images.
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The South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force
was established through an Interagency Agreement
signed on September 23,1993. The Task Force was
established to "coordinate the development of con-
sistent policies, strategies, plans, programs, and pri-
orities for addressing the environmental concerns of
the South Florida ecosystem." The Task Force creat-
ed a Management and Coordination Working Group
(the Working Group) to annually formulate and rec-
ommend to the Task Force management policies,
strategies, plans programs, and priorities for ecosys-
tem restoration and maintenance. The efforts of the
Working Group are facilitated and better integrated
through the work of four Subgroups including: sci-
ence; management; infrastructure; and public infor-
mation and education. Each year the Working Group
produces a report of the interagency activities aimed
at achieving the ecosystem management goals of the
Task Force.
In 1995 the membership of the Interagency Task
Force, Working Group, and Subgroups were integrated
between federal and state agencies and the Tribes.
This was an original priority of the Task Force made
possible by a provision of the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act of 1995. This action improved communi-
cation and coordination between the agencies
responsible for the restoration and maintenance of
the South Florida ecosystem.
This is the second of five annual reports that will be
produced under the original interagency agreement
signed by the agencies. The Working Group has had a
very productive year in 1995. An enormous amount
of communication, coordination, and integration has
taken place between the state and federal agencies,
the tribes, academia, and the
public over the past year.
Actions taken to coordinate
activities of the Governor's
Commission for a Sustainable
South Florida with those of the
Restoration Task Force have
continued in 1995. This has
increased the level of integra-
tion of sustainable planning
efforts for both the built and
natural environments in the
South Florida ecosystem.
In 1993 the Task Force adopt-
ed nine priorities and tasked
the Working Group to carry
these out. Sections one
through nine of this report
discuss the 1995 accomplish-
ments and 1996 goals for
these original priority items.
Sections ten through thirteen
similarly discuss the accom-
plishments and goals for
priorities added by the Working
Group in 1995, when the Task
Force revised its priority list.
The last section of the report
summarizes the Working
Group's initial efforts to
implement these new priorities.
J3 S3 a
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•irmiOJjLfoa'iOif
Background
The South Florida
Ecosystem Restoration Task
Force was established through
an Interagency Agreement
signed on September 23,1993.
The Task Force was established
to "coordinate the development
of consistent policies,
strategies, plans, programs,
and priorities for addressing
the environmental concerns of
the South Florida ecosystem."
The Task Force created a
Management and Coordination
Working Group (The Working
Group) to annually formulate
and recommend to the Task
Force management policies,
strategies, plans, programs,
and priorities for ecosystem restoration and mainte-
nance. The efforts of the Working Group are fac-
ilitated and better integrated through the work of
four Subgroups including: science; management; infra-
structure; and public information and education.
Each year the Working Group producee a report of
the interagency activities aimed at achieving the
ecosystem management goals of the Task Force.
In 1995 the memberships of the Interagency
Task Force, Working Group, and Subgroups were inte-
grated between federal and state agencies and the
tribes. This was an original priority of the Task Force.
This action improved communication and coordination
between the agencies responsible for the restoration
and maintenance of the South Florida ecosystem.
Process
To fulfill the Task Force charge and address
the goals and priorities identified for the restoration
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of the South Florida ecosystem, the Working Group
meets on a regular basis, usually monthly. The
Subgroups, which are chaired by Working Group
members, also meet on a regular basis, but at longer
intervals. Most of the Working Group meetings over
the past year were scheduled in conjunction with the
meetings of the Governor's Commission for a
Sustainable South Florida. This allows for better
integration of federal and non-federal efforts. It also
heightens the importance of including the "built-
environment" in restoration plans for the South
Florida ecosystem. The majority of the agencies
represented on the Working Group are also rep-
resented on the Governor's Commission. The simple
process of combining meeting dates and locations
has aided enormously in the communication between
local, state, and federal agencies, the tribes, and
various constituency groups in South Florida.
Annual Report
This annual report covers the period of
January 1995 through December 1995. It does not
repeat some of the detailed background material
presented in the 1994 report and the reader is
referred to that report for additional background
information. The format and content of this report
differ from the 1994 report in that they focus on
specific accomplishments for 1995 and recommended
goals for 1996.
The Matrix listed
specific tasks for each
priority. In a facilitated
session, the Working Group
identified: the Subgroup that
had the lead in accomplishing
the task; the lead agency and
contact person for accomplishing
the task; the secondary
agency for completing the
task; recommended products
from the task (e.g., reports,
data, etc.); and a time frame
for completing the task.
This process increased
the level of communication
between Working Group mem-
bers, making it possible in early
1995, for the Subgroups to
start working actively on
specific tasks. Subsequent
meetings of the Working Group
have included an update and
status report on each task.
These information exchanges
have been very useful for
integrating the efforts of the
members of the Working Group.
In January 1995, the Working Group reviewed
a draft matrix that listed the priorities adopted by
the Task Force in 1993. The Working Group recom-
mended other priorities that were either underway in
the South Florida ecosystem, or were necessary to
accomplish the restoration goals of the Task Force.
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PiriicDirait^ H
Provide consolidated objectives on ecosystem restoration to the USACE redesiqn of the
Central and Southern Florida (C&SF) Project and continue to provide timely support.
The Comprehensive Plan
for the C&SF Project, provided
a conceptual plan for a multi-
purpose water resources
project encompassing 13,000
square miles. Since 194S>,
Congress authorized 13
operational or structural modi-
fications to the Project. There
also have been substantial
changes in land use,
population, and social values
that could not have been
anticipated by the original,
project designers in 1943. In
1992, Congress authorized the
Comprehensive Review Study to
provide a system-wide review of
the C&SF Project with particu-
lar reference to: 1) enhancing
the quality of the environment;
2) protecting the aquifer; and
3)improving the integrity,
capability, and conservation of
urban water supplies.
The CompnshensM? Review
Study is being completed in two
phases: a reconnaissance
phase and a feasibility study
phase. The reconnaissance
phase was completed in
November 1994 and recom-
mended several separate feasi-
bility studies in South Florida.
The feasibility phase, funded
through a feasibility cost-sharing agreement between
the USACE and the SFWMD, will address issues
critical to the long-term sustainability of agriculture,
the cost and availability of urban water supply, and
the protection and enhancement of the ecosystem.
The first feasibility study, initiated in FY95, will
develop a comprehensive system-wide plan for modifi-
cations to the C&SF Project that will support
ecosystem restoration in South Florida. The final
comprehensive plan will be submitted for
Congressional authorization in FY99. The next
major feasibility study, the Indian River Lagoon
Restoration Feasibility Study, is being scoped and will
begin in FY96.
Because of the complexity of issues and
divergent range of stakeholders, broad participation
must be encouraged throughout the planning
process. The Working Group has continued to play an
important role in assisting the USACE in identifying
and evaluating environmental, economical, and social
consequences of different restoration alternatives.
FY 1995 Accomplishments
ssisted the USACE in coordination, review, and
5tudytl0n ^the fmal rePort for the Reconnaissance
ovided input to and peer review of the Project
u y ^r the first feasibility study titled "The
comprehensive Review Study Including Water Preserve
Areas."
• Assisted in development of a strategy for
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assembling a Federal Advisory Committee Act
(FACA) committee composed of a comprehensive
range of private and public interests to assist the
USACE in the Comprehensive Review Study.
FY 1996 Goals
• Provide input to and peer review of the Project
Study Plan for the Indian River Lagoon Restoration
Feasibility Study.
• Determine appropriate use of the Natural System
Model (NSM) and other hydrologic information for
formulation of restoration alternatives and Piver of
Grass Evaluation Methodology (ROGEM) models.
• Determine restoration goals and success criteria
for the Comprehensive Review Study, including devel-
opment of the following:
•Restoration goals and evaluation criteria
for the entire study area,
• Definition of the minimum spatial extent
needed for healthy functioning of the
remaining natural system,
•Description of successful ecological
responses to restoration alternatives,
•Determination of appropriate ecological
monitoring requirements.
• Assign/assemble a multi-agency team to support
ongoing feasibility study efforts
• Complete draft Project
Modification Report on L-28>
modification to restore natural
flows in eastern Big Cypress
National Preserve and western
Water Conservation Area No.
3A.
The CS&F Project Comprehensive Review Study will
evaluate structural and operations changes that will
restore the ecological integrity of South Florida while
continuing to provide flood protection and water supply
for urban and agricultural users.
of the tools used to evalu-
ate environmental impacts
of alternative plans con-
sidered during the feasibility
studies.
• Peer review ROGEM. This suite of models will be one
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m
Establish research priorities and implement a process for coordinating research on the South Florida
ecosystem, including Florida Bay, which includes development of a baseline scientific
condition assessment and indicator monitoring program, and appropriate biological and hydrological
modeling to evaluate ecosystem restoration objectives and programs.
The scientific component of
the ecosystem management
process has resulted in many
interagency collaborative
efforts, promoted in part by
the Science Subgroup and,
more recently, by the Science
Research Advisory Committee
of the Governor's Commission
for a Sustainable South
Florida. Among the impera-
tives that have been addressed
are: (1) expand Florida Bay
interagency research and
provide periodic reports; (2)
finalize and distribute a com-
prehensive ecosystem research
plan addressing priorities and
formulating an implementation
process; (3) target, review, and
expand predictive hydrological
and ecological models; (4)
expand the Systematic
Reconnaissance Flights (SRF)
monitoring program, and (5)
coordinate the implementation
of priority research and associ-
ated monitoring projects.
FY 1995
Accomplishments
• Florida agencies and the
tribes became an integral part
of the Task Force, Working
Simulation results of the ATLSS/ Deer/Florida
Pan hers Interaction model.
of 1 white-taded deer, (2) F
depths and (4) vegetal,on types. Plots indicate size
and age characteristics ot deer and panthers.
Group and Subgroups.
• A comprehensive Scientific and Information Needs
report was prepared and subjected to public input
and peer review.
• A Scientific Priorities and Gap Analysis Program
(GAP) Report was prepared which identified major
science needs that had no planned funding. In a
rapid response to the study's recommendations,
USDA and USGS committed funds for two critical
studies. The USGS will develop hydrologic model and
support studies for the mangrove zone. USPA-AKS
will start an experimental program to develop a sugar
cane variety tolerant of high water tables. USGS will
collaborate with USDA in this effort by monitoring
evapotranspiration rates.
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• An interagency research plan was developed for
Florida Bay and a Program Management Committee
was formed in June to oversee its implementation.
The research program addresses major questions
surrounding current ecological problems in the Bay
and will help guide management decisions concerning
restoration of the South Florida ecosystem. Some
studies are in their second year. The plan is being
implemented by NOAA, USGS, FDEP NBS, SFWMD,
NPS.
• A state and federal partnership — including EPA,
FDEP USGS, SFWMD, FGFWFC, NBS, USFWS, NPS --
multi-year mercury research program continues to
characterize the nature and extent of the problem,
identify sources, and elucidate processes resulting in
mercury bioaccumulation in Everglades biota.
• ENP published a list of all ongoing research on
Florida Bay in June. The Park also instituted a
quarterly newsletter to keep the general public
informed on research activities in the Bay.
projects described below
to support a Florida Bay
circulation dynamics
model:
• A meteorological model will
simulate wind, evapotranspira-
tion, and rainfall on the basis
of regional atmospheric condi-
tions, water surface area, and
land use.
• A related project will use
radar data (NEXPAD) to
provide detailed spatial infor-
mation on rainfall.
• By adapting existing regional
scale circulation models, the
third project will simulate sea
level and currents around the
edge of Florida Bay.
V'
• In October, a Florida Bay Science Conference
brought together investigators to summarize results
to date of all work conducted under the science plan.
An expert panel was present to provide peer review.
• The NOAA/NOS and the FDEP began development of
a computerized information base for Florida Bay.
• The NPS epor\eored four pilot projects to evaluate
the most appropriate approach to developing hydro-
dynamic models of Florida Bay. Reports were com-
pleted and are being used to plan a full-scale hydro-
dynamic modeling effort.
• The NOAA Florida Bay program funded the three
• Projects are ur\der\Na)j by the
USACE, USGS, SFWMD, and
NPS to improve the informa-
tion base and refine algorithms
for the South Florida Water
Management Model(SFWMM)
and its corollary, the Natural
System Model (NSM). The
NSM is being used by the
SFWMD to provide estimates
for the water needs of natural
areas. The Ecosystem Study
Team of the USACE is using
the NSM as an ideal against
which to compare various water
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management alternatives
being proposed to restore
the ecosystem.
• Spatially explicit ecosystem
models are being developed as
research and management
tools. The Across Trophic
Levels Simulation Systems
(ATLSS), a set of interrelated
models that allow evaluation of
ecological effects of alternative
water management changes is
being developed with funding
from NBS, NPS, EPA, and
USACE. A second complemen-
tary model, the Everglades
Landscape Model, is being
developed by the SFWMD and
the University of Maryland to
simulate landscape vegetation
pattern as a function of
hydropattern and nutrient
loads. The output from ELM
can serve as input to ATLSS.
Several restoration support
studies are in progress to
provide the information
necessary to operate ATLSS
and ELM.
• NBS and NMFS are
collaborating in GAP and C-
CAP (Coastal Change Analysis
Program), a combined habitat
approach to monitoring
biodiversity potential and
habitat change in South
Florida. A base map of current conditions was pro-
duced in FY95. Comparison of this map with 5-year
updates will help evaluate restoration success.
• NE3S conducted analyses of SRF data on wading
birds and other wildlife. When complete NBS, NPS,
SFWMD, USACE and FGFWFC will evaluate the SRF
program for possible continuation in the Everglades
ecosystem monitoring program.
• A pilot survey is being conducted by the National
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the U.S. Coast
Guard that extends monitoring of wading bird popu-
lations into Florida Bay.
• Nf3S, in cooperation with the St. Johns River and
South Florida Water Management Districts, initiated
an ecological study of the apple snail, the sole food
source of the endangered Everglades snail kite and
major prey of other Everglades species. This initiative
was identified as a major priority in the Scientific
Information Needs Report prepared by the Science
Subgroup.
• The SFWMD, USGS, and NOAA initiated projects to
determine the ecological history of Florida Bay. These
included isotopic studies of corals in the bay and
sediment coring, dating and paleoecological analysis.
In FY 95, sites with about 100 years of relatively
undisturbed sediment were discovered in the central
bay.
• USGS designed its science program in South
Florida to meet information needs identified by the
Science Subgroup. In a rigorous problem-formulation
and proposal evaluation process, 20 studies were
selected to provide needed hydrologic, geologic, and
topographic information and address strategic
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Example of draft vegetation maps and the products of
"ground-truthing" the GAP analysis Project
questions about nutrients and mercury.
• The SFWMD initiated a research program to study
the ecological response of northern Florida Bay and
its mangrove transition zone to changing freshwater
inflow. This program will include experiments to deter-
mine the effects of salinity fluctuations on sub-
merged macrophytes. It also includes studies of the
cycling and exchange of nutrients between the Bay
and the transition zone.
• NPS, SFWMD, USACE, and FWS developed a coordi-
nated ecological monitoring program for the
Experimental Water Deliveries Program for ENP (Test
7).
• The "Everglades Aquatic Animals Research Group"
was created to coordinate and recommend priorities
for research and monitoring for aquatic vertebrates
in the Everglades.
• The SFWMD and ENP developed a cooperative
agreement to establish an experimental mesocosm
facility at the ENP Key
Largo Ranger Station and
to share resources for
Florida Bay research.
• ENP and USACE, at the
request of the Science
Subgroup, funded a series of
studies related to the high
water events of early 1995.
• For the second year NPS,
FWS, NBS, SFWMD, and the
sugarcane industry are spon-
soring dosing
studies to determine minimum
thresholds of eco-system
response to phosphorus con-
centrations.
• The NOAA/NOS, NBS, FDEP
and SFWMD, in cooperation
with the Science Subgroup,
produced a two-volume manual
listing current programs and
spatial data bases relevant to
restoration and
management of the South
Florida ecosystem.
• A meeting of representatives
of several agencies was held in
Atlanta to discuss the endo-
sulfan issue in Florida Bay and
exchange information. The
meeting, which was prompted
by public concern after release
of a NOAA report, was a begin-
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ning toward formulating an
interagency strategy with
respect to endosulfan in South
Florida.
• The South Florida
Restoration effort is aided by
the following independent pro-
jects:
• The USACE Waterways
Experiment Station (WES) is
funding a multi-year project by
the Center for Marine and
Environmental Analysis
(CMEA), University of Miami, to
create a seascape model for
Florida Bay, examine impacts
of proposed hydrologic restora-
tion scenarios on sea grass
ecosystems, and determine
societal implications. A risk
assessment methodology
developed under funding from
Florida Power and Light
Company is being modified for
use in Biscayne Bay.
• CMEA, funded by the NOAA
Coastal Ocean Program, initi-
ated a multi-year project on
cumulative effects of multiple
natural and anthropogenic
stressors on natural ecosys-
tems in Biscayne Bay and
Florida Keys National Marine
Sanctuary.
• The U.S. State Department's Man and the
Biosphere Program is completing a 5-year project
that develops ecosystem management and sustain-
ability principles and applies them to South Florida.
This project, by emphasizing integration of social and
economic factors with ecological factors, comple-
ments activities of the Governor's Commission on a
Sustainable South Florida and the Interagency Task
Force.
• With input frr>m state, federal, and tribal agencies, the
SFWMD completed an Ecosystem Restoration Plan that
summarizes restoration goals, program plans, schedules,
costs, and interagency coordination efforts for each of the
South Florida ecosystem components: Kjssimmee River, Lake
Okeechobee, the Everglades, Florida Bay, Biscayne Bay, and the
east and west coast estuaries.
FY 1996 GOALS
• Science Plan - To further refine the Science Plan,
the Science Subgroup will use a matrix approach
which examines the match between planned projects
and strategic priorities of the Task Force, Working
Group, and the Science Subgroup. Restoration success
indicators will be articulated in early FY96 and will be
incorporated into the matrix.
• Natural System Model - USGS, funded by the
USACE, will complete review of the Natural System
Model (NSM) to determine whether it provides a rea-
sonable approximation of overland flow for the South
Florida ecosystem. NSM results will be compared to
results from a hydrodynamic model. In addition, the
scientific literature will be reviewed to provide some
perspective on how overland flow is treated in other
models.
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• Florida Bay Circulation Model - Under contract with
the Jacksonville District of USACE, WES will develop
a hydrodynamic model of Florida Bay to determine
impacts of regional water management changes on
Florida Bay circulation and salinity. The project is
scheduled for completion in FY97.
• Florida Bay Mangrove Model - In FY96, USGS will
initiate development of a hydrologic model of the
mangrove zone north of Florida Bay. The model will be
linked to the Florida Bay circulation model being
developed by WES and will receive freshwater inflow
inputs from SFWMM and the WES groundwater
model for the southern Everglades.
• Restoration Success "Report Card" - Two types of
indicators, precursor indicators and ecological indica-
tors, will be articulated by the Science Subgroup in
early FY96. Precursor indicators relate to physical
or chemical conditions that must be established in
order for ecological restoration to occur. Ecological
indicators are the responses of the natural ecosys-
tem to changes in conditions. The selected indica-
tors will be used to prepare a report card for the
restoration effort for FY95. A review of ecological
indicators will involve the Everglades Partnership in
FY96. Further development of ecological
indicators and implementation of the report card
concept will take place in FY96.
• Strategic Monitoring Plan - NBS, in cooperation
with NPS and USGS, will host a conference that con-
venes all entities involved in monitoring in the South
Florida ecosystem. Participants will use proposed
and projected restoration success indicators to help
structure a strategic monitoring plan that measures
restoration success.
• NBS, in conjunction with
USFWS, will develop a technical
process, using GAP to sup-
port the multi-species recov-
ery plan. GAP will provide the
land/vegetation cover and bio-
diversity maps that will be the
basis of the technical proce ss.
Additionally, NBS will assist
EPA and the USACE in using
GAP to support the compre-
hensive conservation mitigation
and permitting strategy.
• The Science Subgroup will
eponeor a follow-up workshop
to the Geospatial Information
Conference conducted in FY94.
The purpose will be to inventory
information proqrame from
non-governmental entities and
initiate metadata standards
and protocols for the restora-
tion initiative.
• Model Development
Coordination - The Science
Subgroup will identify and pro-
mote development of models
and supporting information for
critical geographic areas and
topics not yet addressed in
the modeling effort. Expansion
• Support for Multi-
species Recovery Plan and
Comprehensive Conservation
Strategy.
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of studies by the USGS
into areas not included in
1995 will provide informa-
tion needed by the models.
• Florida Bay Conference
Report - Early in FY96, a panel
of national experts will present
a report to concerned citizens
that summarizes findings and
makes recommendations from
the Florida Bay Conference.
• High Water Workshop - At
the request of the Science
Subgroup, special studies were
initiated to examine the eco-
logical effects of the high
water conditions of late 1994
and 1995. NPS planned and
devel-
oped the
projects,
which
were
funded
by
USACE.
Results
will be
present-
ed in the
third
tout >- W-. y
'••v* «-.««» ***, Vw^/,.V >W.|
Cover of the
Geospacial Data Workshop Proceedings
,§? '
quarter of FY96.
• Sustainable Agriculture Based on Zero Subsidence
- The goal of proposed long-term research in the
Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) is to transform
EAA agriculture to a sustainable system with an
overall positive influence on the South Florida ecosys-
tem. The first task, commencing in FY96, is to iden-
tify sugarcane cultivars that yield well at higher
water tables, which will result in reducing or halting
soil subsidence. USDA-ARS and an EAA grower are
collaborating to test sugarcane cultivars at three
progressively higher water tables at one location.
FY97 funds are expected to expand the research to
more locations. A minimum of four locations are
needed. Soil subsidence rates will be monitored at
the experimental sites by NRCS, in cooperation with
ARS.
• USGS has joined with USDA in conducting an evap-
otranspiration study in sugarcane fields. This effort
complements the ARS project to develop water-tol-
erant cultivars that can be grown under conditions
that retard soil subsidence.
• SFWMD research will focus on determining the influ-
ence of freshwater flow on the ecology of the Bay-
Everglades interface and develop ecological models
that can contribute to larger, especially explicit mod-
eling efforts.
• An urgent unfunded task identified by the Science
Subgroup is mapping soil depths and monitoring soil
subsidence rates throughout the EAA, Water
Conservation Areas (WCSs), and ENR
• The SFWMD, USGS, and NOAA research on Florida
Bay history will work toward determining the past
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Okeechobee
East Beach Water
Control District
Agricultural
Lease Number
3420
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m
Establish partnerships with state and local agencies to support land acquisition
initiatives in the South Florida ecosystem.
Public acquisition and
management of critical land is
an important component of
restoring environmental values
and sustaining the population
and economy of the South
Florida ecosystem. Because
opportunities to restore
spatial scale, habitat diversity
and water storage capacity
are diminishing as growth
continues, it is critical that
South Florida re-examine land
use planning and move to
preserve critical wetlands that
still exist and may be at risk.
In many cases this may require
quick acquisition of land that
may only be possible through
establishment of a South
Florida Restoration Land Trust.
The federal government must
work in partnership with state
and local governments respon-
sible for land acquisition and
land-use planning, especially
because it influences land use
through many of its programe
and policies.
Several strategies
pertaining to land acquisition
and protection need to be more
fully developed. Development of
an interagency land protection
plan would strengthen and
expedite land acquisition and
protection activities. This plan should include evalua-
tion criteria for identifying and prioritizing lands that
must be publicly acquired and outline strategies for
land acquisition. In addition, federal agencies must
make significant efforts to offer and provide scientif-
ic and technical planning assistance to state, region-
al, county, and local comprehensive land-use planning
efforts to fully integrate ecosystem-based sustain-
ability objectives and solutions.
One cooperative land acquisition program is
the federal/state effort to acquire transitional wet-
lands adjacent to ENP Public Law 103-219 of March
9,1994, authorizes the grant of federal funds to the
State of Florida for acquisition of transition wet-
lands known as the Frog Fond, Rocky Glades
Agricultural Area, and 6.5 Square Mile Area. Parcels
are needed to restore water flows to the Park and
Florida Bay. Funds will be granted to the SFWMD for
acquisitions in the Frog Pond and Rocky Glades
areas. By cooperative agreement, the Federal share
of land purchases will not exceed 25 percent of total
costs and is estimated overall to be $30 million.
SFWMD has recently taken possession of the Frog
Pond and deposited $12.5 million, the appraised value.
A March 1996 trial will set final value. A Governor's
Committee on the 6.5 Square Mile area recommend-
ed that a proposed flood mitigation system be modi-
fied to include flood control capacity.
FY 1995 Accomplishments
• Congress appropriated $4.6 million to NPS for a
grant to the State for acquisition of land in the
Rocky Glades and the Frog Fond adjacent to ENP
• In May, the SFWMD acquired 5,200 acres of land in
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the Frog Pond. SFWMD deposited $12.5 million with
the court pending determination of value.
• In September, the SFWMD approved short-term
three-year leases for the eastern five sections of the
Frog Pond to allow land uses that should
prevent the spread of exotic plants.
• SFWMD initiated land acquisition in the Rocky
Glades Agricultural Area.
• NPS acquired 4,652 acres of land within the East
Everglades addition of ENP and 4,542 acres of land
within the Big Cypress National Preserve addition.
• In July the Governor's Commission for a
Sustainable South Florida passed a resolution urging
federal legislation to protect the hydrology and envi-
ronmental values of the coastal Everglades between
3iscayne and ENP
• Federal and state agencies began exploring options
for acquiring 56,000 acres of privately owned land
within the EAA which have been offered for sale.
These lands, known as the Talisman property, could
be used for water storage or other environmental
restoration purposes.
• USACE initiated meetings between federal and
state regulatory agencies to compare each agency's
rules and policies with the goal of developing a joint
proceee for review and permitting of mitigation bank
applications. This has already facilitated informal
coordination of the review of new applications.
FY 1996
Goals
• Develop a federal/state multi-
agency land protection plan
that includes evaluation crite-
ria for identifying and prioritiz-
ing lands that must be
acquired and managed and
outline strategies for land
acquisition or protection for
conservation purposes.
• Continue to support state
and local efforts to acquire
and protect the coastal
Everglades, including the Model
Lands.
• Support state and SFWMD
efforts to acquire sufficient
interest in the Frog Pond and
Pocky Glades to proceed with
implementation of approved C-
111 General Peevaluation
Report.
• Support state, local, and
SFWMD efforts to acquire and
protect sensitive ecosystem
lands through scientific and
technical planning assistance
to state, regional, county, and
local governments.
• USACE and the State issued permits for several
mitigation banks.
• Pursue with the state,
acquisition of lands in the EAA
as they are put on the market.
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• Pursue opportunities to
convert agricultural lands to
wetlands through NRCS
wetland reserve program.
• Formalize a federal/state
process for review of mitigation
bank proposals.
Invasion of exotic (non-native) vegetation,
such as melalueca and torpedo grass, is a
serious threat to Lake Okeechobee's marsh.
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Pafldwriiity IT?
Support development of an effort to integrate actions essential for the recovery of threatened
and endangered species and undertake a multi-species recovery plan in the South Florida
ecosystem.
The South Florida ecosystem contains 69
species that are listed as threatened or endangered
under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Many already have approved recovery plans, although
most plans address only one species. Because these
plans address biological and ecological needs of
individual species rather than all protected species
in the South Florida ecosystem, the plans may
recommend actions that benefit one species while
creating problems for other species that depend on
the ecosystem.
Many recovery plans were developed in the
early 1930s and need to be revised. Recovery plans
that were written more recently need to be
reevaluated to reflect current conservation efforts.
All of the recovery plans need to be reexamined,
revised, and reorganized to provide the agencies,
organizations, and individuals who are cooperating to
restore the South Florida ecosystem with more
certainty about recovery needs of threatened and
endangered species.
Finally, recovery plans need to be re-evaluated
to reflect efforts by several county governments in
South Florida that are developing countywide or
regional habitat conservation plans. These habitat
conservation plans, being developed by Monroe and
Highlands Counties, will be more effective if they can
fit into a comprehensive blueprint of the recovery
needs of threatened and endangered species in the
entire South Florida ecosystem. Other regional land
use planning efforts will also benefit from a compre-
hensive assessment of recovery needs of threatened
and endangered species in South Florida.
The USFWS, in cooperation with the NMFS,
Florida Game and Fresh ''Hater
Fish Commission, state
agencies, local governments,
academic community, conser-
vation organizations, and pri-
vate entities, is preparing a
multi-species strategy that will
address the recovery needs of
all federally-listed threatened
and endangered species in the
South Florida ecosystem. This
recovery strategy will be one of
the first recovery plans
specifically designed to meet
the needs of multiple species
that do not occupy similar
habitats. It will also be one of
the first recovery plans specifi-
cally designed to approach
recovery by addressing the
needs of an entire watershed,
particularly one as critical as
the Kissimmee-Okeechobee-
Everglades Watershed.
In addition to the 69
federally threatened and
endangered species, the
recovery plan will address
recovery needs of candidates
for federal listing, species
listed as threatened or
endangered by the State of
Florida, and other sensitive
species that depend on the
South Florida ecosystem.
These species will be included
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to ensure, to the extent
practicable, that actions
taken to recover one
species do not lead to the
endangerment of another
species.
FY 1995
Accomplishments
• The USFWS has assembled
its team of biologists who will
prepare the recovery strategy,
organize recovery team meet-
ings, and conduct public infor-
mation meetings. The recovery
team consists of species
experts, representatives of fed-
eral, state, or local agencies,
Tribal governments, conserva-
tion organizations, industry,
and private \andownere.
• The USFWS has drafted
species accounts for 63 of the
69 threatened and endangered
species in the South Florida
ecosystem. These species
accounts consist of concise
summaries of biology, ecology,
status, trends, and recovery
goals and objectives for each
species. The biological and eco-
logical portions of the species
accounts are designed to iden-
tify species that have common
resource needs. Information on
status and trends of the vari-
ous species has been organized to include informa-
tion that will help federal agencies fulfill their obliga-
tions under section 7 of the ESA.
FY 1996 Goals
• Complete final species accounts for all 69 threat-
ened and endangered species in the South Florida
ecosystem, establish peer-review panels for those
accounts, and complete the peer review process. This
will be done through a series of workshops on individ-
ual species scheduled to begin in mid-November 1995
and continue through the end of January 1996.
• Complete final ecosystem accounts for South
Florida. The 69 threatened and endangered species
in South Florida will be grouped based on the ecosys-
tems they use to complete their life history. The
ecosystem accounts will also incorporate species
that are candidates for federal listing as threatened
or endangered; species listed as threatened or
endangered by the State of Florida and wading birds,
neotropical migrants, and other species that might
indicate the health or well-being of an ecosystem (for
example, red mangroves or sea grasses). Conflicts
between the needs of two or more threatened or
endangered species will be resolved in the ecosystem
accounts. The ecosystem accounts will include rec-
ommendations on how to manage, reconstruct, or
restore habitats in the South Florida ecosystem in
ways that will benefit the species that depend on a
particular ecosystem. Finally, the ecosystem
accounts will include recommendations on reserve
designs that would protect threatened and endan-
gered species within the ecosystem.
• Provide the public with opportunities to review and
comment on draft and final recovery strategy by May
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1996 by publishing a notice of availability in the
Federal Register.
• Conduct three public information meetings in South
Florida during June, July, and August 1996 to pre-
sent information on the draft recovery plan.
• Hold additional public information meetings in coop-
eration with the USACE, which is planning meetings
on the Comprehensive Conservation Permitting and
Mitigation Strategy.
• Integrate public comments and prepare a draft final
recovery strategy by late September 1996.
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Support expedited implementation of USACE
projects in the Everglades ecosystem including Modified Water Deliveries to ENP, C-111 South
Dade, and the Kissimmee Restoration Projects.
Many Congressionally
authorized projects that
contribute to the goal of
ecosystem management and
restoration are already under-
way. The Task Force identified
the "big three" restoration
projects: Modified Water
Deliveries to ENP Project, C-111
South Dade Project, and
Kissimmee River Restoration.
However, there are many other
ongoing projects. For example,
C-51/STA 1E and the Lake
Okeechobee Regulation
Schedule Review Projects are
essential components of the
long-term restoration process
that will culminate in implemen-
tation of the final recommen-
dations of the C&SF
Comprehensive Review Stufy (see
priority task I).
Priority Task I
Modified Water
Deliveries to ENP Project - The
Modified Water Deliveries to
Everglades National Park (ENP)
Project will modify the C&SF
Project features to restore the
natural hydrologic conditions in
Shark River Slough. This
project works in conjunction
with Department of the
Interior's acquisition of
107,600 acres of land in the East Everglades for
incorporation into the park. Approximately 42,000 of
these acres were donated by the FDEP and SFWMD.
The East Everglades includes a large portion of the
historic center of the Shark River Slough flow-way.
The project will enable the restoration of natural
hydrologic conditions in southern WCA 3 and Shark
River Slough, a total area of about 8>00 square miles.
A General Design Memorandum providing the concep-
tual design of the project has been approved, and a
project cooperation agreement has been executed
with the SFWMD. This project is scheduled for com-
pletion of construction by 2004.
FY 1995 Accomplishments
Priority Task I
• Construction of the L-67 Pilot Test was attempted,
although record high water levels required temporary
abandonment of the test.
• Construction of modifications to S-334 is completed.
When other project features are completed, this will
allow higher water levels in the Tamiami Canal for
greater flows into Northeast Shark River Slough.
• Application for Water Quality Certification has been
filed with FDEP
• Feature Design Memorandum 3, which addresses
modifications to the Miccosukee Tigertail Camp, wae
submitted for approval.
• Plans and specifications for construction of S-
355A and B, the first major construction contract,
were completed.
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FY 1996 Goals
• Obtain Water Quality Certification.
• Groundbreaking ceremony for S-355A and 3.
• Restart L-67 Pilot Test.
• Begin construction at Tigertail Camp.
Priority Task II
The C-111 South Dade Project will modify the
C&SF Project features to enable the restoration of
natural hydrologic conditions in the upper and middle
portions of Taylor Slough in ENP without adversely
affecting agricultural flood control in south Dade
County. Reductions in water levels in Taylor Slough
have led to deterioration of the area's fish and
wildlife resources. Taylor Slough provides a large por-
tion of the total freshwater inflows to Florida Bay, an
estuary plagued by sea grass die-offs and algae
blooms. In addition, the adjacent C-111 basin experi-
ences large average annual flood damages as a result
of ground water inundation of crop root zones. The
recommended plan for C-111 addresses all of these
issues. The project is currently scheduled for com-
pletion in 2003, although efforts are being made to
accelerate this schedule.
1
SFWMD was executed for
cost sharing land acquisi-
tion in the Rocky Glades
Agricultural Area and the Frog
Pond.
• The 5200 acre Frog Pond was
acquired by the SFWMD.
• SFWMD initiated land acqui-
sition in the Rocky Glades
Agricultural Area.
• Draft Environmental
Assessment for Iteration 7 of
the Experimental Program of
Modified Water Deliveries to
ENP was sent out for public
review.
• NPS produced hydrological
and ecological assessment of
Test 6 and led the process to
plan a monitoring program for
Test 7.
FY 1996 Goals
• Initiate Iteration 7.
• Approval of Real Estate
FV 1995 ACCOmpIiShmGntS Design Memorandum.
Priority Task II
• Prepare interagency water
• The Project Cooperation Agreement between the quality protection plan.
USACE and the SFWMD has been executed.
• Complete plans and specifica-
• A Memorandum of Agreement between EMP and tions for construction of S-
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• Expand groundwater
models (ModBranch and 3
D FEMWATER) in the C-111 area.
• Initiate data collection and
model development of a hydro-
dynamic model for Florida Bay.
The objectives of this study
are to (1) develop a two dimen-
sional, vertically averaged
model of hydrodynamics and
salinity transport in Florida
Bay, (2) use the model to
understand the impacts of
alternative freshwater release
scenarios on circulation and
salinity distribution in the Bay,
and (3) provide the model data
sets and user documentation
to local resource agencies for
in-house modeling studies.
• NPS, U5ACE, and SFWMD will
implement the monitoring plan
for Test 7 of the Experimental
Water Deliveries Program.
Priority Task III
The overall goal of the
Kissimmee River Restoration
Project is to re-establish a
self-sustaining river/floodplain
ecosystem that functions sim-
ilarly to the historical, pre-
channelized ecosystem and
supports a similar diversity of
biological communities. The
Project will restore about 43 miles of the natural
river and the adjacent floodplain wetlands. In addi-
tion, it will restore historic water level fluctuations
and discharges from the upper basin lakes. The
existing water management system has controlled
water levels in the basin, resulting in loss of most of
the historic floodplain wetlands. As a part of
restoration project, about 22 miles of the existing
flood control canal (C-38>) will be backfilled, 9 miles of
new river channel will be excavated, and two existing
locks and water control structures will be removed.
This will result in the restoration of about 27,000
acres of the historic wetland. In April 1994 a test fill
was established to evaluate the proposed method of
construction. The site is being monitored for com-
paction, erosion, etc., as part of the design proce55.
The next construction will begin in the upper basin in
FY97. A comprehensive ecological monitoring program
will be conducted to establish baseline conditions for
biological communities in the KRRP area and quantifi-
able restoration targets for the project.
FY 1995 Accomplishments
Priority Task III
• Draft Upper Basin Project Modification Report is
completed and is under USACE review.
Appropriate draft legislation is included in the pro-
posed Water Resources Development Act of 1995.
• SFWMD acquired 904 acres in the upper
Kissimmee River basin and 1562 in the lower basin.
•Baseline sampling for the comprehensive ecological
program was initiated.
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FY 1996 Goals
• Complete acquisition of land needed for phase 1 of
backfilling (15,500 acres.)
• Acquire 5400 acres of land in the upper Kissimmee
River basin.
• Complete Final EIS for Upper Basin.
• Award construction contractfor upper basin canal.
• Create 2D overland flow model in the Kissimmee
River lower basin to measure flooding and recession.
• Complete baseline ecological data collection in the
upper basin.
• Expand Kissimmee River UNET middle basin model
to the upper basin to include the chain of lakes to
better model water regulation and utilize available
supply.
Priority Task IV
C-51/STA 1E - This congressionally authorized
flood control project was modified to provide an addi-
tional source of good quality water to the Everglades.
The additional benefits provided by the new project
design increased the cost. This project is an essen-
tial component of the consent decree for settlement
of the Everglades water quality litigation. The con-
sent decree stated that efforts will be made to
obtain authority for the USACE to add water sup-
ply/water quality purposes to the project at federal
expense.
FY 1995 Accomplishments
Priority Task IV
• Draft legislation was
included in proposed WRDA
1995.
• Preparation of Design
Memorandum was initiated.
• Land acquisition was initiated.
FY 1996 Goals
• Approve Design Memorandum.
Priority Task V
Lake Okeechobee
Regulation Schedule Review -
The operation of Lake
Okeechobee not only affects
conditions within the lake itself,
but also urban and agricultural
water supply, discharges to the
St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee
estuaries, and water supply to
the Everglades. Constraints in
the lake's operation are
required to maintain safety of
the levee and water control
structures for flood protection.
The regulation schedule for the
lake, which prescribes opera-
tional criteria, is under review
to determine if it can be modi-
fied to be more environmentally
beneficial to the lake and down-
stream resources while still
meeting water and flood con-
trol objectives. The study is
being integrated with the
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SFWMD's Lower East
Coast Regional Water
Supply Plan and the C&5F
Comprehensive Review.
FY 1995
Accomplishments
Priority Task V
• NEPA scoping is completed.
• Project Study Plan indicating
each agency's role and contri-
bution to the project was com-
FY 1996 Goals
USGS evapotranspiration measuring station in the
Everglades.
• Initiate necessary
modeling and impact
assessment.
• Complete development
of performance criteria
with public input.
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West
Palm
Beach
Naples
Fort
Lauderdale
LEGEND
Chapter 298 Districts
Everglades
Protection Area
Rotenberger Tract
and Holey Land
Lakes and Sloughs
C-139 Basin and
C-139 Annex
Storm water Treatment
Areas (STA's)
Legal Boundaries defined
by the Everglades Forever Act
Key West
Miami
The original Everglades ecosystem, from Lake Okeechobee south is now compartmentalized
into distinct hydro logical units. Approximately one half of the original Everglades has been
converted to agricultural, urban, or water supply uses. A key restoration goal is to restore the
ecological and hydrological integrity of the remnant Everglades to the greatest extent practi-
cable.
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Pira®ira^ ^3
Create a South Florida Comprehensive Conservation Permitting And Mitigation Strategy Summary.
The purpose of the South
Florida Comprehensive
Conservation, Permitting and
Mitigation Strategy is to coor-
dinate and prioritize regulatory
and non regulatory activities
affecting wetlands, uplands
and other sensitive habitats
at all levels of government, pri-
vate interests, conservation
groups and the general public.
A scope of work, developed by
consensus of the agencies, will
achieve the recommendations
of the Working Group and meet
the needs of the combined
activities.
FY 1995
Accomplishments
• Formed a Steering
Committee to direct develop-
ment of the Strategy. Two
subcommittees are addressing
geographic information system
(<3IS) needs and providing
technical support.
• The Steering Committee com-
pleted a Scope of Work which
identifies tasks necessary to
complete the Strategy.
Sustainable South Florida to avoid overlap and dupli-
cation of effort by joint development of GIS data,
attendance at various meetings of the Commission
by members of the Steering Committee, and combin-
ing meetings and tasks where possible.
• EPA issued a $293,791 grant to the FDEP to devel-
op, implement, and distribute GIS for state permit-
ting activities in South Florida, to address mitigation
banking efforts, and to identify areas of special
concern.
• EPA is providing the FDEP with $59,045 to develop
specific GIS and other computer applications for the
USACE and EPA to access and share data with
SFWMD. This will provide the technical support for
the agencies to share information and to develop
mechanisms such as general permits for streamlining
and coordinating permitting activities.
• EPA issued a $300,000 grant to the SFWMD to
develop and synthesize data on the South Florida
ecosystem and provide a mechanism for local input
into the development of the Strategy.
• The USACE identified South Florida as one of six
national pilot areas for developing the hydrogeomor-
phic approach for assessing wetland functions. A
technical assessment team was formed.
• Technical workshops to address the role of local
governments in wetland conservation, mitigation and
preservation are being scheduled.
• Coordinated with activities
under development by the
Governor's Commission for a
• Several meetings of GIS technical staffs from fed-
eral, state and local agencies were held to develop
data coordination and address other GIS issues with
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]P3ra®iraity 'WH
Develop an integrated long-term financial plan for ecosystem restoration, maintenance, and protec-
tion, detailing current activities, achievements, and projected accomplishments.
Maximize efficiency and
effectiveness of agencies and
organizations participating in
South Florida restoration
requires that financial
A copy of the inte-
grated financial
plans can be
obtained by con-
tacting the office
of the Executive
Director, South
Florida Ecosystem
Restoration Task
Force at
305-348-3965
year 1995 toward accomplish-
ing both critical tasks, which
are expressly required by the
Interagency Agreement estab-
lishing the Task Force.
FY 95
Accomplishments
¦ • The lead for facilitating
cross-cut financial planning and yearly preparation of
an interagency financial plan resides primarily with
the Office of the Executive Director (OED) of the Task
Force. Prior to establishment of the Miami office in
April 1995, the Executive Director was assisted by a
representative of ENP in drafting the 1996 fiscal
year cross-cut budget, released on May 15,1995.
Later, upon staffing of the Miami office, the Executive
Director assumed the duties of facilitating the devel-
opment of the FY97 draft plan. Progress in 1995
included the following:
• First, management gave added emphasis to better
articulating the intended use and purpose of the
integrated financial plan. Clarification was made
that the cross-cut financial plan is not a "budget,"
per se, but rather a description of requirements
believed by agency managers to be essential to
restoring and maintaining the South Florida ecosys-
tem. The cross-cut financial plan is separate and
distinct from agency budgets. In budget develop-
ment, each agency generally adheres to bureau,
departmental, and Office of Management and Budget
guidelines in a "top-down" process driven by available
resources. In contrast, the integrated financial plan
for South Florida is driven by on-the-ground needs
identified by agency managers in the context of
interagency planning. Thus, the cross-cut financial
plan is an integrated description of requirements,
which may or may not be the same as that approved
in final agency budgets. Because the integrated plan
shows the interrelation between both intra- and
interagency projects and programs, it may be
superior to individual agency budgets for demon-
strating the critical link-up or synergism between the
numerous South Florida projects. As such, it is a
resources be allocated
according to highest
interagency priorities.
To enhance interagency
financial planning criti-
cal tasks were then
identified:
1. Develop cross-cut
FY96 financial plan
briefing and presenta-
tions on Task Force
accomplishments/ fund-
ing needs,
2. Develop more
detailed funding priori-
ties and requirements
for FY97, and
3. Incorporate pro-
posed projects and
expenditures for the
State of Florida and
the SFWMD.
Significant progress
was made during fiscal
-------
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tool for the Interagency Task Force to use in inter-
departmental negotiations for building support of
critical restoration projects.
• Second, improvements were made in the process of
developing the integrated plan, particularly with
regard to interagency planning and communication.
During the fiscal year, several interagency planning
meetings were held, some specifically dedicated to
financial/resource planning, others incorporated into
the agendas of Working Group meetings. A Working
Group Briefing on the FY96 plan was conducted in
Florida and a Steering Committee briefing was held in
Washington for the explicit purpose of discussing the
FY97 plan.
• Third, formatting and content enhancements were
made. The format was modified to provide a system-
atic and consistent approach for cross-referencing
project descriptions to the financial resources table.
Additionally, more detailed description of on-going
and proposed projects was provided with line-item
costs shown for many activities. A group of maps
showing land uses, major restoration projects, and
other pertinent information was added to the docu-
ment. A detailed science plan was developed, and the
category of "science" was subdivided into three func-
tional subcategories to more accurately describe sci-
ence related activities. On the recommendation of
the Science Subgroup, "science" in the FY97 plan is
subdivided as follows: "Modeling," "Monitoring," and
"Restoration Support Studies."
• Fourth, the process of gathering information from
participating agencies was improved. Systematic
procedures were implemented for gathering project
planning and financial information from participating
agencies, compiling information, and obtaining feed-
back on drafts. Through the auspices of the OED,
agencies were queried via
telephone and subsequent- \
ly via data input forms.
Information was compiled
in draft and the consolidated
draft was provided to each
agency. Opportunity was given
for correction, modification,
update, and a second consoli-
dated draft was provided. In
May, a meeting was held at
Loxahatchee National Wildlife
Refuge for interagency discus-
sion and consideration of the
draft cross-cut. As a result,
additional information was
developed and improvements
were made in narratives and
tables showing dollar distribu-
tions.
FY 1996 Goals
• Further enhance the process
for developing the integrated
financial plan.
• Develop long-term financial
projections for critical research
and construction
projects.
•Improve integration of federal
and non-federal resource
needs.
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]Pira®3fa^ TIO
Implement a continuing process that identifies and integrates immediate management goals and pri-
ority projects, and funding needs for the South Florida ecosystem.
Strategic
Communications
Plan
A recommended critical
task for fiscal 1995 was to
establish a fourth subgroup on
Information and Education.
The Public Information and
Education Subgroup (PIE) was
created by the Working Group
on December 2,1994, and
charged to assist in educating
the public and enlisting public
support on South Florida ecosys-
tem restoration.
Specific PIE goals
include:
South Florida Eeosyatam Restoration Task Fore*
Strategic Communications Plan
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• Consistently
inform and
educate the pub-
lic about the
economic, and
social values of
restoring and
maintaining
the South Florida ecosystem
A Strategic and encourage public support
Communications and public involvement.
Plan was
developed. * Develop a multimedia, multi-
cultural, multi-generational
PUblic Information and Education
strategy to explain goals,
objectives, and achievements of
restoration efforts.
• Serve the "public affairs" and
• \\ - "outreach" function of the
Working Group.
• Facilitate information transfer between the Task
Force, Working Group, and working sub-groups and
ensure consistency of public information and
education materials.
FY 95
Accomplishments
Priority Task I
• A Strategic Communications Plan (SCP) intended
to ensure products and services provided best reflect
priorities of the Task Force was developed.
• A South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force
Home Page was established on the World Wide Web to
provide electronic access to information regarding
the Task Force and its subsidiary units. The Home
Page is being populated with information on member-
ship and charters of the various units, restoration
priorities, reports, meeting notices, and other infor-
mation, and is linked to member agencies. The Task
Force Home Page is managed by the USACE.
• An inventory of outreach activities done by the
member federal agencies related to the South Florida
Ecosystem was compiled. This inventory serves as a
baseline of public information and education products
and services on which the Strategic Communications
Plan will build.
• They developed a South Florida Ecosystem Working
Group press release format that identifies member
agencies and eliminates letterhead reference to a
particular agency. Through this format development
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of a corporate image for the Task Force and the
Working Group is sought. A media mailing list was
also developed.
FY 1996 Goals
• Finalize logo and guidelines for use to provide an
easily recognized "corporate" identity for restoration
activities.
• Finalize meeting protocol and noticing list to facili-
tate arranging and scheduling of the numerous meet-
ings related to restoration.
• Coordinate clearinghouse functions with the OED to
assure consistent communication and message with
the public.
• Finalize drafts of a public education brochure
describing the ecosystem restoration effort,
article/fact sheet on the annual report of the working
group. Initiate fact sheet on the FY95 action plan.
• Produce public service announcements on selected
restoration topics, initiate radio and TV talk shows
and "canned" slide shows to present a consistent
message on South Florida restoration to build public
support and response.
• Initiate K-12 school education program on South
Florida ecosystem and restoration efforts, and plan
workshops on ecosystem restoration efforts for edu-
cators, environmental groups, resource managers,
and the general public.
• Establish 1-500 numbers to provide means for
public comment, and develop a campaign for volunteer
involvement.
Obtain funding for field-level
agency staff support
(FY95196).
• Initially, with the intent to
provide tight administrative
and fiscal control, mem-
ber agencies agreed to
pursue establishment of
a discrete program
component for South
Florida Ecosystem
Restoration within their
overall program.
Ultimately, this would
have resulted in desig-
nation of
dedicated staff
resources as well as a
line item budget
component within each
participating agency.
A copy of the
Strategic
Communications
Plan can be
obtained by con-
tacting the office
of the Executive
Director, South
Florida Ecosystem
Restoration Task
• Primarily, as a result
of two factors, this
approach was effective-
ly abandoned. First, in
the face of major budget
reduction efforts on the part
of Congress, it has been
inopportune to take actions
that might be perceived as
costly expansion of federal
Force at
305-348-3965
FY 95
Accomplishments
Priority Task II
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' programs. Second,
participating agencies
have informally evolved an
effective structured methodol-
ogy of staffing, managing,
costing, and tracking the
progress of their South Florida
restoration activity.
• In view of current concerns
regarding Federal budgets and
the fact that agencies are
sufficiently meeting their
management needs, there is no
longer impetus to develop
specific South Florida
Restoration program budgets.
FY 95
Accomplishments
Priority Task III
Develop and assign specific
coordination, evaluation, and
goal setting tasks to
Subgroups (FY95).
• During the year the Working
Group implemented a
continuing process for
assigning specific tasks,
coordination, and goal setting
to subgroups. The process
relies on thorough and candid
communication between
Working Group membership,
which in 1995 was expanded to
include the state, Tribes, and the SFWMD. As such,
the Working group acts as a forum or clearinghouse
for receiving and hearing input from
agencies, the public, and other stakeholders.
• On behalf of the Task Force, the Working Group is
authorized to take "final action" on items within its
purview, as it deems appropriate. However, because
of the broad diversity of expertise available within the
subgroups, including the recently created Public
Information and Education Subgroup, the Working
Group frequently refers items to one or more of the
subgroups.
• Subgroup assignments are made during formal
Working Group meetings and referred to the
designated subgroup Chair. Referrals include
guidance regarding the specific nature of the issue,
type of analysis/review required, type of product
required, and timeframe for completing the
assignment and reporting back to the Working Group.
• Subgroup referrals are documented in the minutes
of Working Group meetings and tracked by the Chair
of the Working Group. Products provided by the
subgroups in response to referrals are presented to
the full Working Group in business session and
incorporated into minutes of the proceedings and
ultimately utilized in the decision making process.
FY 1996 Goals
Priority Task III
• To enhance tracking of assignments to Subgroups.
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Fira®irMy OX
Fully integrate the state and SFWMD into the T<
Tribal and loc<
From its inception, the Task Force recognized
that the State of Florida, the SFWMD, as well as
local and tribal governments, must be integral
partners in development and implementation of the
comprehensive program to restore the South Florida
ecosystem. The Task Force, Working Group and
Working Sub-groups have toiled to accomplish this
goal through a series of formal and informal actions
allowed under federal law, mainly FACA.
A key milestone to the function of the Task
Force was the enactment of the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act in March 1995. That Act authorizes the
federal government to receive limited advice from
state, tribal or local governments. Based on that
authority, the Task Force invited the Florida
Lieutenant Governor and Chairmen of the Seminole
and Miccosukee Tribes to be members of the Task
Force. These new Task Force members have appointed
appropriate members to the Working Group and
Working Subgroups. The resulting cooperation and
partnership between the governments are beginning
to reach the levels originally envisioned by the federal
Task Force members.
A second major influence in improving the level
of partnership was the work and work process of the
Governor's Commission for a Sustainable South
Florida. Five federal managers were invited by the
Governor to serve on the Commission. Many addi-
tional federal scientists, engineers and managers
served on technical groups formed to support the
Commission. Meetings of the Commission and the
Working Group were scheduled to coincide so maxi-
mum synergism between the efforts would result.
>k Force and build partnerships with appropriate
governments.
An important result of
this improved cooperation was
the joint effort to support the
Seminole Tribe of Florida's con-
ceptual surface water conser-
vation plan for the Big Cypress
Reservation. The plan balances
the Tribe's needs for economic
activity with the needs of their
homeland's environment. The
proposal has the potential to
improve regional water manage-
ment by providing a more
natural delivery of fresh water
to the Dig Cypress Preserve.
FY 1995
Accomplishments
• Florida Lieutenant Governor
McKay, Seminole Chairman
Billie and Miccosukee Chairman
Cypress were invited to be
members of the Task Force.
The first meeting of the
expanded Task Force was held
on June 2£>, 1995.
• Working Group and Working
Subgroups were expanded to
include representatives from
the state, SFWMD, and the
Seminole and Miccosukee
Tribes.
• Working Group meetings were
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i : routinely scheduled to
coincide with the meetings
of the Governor's
Commission for a Sustainable
South Florida.
• The OED was relocated to
South Florida.
• The FDEP formally estab-
lished a South Florida
Ecosystem Restoration
Coordination Group in its
Office of Ecosystem Planning
and Coordination to represent
the Department on the Task
Force.
FY 1996 Goals
• Implement with the
Governor's Commission a
continuing process that
identifies and integrates
immediate management goals,
priority projects and funding
needs for the South Florida
ecosystem.
• Strengthen partnerships with
state, tribal and local agencies
to coord\r\ate science initia-
tives in the South Florida
ecosystem.
• Expand partnerships to local
government, non-governmental
and business leaders.
• Charter a formal Federal Advisory Committee for
the Task Force and Corps Pestudy.
• Create an Everglades Partnership to improve infor-
mation-sharing and research coordination with Task
Force agencies, industry, environmental groups and
universities in South Florida.
• The FDEP coordination group will maintain a close
liaison with the Governor's Office and SFWMD on all
projects related to the Everglades Forever Act (EFA),
including state and federal permit requirements so
these projects proceed on schedule.
• The FDEP coordination group will work closely with
federal agencies to ensure federal projects meet
state regulatory requirements.
USGS collecting core samples beneath
Florida Bay.
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Ip3ra®irMy
Facilitate implementation of the Everglades Forever Act.
On May 3,1994, Florida Governor Lawton
Chiles signed into I aw the EFA, which provides for an
extensive restoration plan to improve water quality,
water quantity and hydroperiod in the Everglades.
Enactment of the EFA concluded a chain of events
which began with an October 19&8> federal lawsuit
against the State of Florida and the SFWMD,
alleging that federally owned or leased lands in the
Everglades were being damaged by agricultural runoff
containing excess phosphorous. Although that suit
was largely settled among the parties in July 1991,
followed by a consent decree in February 1992, litiga-
tion continued in the state administrative arena
when agricultural interests challenged the Everglades
Surface Water Improvement and Management Plan
and the permits for SFWMD water control
structures.
An intensive mediation effort led to develop-
ment of a Technical Mediated Flan (TMP) in October
1993 which expanded the requirements of the
Settlement Agreement. The central elements of the
TMP were incorporated into a settlement agreement
known as the Statement of Principles, entered into in
July 1993 by the Department of the Interior, FDE?,
SFWMD, and certain agricultural interests in the
EAA. The EFA is based on the July 1993 Statement
of Principles. The EFA's restoration plan provides for
a program of construction, research,
regulation, hydro-period restoration and exotic
species control projects. It includes a schedule for
construction of Stormwater Treatment Areas
(STAs), which are man-made marshes designed to
remove phosphorus from agricultural stormwater
runoff before it reaches the Everglades, and expands
requirements for on-farm Best Management
Practices (BMP). Together,
STAs and BMPs are
considered the best available
technology for improving water
quality and quantity in the
Everglades.
Funding for the
restoration plan is
drawn from state, agri-
cultural and federal
sources. The federal
government will fund
construction of one
STA. The state will pro-
vide funds through an
ad valorum tax by the
SFWMD, Preservation
2000 funds, and rev-
enue from a toll road.
Agricultural interests'
contribution will be col-
lected through an agri-
cultural privilege tax on
acres in the EAA and
the C-139 Basin. The
SFWMD and FDEP have
identified 7 major pro-
gram elements which
include a total of 55
individual projects.
These are summarized in the
November 9,1995, "Everglades
Froqram Implementation
Program Management Plan." A
companion federal Program
Copies of the
Everglades
Program
Implementation
Program
Management Plan
and Everglades
1995 Annual
Report can be
obtained by con-
tacting the office
of the Executive
Director, South
Florida Ecosystem
Restoration Task
Force at
305-348-3965
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\
Everglades Program has
been completed.
FY 1995
Accomplishments
• An Everglades Program
Management Team (EPMT) was
established to integrate the
state and federal Program
Management Plans and
coordinate agency actions for
implementation of an
integrated Everglades Froqram.
Representatives from several
federal agencies, the State of
Florida, SFWMD, and the
Miccosukee and Seminole
Tribes participate on the EPMT.
This team will report progress
and issues to the state and
federal oversight groups and
expedite federal agency action
wherever possible.
• USACE and other federal
agencies completed a draft
federal "Program Management
Plan, Everglades Froqram!'
This document outlines a gen-
eral plan for integration and
coordination of federal projects
into the state Everglades
Program Implementation
Program Management Plan.
• USACE, in conjunction with the EPA and SFWMD,
completed a draft Environmental Impact Statement
for the Everglades Froqram.
• The Justice Department, SFWMD, and FDEP sub-
mitted to the United States District Court,
Southern District of Florida, proposed modifications
to the February 1992 Everglades Lawsuit Settlement
and Consent Decree. The modifications are intended
to make the settlement agreement conform more
closely with the EFA by amending the compliance
dates and sizes and locations of the STAs to con-
form with those specified in the EFA.
• The NRCS established an EAA office to provide
technical assistance to private landowners in the
EAA and C-139 Basin with implementation of E3MPs
to reduce phosphorus loadings from farm runoff.
• SFWMD acquired approximately 327 acres for
STAs, bringing the total land acquired for the
Everglades Program to 14,190 acres.
• SFWMD completed, with state, federal and tribal
government input, general design memoranda for sev-
eral STA and hydropattern restoration projects.
• SFWMD executed detailed design contracts for
three components of the Everglades Construction
Project.
• SFWMD completed the first year of testing the
Everglades Nutrient Removal Project, a prototype
STA, and found that phorsphorous load removal effi-
ciency averaged 50%, reducing phosphorous concen-
trations from an average of 126 parts per billion
(inflow) to 23 ppb (outflow), well below the design
specification of 50 ppb.
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• State and federal agencies participated in a
national interagency workshop on mercury research
and monitoring in the Everglades.
• With supportfrom FDEP ENP LNWR, and the
USACE, the SFWMD completed the Everglades 1995
Annual Report which summarizes progress and
accomplishments under the Everglades Program to
enhance and restore the Everglades.
• The SFWMD's EAA REgulatory Program, which
requires growers to implement on-site Best
Management Practices (E3MPs) on their lands, has
reduced phorsphorous runoff from the EAA by more
than 30 percent.
FY 1996 Goals
• Obtain U.S. District Court approval of proposed
modifications to the February 1992 Everglades
Lawsuit Settlement and Consent Decree.
• Complete federal Programmatic Environmental
Impact Statement for the Everglades Program.
USACE will act as lead agency in preparation of the
PEIS which will be the primary NEPA document for
permitting purposes.
• The EPMT will develop an integrated Everglades
Program Management Plan that includes all major
state, federal and tribal efforts related to implemen-
tation of the EFA.
• Continue National Pollution Discharge Elimination
System permitting (NPDES) for additional STA dis-
charges.
• Continue threshold/nutrient dosing research to
provide basis for setting
final water quality stan-
dard.
• Continue mercury research
and monitoring.
• Continue research that pro-
vides basis for Everglades
restoration.
• Develop an interagency plan
for control of exotic species in
the Everglades Protection
Area.
• Develop a regulatory program
to reduce phosphorus loading
from the C-139 basin.
• Provide voluntary on-farm
technical assistance on EAA
growers to install innovative
E3MPs, including those required
in the EPA Regulatory Program.
Assistance will be provided by
the USDA-NRCS EAA Project
Office.
• SFWMD will continue land
acquisition for STAs with a
goal of acquiring an additional
17,400 acres in FY96.
• Complete the Lower East
Coast Regional Water Supply
Plan.
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Support program to eradicate invasive exotics, particularly Ft. Lauderdale Melaleuca U.S.D.A.-ARS
Quarantine Facility Melaleuca quinquenervia (Australian paperbark), Hibiscus tiliaceus (seaside
mahoe), Casuarina equisetifolia (Australian pine) and Scaevola sericea and Schinus terebinthifolius
(Brazilian pepper) and Lygodium microphyllum (old world climbing fern).
The Florida Ecosystem
Restoration Working Group's
1994 Annual Report included
specific recommendations on
improving the effectiveness and
efficiency of government-
managed programs for eradi-
cating invasive exotic plant
species. The recommendations
asked for increased coordina-
tion and integration of the
various agencies' planning and
management programs that
will result in common restora-
tion and conservation program
features.
An Interagency Task
Force, under auspices of the
Exotic Pest Plant Council
(EPPC), is being established to
address Working Group recom-
mendations. Proposed mem-
bers of the Task Force, current-
ly being solicited to join,
include:
(J.5. Army Corps of
Engineers
National Park Service
Big Cypress National
Preserve
Everglades National Park
U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service
Loxahatchee National
Wildlife Refuge
National Biological Survey
Bureau of Indian Affairs
United States Department of Agriculture/ARS
South Florida Water Management District
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Florida Division of Forestry
Florida Division of Recreation and Parks
Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council
University of Florida, Ft. Lauderdale Research and
Education Center
Dade County Department of Environmental
Resource Management.
FY 1995 Accomplishments
• The need for coordinated and integrated intera-
gency activities was identified, and implementation of
the task force was initiated.
• Hole in the Donut - NPS signed agreement with
Dade County DERM for wetland mitigation within the
Everglades Hole-in-the-Donut Mitigation Bank.
Approximately $44 million of mitigation funding will be
provided from wetland permitting via Dade County.
FY 1996 Goals
• Identify funding strategies for construction and
operation of the Ft. Lauderdale Melaleuca Quarantine
Facility.
• Determine existing agency GIS capabilities (while
identifying a compatible (3IS system for all involved)
for monitoring exotic plant species infestations and
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I
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IPjrjk&aitto ^JTIT
Implement Water Quality Protection Program For the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
The FKNMS was
created with the signing of
Public Law 101-605, Florida
Keys National Marine
Sanctuary and Protection Act,
on November 16,1990.
Recognizing the critical role of
water quality in maintaining
Sanctuary resources, Congress
directed the EPA and the
State of Florida, represented
by the FDEP to develop a
Water Quality Protection
Program (WQPP) for the
Sanctuary. This is the first
such program ever developed
for a marine sanctuary.
The purpose of the
WQPP is to recommend priority
corrective actions and compli-
ance schedules addressing
point and nonpoint sources of
pollution to restore and main-
tain the chemical, physical, and
biological integrity of the
Sanctuary. The 1990 Act also
requires development of a
water quality monitoring .
program and provision of
opportunities for public partici-
pation in all aspects of devel-
oping and implementing the
WQPP
In May 1993, EPA and
FDEP submitted the draft
WQPP document to NOAA for
incorporation into the Comprehensive Management
Plan for the Sanctuary. The draft WQPP document is
undergoing review in conjunction with NOAA's Plan
through the NEPA. The WQPP consists of the follow-
ing four components:
1. Corrective Actions: These are actions to
reduce water pollution directly by using engineering
methods, prohibiting or restricting certain activities,
tightening existing regulations, and increasing
enforcement.
2. Monitoring Program: Many reports of water
quality problems in the Florida Keys are anecdotal or
based on limited scientific data. In general, there is a
lack of long-term, spatially comprehensive data to
determine the extent of water quality degradation
and whether the situation is improving or worsening.
The long-term comprehensive monitoring program will
provide information about status and trends of
water quality and biological resources (coral reefs
and seagrasses) in the Sanctuary. The monitoring
program will also provide information about the effec-
tiveness of remedial actions to reduce pollution.
3. Special Studies Program: The purpose of
the special studies program is to identify and under-
stand cause/effect relationships involving pollutants,
transport pathways, and biological communities of
the Sanctuary. Special studies will provide informa-
tion to address specific management questions and
concerns, improve our general understanding of
Sanctuary ecosystems, develop predictive models,
and develop monitoring tools and methodologies.
4. Public Education/Outreach: The purpose of
this component is to increase public awareness of
the Sanctuary and the WQPP document. EPA has
been working with state, regional, and local govern-
ment agencies to implement many of the corrective
-------
^cosv^stc
T^cstorot Low ^V\Jorlc.cwci Oi
T*OV*p
actions included in the document. Implementation of
monitoring and research programs was initiated in FY
1995 using EPA funds and with support from the
State of Florida and NOAA. NOAA has primary
responsibility for the public education!outreach
activities in the Sanctuary, and EPA supports these
through funding.
FY 1995 Accomplishments
• The first Biennial Report to Congress on the WQPP
was prepared and transmitted to EPA Headquarters.
• The final Phase III Report, Implementation Plan for
Water Quality Monitoring and Special Studies
Programs, was completed.
• "Request for Proposals" including announcement
and program description and proposal guidelines were
developed for the special studies program associated
with the WQPP Review, ranking, and selection of pro-
jects to be funded by the WQPP has been completed.
• The draft and final Data Management Plans for the
WQPP were completed.
• Many cooperative agreements were issued to vari-
ous agencies and institutions for work associated
with the special studies program.
• Existing cooperative agreements for the status
and trends monitoring program and data manage-
ment program were extended and their funding was
increased.
• A pollutant load reduction goal (PLRG) workshop
was conducted in the Florida Keys.
• An EPA Florida Keys Office was established and
staffed at the NOAA Sanctuary Program Office in
Marathon, Florida.
• Two WQPP Technical
Advisory Committee meet-
ings and two WQPP
Steering Committee meet-
ings were conducted.
FY 1996 Goals
• Complete revision of the draft
WQPP document and submit to
NOAA.
• Prepare a document which
will: 1. summarize the content
and status of the Monroe
County Comprehensive Plan as
it relates to recommendations
in the WQPP document;
2. provide information on the
status of various state and
local government agencies'
activities associated with
implementation of Monroe
County's Remedial
Comprehensive Plan; and
3. Serve as a tool for agency
coordination.
• Prepare final report on PLRGs
for the FKNMS.
• Conduct two WQPP Technical
Advisory Committee meetings
and two WQPP Steering
Committee meetings.
• Secure adequate funding to
continue the status and
trends monitoring program,
data management program,
and special studies program.
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Pi*i DJt'i fcy XIM
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary - Draft Management Plan and Environmental Impact
Statement (DMP/EIS).
The FKNMS was
designated when President
Bush signed into law the
Florida Keys National Marine
Sanctuary and Protection Act
of 1990. The FKNMS encom-
passes approximately 2,600
square nautical miles of
coastal waters surrounding
the Florida Keys, extending
from just south of Miami and
west to the Dry Tortugas.
The DMP/EIS for the
FKNMS was released to the
public in April 1995. The main
body of the plan is organized
into 10 action plans to address
all comprehensive management
concerns for the ecosystem
and to lay out the specific
measures proposed to restore
and sustain the ecological and
economic viability of the
system. These action plans
apply 98> strategies developed
by the Sanctuary Advisory
Council and interagency
partners. A primary goal of the
sanctuary program is to inte-
grate the complex web of
resource management efforts
of all federal, state and local
agencies in the Keys and adja-
cent areas.
Because of the comprehensive nature of the
document, the public review and comment period was
extended from the required 40- to 60-day period to
9 months, through the end of December 1995, to
allow sufficient time for all interested parties to
carefully review the plan and provide useful input.
Since release of the DMP/EIS in April, considerable
efforts have been made to inform and work with the
public, user groups and other agencies to better
understand the plan.
FY 1995 Accomplishments
• The DMP/EIS was completed and released in April
for public review and comment.
• Numerous presentations, newspaper and magazine
articles, radio and television discussions, SAC meet-
ings and working groups, and other forums have been
utilized to maximize public participation and input for
improving the DMP/EIS.
• The research and monitoring phases of the Water
Quality Protection Program for the FKNMS were initi-
ated.
• Many undersea research projects sponsored by the
National Undersea Research Center (NURC) aimed at
addressing resource management concerns for the
FKNMS were integrated with the Sanctuary. NURC
also coordinated a series of three Keys-wide oceano-
graphic cruises aboard three major research vessels
to acquire a comprehensive suite of biological, chemi-
cal, physical and geologic data throughout the coraI
reef ecosystem.
-------
S = «lk """^torLtAa Ocosystevw l^-eatorctiow A\JorLlwg Group
• In partnership with the USACE and multiple private
industry partners, the sanctuary program designed
and constructed the first-ever major restoration of
two significantly damaged cora\ reef structures
resulting from ship groundings.
• A strong outreach effort was developed within the
sanctuary education program that employs
routine coverage in the print and broadcast media. A
weekly television program, aired throughout Florida, is
a partnership between the ENP FKNMS, and EPA.
ment, and research pro-
grams initiated in FY95,
and begin implementing
other elements of the 10
action plans contained in the
Final Management Plan for the
FKNMS.
• Completed the public participation process
in refining the DMP/EI5, including 6 public
hearings and accepting written input
through the end of December 1995.
FY 1996 Goals
• Incorporate modifications to the DMP/EIS,
develop a final draft plan, and distribute with- A mooring buoy action plan is just one of ten major
in a time frame to allow for agency, state and parts of the Draft Management Plan geared at
congressional review for desired final passage resource protection in the heavily-used waters of the
of the plan and associated regulations. °n a
• Continue implementing the research and monitoring
phases of the Water Quality Protection Program.
Develop and implement other elements of this pro-
gram.
• Continue building the education, outreach, manage-
• A new on-water education program called TEAM O.C.E.AN.
(Ocean Conservation & Environmental Action Network) was
developed and implemented. It uses volun-
teers to provide information, interpretive
materials, and assistance to
boaters/divers/anglers along the reef tract.
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IB(wi©(sdl Task IF®if©
At the time of its
formulation on September 23,
1993, the Federal Interagency
Task Force identified a list of
priorities on which the Working
Group has been focusing its
efforts. These priorities were
discussed in the 1994 Annual
Report of the Working Group
and actions taken on them by
the Working Group in 1995 are
articulated above. At its June
2&, 1995 meeting, the Task
Force revised its priorities
taking into account work that
had been accomplished and
events that had occurred since
September, 1993. The following
identifies actions that the
Working Group has taken or will
take in FY96 to address the
new priorities.
Passage of the EFA by
the State of Florida estab-
lished requirements for pro-
jects whose schedules need to
be integrated with the federal
efforts to ensure that efforts
stipulated in the Act are not
delayed by incongruent sched-
ules of federal projects. In
FY96 the Working Group will
develop and implement with
state entities a plan for
management of the integrated
projects. This item is
addressed in greater detail in
Priority X.
The Working Group has
ex officio representation on the
Governor's Commission for a Sustainable South
Florida, and the Chairman and Executive Director of
the Governor's Commission sit on the Task Force and
Working Group respectively. Through this cross rep-
resentation, a continuing process that identifies and
integrates immediate management goals, priority
projects, and funding needs for the South Florida
Ecosystem has been implemented and will continue in
FY96. This item is addressed in greater detail in
Priority IX.
The new priorities called for development of a
prioritized Science Plan for the South Florida
Ecosystem by the end of 1995. This has been done
and it is reflected in the FY97 crosscut financial
plan. Priority II discusses this item further.
State, tribal, and local agencies have been
incorporated into the Task Force, Working Group, and
Subgroups. Partnerships between them and the
federal agencies on science initiatives are strength-
ening through coordination and collaboration of
efforts afforded by joint participation on the Science
Subgroup of the Interagency Task Force and Science
Research Advisory Committee of the Governor's
Commission. See Priority IX for more detail.
The establishment of partnerships with local
government, non-governmental and business leaders
is stipulated in the revised priorities. The Working
Group has begun work on development of these part-
nerships through consideration and pilot testing of
the Everglades Partnership. Assuming successful
completion of the pilot tests, the Working Group
expects to recommend to the Task Force next year
formalization of the Everglades Partnership, which will
include most groups not already involved in
partnerships.
The Management Subgroup is addressing the
priority that calls for completion, by the end of 1996,
of a comprehensive conservation permitting and miti-
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gation strategy for wetlands and other sensitive
habitats, and a multi-species recovery plan for
threatened and endangered species. The strategy
and plan will be completed by the end of 1996 and
they are discussed further in Priority IV and Priority
VI respectively.
The Management Subgroup has begun work on
defining water quality issues that a Water Quality
Management Strategy needs to address, as called
for in the revised priorities. The priority to finalize
and implement in 1995 a strategy to control or
eradicate exotic species is addressed at length in
the section "Priority XI."
Other priorities in the revised list are similar
to the previous ones and are addressed in earlier
parts of this report.
REPORT FROM THE SEMINOLE TRIBE
OF FLORIDA
In 1995, the Seminole Tribe of Florida (STOF)
became a full partner on the South Florida
Ecosystem Restoration Working Group. The STOF
believes that continuation of the unchecked degrada-
tion of the Everglades poses a threat to the very
survival of the Tribe in its Big Cypress Homeland and
has long been an active participant in the develop-
ment of state and federal plans for Everglades pro-
tection and restoration. The Tribe looks forward to
contributing to the cooperative effort of the Working
The Tribe has completed
and submitted to EPA a con-
ceptual surface water conser-
vation plan for the Big Cypress
Reservation. This conceptual
plan attempts to provide for
sustainable develop-
ment of the Reservation,
balancing the needs of
the environment with
the Tribe's needs for
economic activity on its
homeland. It provides
for a network of surface
water management
structures (reservoirs,
treatment areas and
canals) and implemen-
tation of a comprehen-
sive system of BMP's.
These would enable the
Tribe to meet the
numerical standard for
phosphorus concentration that
has been proposed by state
and federal authorities. It
would also provide an impor-
tant public benefit through a
proposed new conveyance
system for surface water from
the western basins to the Big
Cypress Preserve, where it is
vitally needed.
A copy of the
Conceptual Water
Conservation Plan
can be obtained
by contacting the
Seminole Tribe of
Florida at
954-967-3402
Group. Toward this end,
the Tribe has undertaken a
number of activities in
1995 toward restoration of the
Everglades and protection of
Tribal lands. These activities
include:
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The Tribe is developing
water quality standards
for each of its Reservations.
The Tribe has implemented a
comprehensive water quality
monitoring program for the
planning and development of
this water quality criteria.
The Tribe has submitted
comments to the FDEP with
regard to the spreading of
municipal sludge by agricultural
interests for crop fertilization
and believes that its research
and suggestions for regulation
of these activities will greatly
benefit restoration efforts.
On the Big Cypress Reservation, the Tribe is
working with the USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service in development of
conservation plans that will identify appropriate
BMPs to enhance water quality by abatement of
nutrients in runoff from the Reservation.
The Tribe has negotiated an agreement with
the SFWMD to ensure that provisions within the EFA
do not jeopardize entitlements to surface water for
Tribal land.
For 1996, the Tribe is committed to advance-
ment and completion of the above activities and
looks forward to its continued involvement with the
Working Group toward achieving overall ecosystem
restoration for the Everglades.
• Implementation of a water
quality monitoring program.
• Implementation of BMPs.
• Development of a master
surface water plan that would
meet proposed Tribal water
quality criteria by reducing high
nutrient loading to both the
Reservation and Everglades.
Water quality and quantity monitoring
equipment in the Big Cypress Seminole
Indian Reservation.
Additionally, to combat
pollutants entering the
Reservation from upstream
agricultural development, the
Tribe is negotiating a land-
owners agreement (subject to
provisions of the Tribe's Water
Rights Compact) with an
upstream private party which
would require:
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LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
ARS
Agriculture Research Service
ATLSS
Across Trophic Levels Simulation System
BMP
Best Management Practices
CMEA
Center for Marine and Environmental Analysis
C&SF
Central and Southern Florida Project
EAA
Everglades Agricultural Area
E CP
Everglades Construction Project
EFA
Everglades Forever Act
EIS
Environmental Impact Statement
ELM
Everglades Landscape Model
ENP
Everglades National Park
ENR
Everglades Nutrient Removal
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency
EPPC
Exotic Pest Plan Council
ETAC
Everglades Technical Advisory Committee
FACA
Federal Advisory Committee Act
FCSA
Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement
FDEP
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
FIU
Florida International University
FKNMS
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
FGFWFC
Florida Game and Freshwater Fish Commission
GAP
Gap Analysis Program
GIS
Geographic Information Systems
K.RR P
Kissimmee River Restoration Project
LECRWSP
Lower East Coast Regional Water Supply Plan
LNWR
Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
NMFS
National Marine Fisheries Service
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EPA Librarv Region 4
NOAA
NOS
NPDES
NRCS
NSM
PCA
PLRGs
ppb
PSP
ROGEM
SFERWG
SFWMD
SFWMM
SWIM
STOF
STA
USACE
USDA
USFWS
USGS
WCA
WES
WQPP
102511
1
7
9 U?
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Ocean Service
National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
National Resource Conservation Service
Natural System Model
Project Cooperation Agreement
Pollutant Load Reduction Goals
parts per billion
Project Study Plan
River of Grass Evaluation Methodology
South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Working Group
South Florida Water Management District
South Florida Water Management Model
Surface Water Improvement and Management
Seminole Tribe of Florida
Stormwater Treatment Area
United States Army Corps of Engineers
United States Department of Agriculture
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
United States Geological Survey
Water Conservation Area
Waterway Experiment Station
Water Quality Protection Program date due
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South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force
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