Salazar Visits Everglades to Break Ground on Restoration Project

Statement by NPCA Everglades Restoration Program Manager Dawn Shirreffs

“Americans can today celebrate another monumental groundbreaking for Everglades restoration. As highlighted in the America’s Great Outdoor report, which was released by the Administration earlier this week, we are thrilled to help kick off the sixth Everglades’ restoration project as part of the larger Everglades restoration plan and to serve as a successful model for smaller water conservation efforts.

“We welcome Secretary Salazar and applaud Congress’ efforts to achieve full Everglades restoration, which will ultimately revitalize South Florida’s economic growth. The Picayune Strand is a key piece of Everglades restoration that will allow natural water flows back through wildlife habitats in Everglades National Park. Surrounded by other public lands, the Picayune Strand will reconnect key endangered species’ habitats and the Everglades ecosystem, provide many benefits including fresh water discharges to the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries, and will include water supply benefits by 2013.

“We have seen unprecedented progress for Everglades restoration over the last year, which has created thousands of South Florida jobs vital to our local economies, including 2,168 jobs for the Picayune project. Now that construction has begun on another restoration project, continued federal support for Everglades restoration is crucial to maximize our investment in one of America’s most treasured places—Everglades National Park.

“America’s Great Outdoors provides us an opportunity to work collaboratively with federal, state, county and local leaders to help ensure that the Everglades will be preserved and protected for our children and grandchildren to enjoy.”

To view a full copy of the America’s Great Outdoors report, please click here.

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About National Parks Conservation Association
Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than one million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.