Once Parched, Florida's Everglades Finds Its Flow Again

[Disir]

When people talk about Florida's Everglades, they often use superlatives: It's the largest protected wilderness east of the Mississippi River, and it's the biggest subtropical wetland in North America.

But it is also the site of a joint federal-state plan that is the largest ecosystem restoration effort ever attempted — one that is beginning to pay off after decades of work.

The delivery of fresh water to long-parched areas of Everglades National Park is considered a vital restoration. It's one of the world's largest freshwater wetlands — and the source of South Florida's drinking water supply.

The difference is because of a road built through the heart of the Everglades nearly 90 years ago — U.S. Highway 41, the main thoroughfare connecting Tampa to Miami, also known as Tamiami Trail.

It's a road with a lot of history. First proposed in 1915, it took 13 years and a reported 3 million sticks of dynamite to complete. It also inspired a foxtrot sung by crooner Gene Austin.
Once Parched, Florida's Everglades Finds Its Flow Again



This is pretty cool. I've included the song because, why not?

The cost is at $18 billion and it won't be completed until 2030.

 

[Old Rocks]

A minor price to pay for the restoration of a unique environment, and a National Treasure.

 

[Disir]

It feels so weird. About 100 years ago this is where we were at and this is what we were thinking. The damage was massive and the focus is (and has been) on reversing that single action.

It's one thing to recognize it when you read it but it's different to live it and see it in action.