The humidity envelops him as Kominoski, a professor at Florida International University, anchors a tube that collects timed and continuous water samples. These samples will aid his team in studying how climate change and freshwater flows affect this delicate ecosystem.
The construction of a highway linking Tampa and Miami in 1928 led to the degradation and alteration of the Everglades region, which originally comprised diverse ecosystems including prairies, sawgrass marshes, ponds, and forested areas. To restore water flow into the Shark River Slough—an essential area deep within the Everglades National Park—parts of the highway are now being elevated as part of a significant state-federal initiative approved by Congress in 2000, enjoying bipartisan endorsement.
According to Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades, “This is the most substantial, intricate, and expensive ecosystem restoration project globally. It’s crucial that we do this correctly.”
After two decades, there are visible signs of recovery. Wildlife is beginning to return to certain locations, the invasive melaleuca tree population has decreased by 75%, and there’s positive momentum as funds are allocated for major projects. Nonetheless, challenges persist, including budget overruns in the billions and doubts regarding the efficacy of certain initiatives.
Originally double the size of New Jersey, half of the Everglades remains today. The area, which supports endangered species, acts as a buffer against storms, and supplies drinking water to millions of Floridians, has seen its natural water flow disrupted over decades due to agriculture and development projects. Invasive species and agricultural pollution, especially phosphorus, have severely affected water quality.
It is estimated that restoring the Everglades will incur costs exceeding $23 billion and could take 50 years to accomplish. Although water quality is improving, several challenges remain, such as the increasing threat of saltwater intrusion, rising sea levels, and escalating temperatures.
Since 2019, the South Florida Water Management District has been actively pursuing approximately 70 restoration projects. Lawmakers have designated $1.275 billion for the upcoming year, marking the largest annual allocation. While it’s uncertain how future administration may affect restoration funding, past efforts under Trump’s presidency involved significant financial commitments for conservation.
In a key project located northwest of Miami, crews are converting extensive sugarcane fields into a reservoir designed to deliver clean freshwater to the Everglades. The Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir Project, which costs $3.9 billion, aims to treat polluted water from Lake Okeechobee before discharging it into the southern Everglades.
The reservoir, covering 10,500 acres, will have the capacity to store water sufficient for approximately 480,000 to 720,000 homes. Its adjoining 6,500-acre wetland, designated as a stormwater treatment area, is engineered to cleanse the water before its release. Together, these features will span a marathon’s length.
“This project is vital for sustaining both natural habitats and the human population that relies on them,” remarked Jennifer Reynolds, who directs ecosystem restoration projects for the water district. However, despite both Democratic and Republican leadership endorsing the reservoir, it remains controversial; the new design is significantly smaller than initially planned due to land availability issues.
The effectiveness of the project is still in debate. Critics suggest the reservoir may be inadequate in size and depth to sufficiently filter water. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for the construction, has acknowledged uncertainties regarding whether the water produced will meet the necessary standards.
On a humid morning in May, Kominoski and research specialist Rafael Travieso were examining water chemistry, particularly levels of phosphorus. Although there’s been a slight increase in phosphorus due to higher water flows, overall, the water quality remains strong, which is heartening as phosphorus pollution has historically been a significant issue.
However, measurements farther downstream reveal increasing salinity, with conditions worsening from being a matter of days to lasting weeks or months, indicating the urgent impacts of rising sea levels and saltwater encroachment.
South Florida’s vulnerability to climate-related threats grows, especially with projections estimating sea levels could rise by up to 4 feet by 2100. Experts have underscored the challenges of addressing climate effects in restoration projects, advocating for the creation of climate scenario frameworks for planning and execution.
The future health of the Everglades partially hinges on the resilience of mangroves, vital species that shield against erosion and storms. However, rising seas threaten their existence. “There are points where flooding may overwhelm these trees, leading to wetland loss,” cautioned Kevin Montenegro, a student at FIU.
Saltwater intrusion not only endangers biodiversity and drinking water supplies but also disrupts peat soils, which are crucial for carbon storage.
Meanwhile, Florida’s continuous population growth—recognized as the fastest in the U.S. in 2022—exacerbates development pressures. South of Miami, in Homestead, there’s a push to develop flood-prone areas between the Everglades and Biscayne National Parks, contributing to the numerous challenges facing this ecosystem.
As Kominoski and Travieso navigated Shark River Slough, they were reminded of the delicate balance between environmental preservation and urban growth.
Flying over the Tamiami Trail, Steve Davis, chief science officer for the Everglades Foundation, noted that thanks to restoration efforts, many previously dry areas now contain water. “Seeing water in the dry season is a significant success,” he stated.
As habitats rejuvenate, so too do native species. Wood storks are returning, and colonies of wading birds have resurfaced in the Kissimmee River floodplain. A new management plan for Lake Okeechobee endeavors to enhance the health of the Everglades further by routing water southward and minimizing harmful discharges.
Yet, challenges persist. Floating mats of harmful blue-green algae indicate nutrient excesses in Lake Okeechobee, while the Miccosukee Tribe faces threats to their drinking supplies and traditional lands due to mismanaged water.
“While national parks may see benefits, it often comes at a cost to indigenous communities,” expressed Betty Osceola, an environmental activist and tribe member.
For decades, the tribe has advocated for the Western Everglades Restoration Project aimed at enhancing water quality and distribution. The first major project feature broke ground in July.
As a visitor surveyed the sawgrass marsh while spotting diverse wildlife, they noted the critical importance of conservation efforts. “Preserving wildlife and habitats is one of the best uses of taxpayer money,” expressed Michael Kennedy-Yoon, adding that urgent action is necessary to safeguard these areas.
Restoring and protecting the Everglades transcends recreational or ecological value; it encompasses building resilience against climate change impacts throughout Florida. As Samples from Friends of the Everglades aptly stated, recalling the long-standing words of conservationist Marjory Stoneman Douglas, “The Everglades is a test. If we pass it, we may get to keep the planet.” Facing the dual threats of climate change and development pushes that sentiment more to the forefront than ever.
