WHAT:  The Everglades Coalition will host its 22nd Annual Conference at the headwaters of the Everglades Ecosystem. Hosted by Audubon of Florida, the conference will bring together leaders, elected officials, community and environmental activists to discuss the many opportunities and challenges that continue to face restoring this entire unique ecosystem. The Coalition will announce its essential restoration priorities and goals for 2007 at the conference.

WHO:  Invited speakers include: President George W. Bush, U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL), Mel Martinez (R-FL), George Voinovich (R-OH), James Inhofe (R-OK), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Governor-elect Charlie Crist (R-FL), Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, U.S. Reps. Ric Keller (R-FL) and David Hobson (R-OH), State Senator Ken Pruitt, Department of the Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, National Park Service Director Mary Bomar, US Fish and Wildlife Director Dale Hall, past Senator Bob Graham, and Vice President Al Gore. Confirmed speakers include Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works John Paul Woodley.

WHEN:  January 18-21, 2007

*The Conference opens with a reception on Thursday, January 18 at 7:00 p.m. The first plenary session begins on Friday, January 19 at 9:30 a.m. and will focus on the Kissimmee River Restoration project.

WHERE:  Rosen Shingle Creek Resort and Golf Club
9939 Universal Blvd.Orlando, FL 32819

The Everglades Coalition annual conference seeks to raise critical, timely issues to the surface for in-depth debates in an open, accessible forum. Senators, Members of Congress, and political figures come to discuss their positions, pledge their support and offer challenges to the community. Conference session's focus on topics such as growth management, political and public partnerships, endangered and invasive species, wildlife habitat, energy policies, water quality and flow plans. It is the largest annual forum for debate of Everglades conservation and restoration.

For more information, visit: www.evergladescoalition.org. For press credentials, registration information, fees, and hotel information, contact Ms. Patti Carr, Carr Communications, at 954-942-3113.

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