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Everglades National Park

, Florida

Acreage: 1,508,537.9
Category: National Park
Date Established: 12/06/1947

There are no other Everglades in the world. They are, they always have been, one of the unique regions of the earth; remote, never wholly known. Nothing anywhere else is like them

—Marjory Stoneman Douglas


The largest tract of wilderness east of the Rocky Mountains is located in south Florida within Everglades National Park. Simply put, it protects more subtropical land and water than anywhere else in the United States, but such a basic description doesn't offer justice to the poignant significance it offers our nation.

From a biological perspective, it is home to some of the most rare and endangered species in the U.S.: the West Indian manatee, the American crocodile, and more than a dozen others. It is one of the most significant corridors and stopovers for migrating species. And it is home to the largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western hemisphere.

But from a human perspective, this place offers educational, recreational, and inspirational opportunities found nowhere else in the world. NPCA encourages you to visit this place and experience the Everglades in the way that best suits you—whether on a multi-day backcountry trek through the Wilderness Waterway or a casual visit to the park’s many rich wildlife viewing sites. Regardless, we invite you to learn more about this unique American resource, and the threats that face it, so that this "river of grass" flows strong for generations.

—Jeff Bransford, NPCA

If You Go

Birds are one of the park's key attractions, and with 366 species to observe, birding is a popular activity. Other attractions include boating, snorkeling, camping, and hiking.

Threats

Like the "rivers of grass" that dominate the Everglades landscape, hurricanes are a recurring and natural part of the ecosystem in South Florida. Recently, hurricanes Katrina and Wilma devastated the area known as Flamingo in Everglades National Park. All existing structures, including the visitor center, lodge, restaurant, and cabins, were severely damaged or destroyed. NPCA is working to ensure that the redevelopment will enhance the visitor experience, include "green" technologies, and restore the natural habitats of America's Everglades.

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Comments

I am a high school junior, and am writing a report on the Everglades National Park. This wbsite provided me with reliable information I have never visited the Everglades but it is a key plan for my future as a journalist to write about the animals and experience at this national park.
Submitted by Kendra N, at: October 29, 2009
I cant wait to go it sounds like fun all my freinds have told me
Submitted by nichol at: October 14, 2009
did anyone see any crocodiles
Submitted by CRIZ at: October 12, 2009
I love visiting The Everglades. In my experience, most of the people who visit the park are very mindful of taking care of it. I never see anyone destroying anything. I see people taking pictures, people quietly watching birds or on their canoes. I enjoy every visit and plan to continue my visits in the future.
Submitted by Marfa at: June 22, 2009
What would the effects be if no humans interacted with the everglades?
Submitted by Juicy Fruit at: May 25, 2009
Any unique animals that live only in the everglades that are endangered for the time being?
Submitted by Thanks at: May 7, 2009
it was awesome when we went .there was alot of lakes grass and walking but it was beautifull.you will be amazed by how much fun you will have.
Submitted by winx fan at: March 25, 2009
Hey Everglades/Florida Bay! I guess you'd be happy if no human being could set foot in the ENP, why protect it if we can't enjoy it. You are a radical, not to mention ridiculous. The majority of fishermen and fishing guides, in particular, are very mindful of the importance of protecting the ENP, so don't blame us. Please leave us alone to enjoy and protect our park with real world data and logic, we can handle it on our own.
Submitted by Reasonable Man at: February 16, 2009
I am left shaking my head after reading the opinions of "Everglades" regarding the effects of fishing in the ENP. Catches within the park have been increasing dramatically with a large majority of those fish being released. Strong conservation practices are used by a majority of the fishermen to ensure that those fish caught are released unharmed and strict limits are followed to ensure future populations. Fishermen have and will continue to be excellent stewards of ENP.
Submitted by BB at: February 12, 2009
It appears every conceivable test and analysis has been done regarding human effects on the waters of Everglades National Park, (much of which is underwater), except the biggest source of devastation of all: the effects of motorboats and overfishing on the interior shallow waters of Everglades National Park, as well as Florida Bay. ENP is often promoted by the park managers themselves as a "world-class" fishing destination, where there are now over 330 fishing guides who operate their businesses by exploiting the parks most valuable natural resource - fish - from which virually all other wildlife depends. My observations have shown without question an astonishing lack of fish and wildlife in shallow motorboat-accessible areas, particularly inland. An OBJECTIVE comparison must be done between the concentration of fish numbers, and the wildlife that depend on them, in motorboat-accessible areas vs. non-motorboat accessible areas. This would surely demonstrate the devastation caused by too many fishermen in motorboats which the shallow habitats can not support. In addition to the above, I believe the following tests must be accomplished, objectively: * What are the effects of extremely low fish numbers on the "protected" wading birds? * What are the effects of extremely low fish numbers on the "protected" endangered crocodiles? * What are the effects of extremely low fish numbers on the "protected" endangered smalltooth sawfish? * What are the effects of excessive motorboats on "protected" manatees? * How many "protected" birds, sea turtles, etc. are found dead or injured each year from entanglement in fishing lines? * What other animal species are effected in the areas of the park that have low fish numbers? * What are the effects of excessive motorboats on marine vegetation from propellor turbidity, and wave action? PURPOSE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK: In 1934, Congress authorized the establishment of Everglades National Park to be "…wilderness where no development…or plan for the entertainment of visitors shall be undertaken which will interfere with the preservation of the unique flora and fauna..." REGULATORY AND PLANNING BACKGROUND In the National Park Service Organic Act of 1916, Congress directed the U.S. Department of Interior and the NPS to manage units “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such a manner and by such a means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations” (16 U.S.C. § 1). The Organic Act prohibits actions that permanently impair park resources unless a law directly and specifically allows for the action (16 U.S.C. 1a-1). An action constitutes an impairment when its impacts “harm the integrity of park resources or values, including the opportunities that otherwise would be present for the enjoyment of those resources or values”(Management Policies 2006, sec. 1.4.5). The effect on fish and the wildlife dependent on them, particularly endangered species, caused by excessive motorboats and overfishing in the waters in Everglades National Park would therefore be in direct violation of the primary purpose of the establishment of the park by Congress and the National Park Service Organic Act. The noise, water and air pollution, and turbidity, and overfishing caused by excessive motorboats does severe damage to the ecology of the fragile areas of the park. Steps must be taken to carefully and objectively analyze the effects motorboats and fishing have on the interior areas of Everglades National Park and Florida Bay as soon as possible to prevent their use in the overrun areas so as to allow them to rebound to their natural state "by such a means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations".
Submitted by Everglades/ Florida Bay at: February 11, 2009
I take a yearly visit to check on the bird populations - I go in November and primarily look for Wood Storks and Roseate Spoonbills - they are steadily increasing!!! Despite the constant efforts by the people of Florida to build on every acre of land, nature is prevailing. BUT, the Everglades Restoration needs funding from Congress and it needs serious backing by the population. If you haven't ever visited the everglades, I highly recommend you do...stay in Everglades City, FLA and drive the Tamiami Trail - it's breath taking...and go in November - December , for the best weather and prices.
Submitted by kimbi at: January 10, 2009
So much emphasis is put on surface hydrology flow in the restoration. What about the subsurface flow under the cap rock that reaches out to the edge of the park and the constant nutrient flow into the gulf? Then out to the reef.
Submitted by Don at: October 15, 2008
there is like evreything i need to know on this page!!!!!
Submitted by bill at: October 1, 2008
I really like this site!
Submitted by Tony at: June 30, 2008
I am so excited to hear about the deal to restore Everglades restoration.
Submitted by Cookie Monster at: June 25, 2008

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