Press Release Dec 17, 2010

Baby Steps Lead to Big Leaps for Everglades Restoration

Statement by NPCA Everglades Restoration Program Manager Dawn Shirreffs

Background: The National Park Service today released the final draft plan for the Tamiami Trail Modifications/Next Steps, which would add an additional 5.5 miles of bridging to Tamiami Trail in order to restore historic water flows back to Everglades National Park, Florida Bay habitat and sea grass beds.

“The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) applauds the Obama Administration and the dedicated leadership of Department of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar for spearheading continued progress on restoration efforts that will both benefit the Everglades ecosystem and will bring thousands of jobs to South Florida.

“As we prepare for the upcoming holiday, what better gift to give all Americans than to continue our years-long momentum towards achieving full Everglades restoration? By continuing to move this project forward, we will achieve significant cost savings, meet urgent restoration needs, and create jobs in one of our hardest hit industries - construction.

“Everglades National Park can no longer afford to wait for relief. The Park Services’ plan for Tamiami Trail requires bold initiatives, which demonstrates the Federal government’s commitment to real environmental and economic progress for South Florida. Everglades restoration has made substantial progress this year and the plan for Tamiami Trail provides an opportunity for reversing the ecological decline of America’s Everglades and ensuring that we protect this national treasure for our children and grandchildren to enjoy.”

###

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.

Read more from NPCA

  • Blog Post

    How National Parks and Monuments Are Designated

    Jul 2023 | By Linda Coutant

    Ever wondered how sites get added to the National Park System? NPCA explains the two processes used to preserve America’s lands and stories.

  • Blog Post

    5 Reasons to Care About a New Conservation Rule

    Jun 2023 | By Angela Gonzales, Kristen Brengel, Matthew Kirby

    The Bureau of Land Management is considering a meaningful shift in how it treats our public lands. NPCA supports this improved balance between conservation and other uses.

  • Blog Post

    Coastal Parks Offer Climate Solutions

    Jun 2023 | By Sarah Gaines Barmeyer

    NPCA is working to ensure coastal national parks are part of the climate solution. The more we protect national park waters from climate impacts now, the more they will protect…