This book is the second biennial evaluation of progress being made in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), a multibillion-dollar effort to restore historical water flows to the Everglades and return the ecosystem closer to its natural state. Launched in 2000 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District, CERP is a multiorganization planning process that includes approximately 50 major projects to be completed over the next several decades.



Progress Toward Restoring the Everglades: The Second Biennial Review 2008 concludes that budgeting, planning, and procedural matters are hindering a federal and state effort to restore the Florida Everglades ecosystem, which is making only scant progress toward achieving its goals. Good science has been developed to support restoration efforts, but future progress is likely to be limited by the availability of funding and current authorization mechanisms. Despite the accomplishments that lay the foundation for CERP construction, no CERP projects have been completed to date. To begin reversing decades of decline, managers should address complex planning issues and move forward with projects that have the most potential to restore the natural ecosystem.



Table of Contents


Front Matter
Summary
1 Introduction
2 The Restoration in Context
3 Project Planning and Implementation
4 Mod Waters
5 Lake Okeechobee and Its Place in the Restoration of the South Florida Ecosystem
6 Building the Foundation for Adaptive Management
7 Synthesis of CERP Progress
References
Acronyms
Glossary
Appendix A: National Research Council Everglades Reports
Appendix B: Summary from Progress Toward Restoring the Everglades: The First Biennial Review - 2006
Appendix C: Status of Key Non-CERP Projects
Appendix D: Primary Purposes and Reported Natural System Benefits of Project Components Scheduled for Completion in MISP Band 1 (2005–2010)
Appendix E: GAO Report Appendix II: Project Status and Cost by CERP, CERP-Related, and Non-CERP Categories
Appendix F: Performance Measures
Appendix G: Interim Restoration Goals for the CERP
Appendix H: Standard Content of a Performance Measure Specification
Appendix I: Water Science and Technology Board and Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology
Appendix J: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members and Staff