Impacts of constructed features on the hydrology of the southern everglades - some of the largest anthropogenic features in southern everglades national park (ENP) influence the movement of water

Flows through and around the complex topography of these locations, especially long pine key (the last intact pine rockland along floridas east coast), remain poorly understood, particularly under future restoration flows. The south florida water management district taylor slough flow improvement project and the potential removal of old ingraham highway require that hydrological influences of these features in this area be investigated and quantified, focusing on ENP resource benefits and impacts. The goal is to improve the status of natural resources and critical habitats in the everglades by restoring hydrodynamic flow and function in designated areas of ENP by better understanding the impact that man-made features, i.e., roads, culverts, borrow canals, and relic agricultural areas, have on surface- and groundwater movement on the landscape of ENP. The project work will contribute to the body of scientific knowledge about the southern everglades hydrologic and ecologic systems, ecosystem management, and the predicted effects of restoration projects in this area. The public will gain an increased understanding of the measures needed to preserve and protect this ecosystem for the benefit of future generations. This two-year project will be completed in four phases, producing actionable analyses at each step.