Everglades Restoration: USACE and SFWMD to Update Public on Central Everglades Planning Project Progress
Jacksonville-Stakeholders and interested members of the public are invited to attend a virtual informational meeting on July 11, 2025, regarding the Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), jacksonville District, and the South Florida water Management District (SFWMD) will jointly host the meeting.
This bi-annual meeting will provide updates on the implementation and progress of all phases of CEPP, a critical component of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). The goal is to enhance the flow of water and restore the everglades.
Meeting details
The virtual informational meeting is scheduled as follows:
- Date: Friday, July 11, 2025
- Time: 10 a.m. to noon
- Platform: Microsoft Teams
How to Attend
Ther are two options for attending the meeting:
- Microsoft Teams: Join the meeting via this link
- Meeting ID: 993 875 882 790
- passcode: tC75Ja2G
- Dial in by Phone:
- Phone: +1 601-262-2433
- Phone conference ID: 786 388 037#
What to Expect During the meeting
Project managers from USACE and SFWMD will present updates on all CEPP phases. These include CEPP South, CEPP North, CEPP New Water, and CEPP Everglades Agricultural Area phases.
The focus of CEPP is to restore more natural water flows into and through the central and southern Everglades. This involves increasing water storage and treatment south of Lake okeechobee, improving water conveyance to the Central Everglades, and removing barriers that impede water flow to Everglades National Park.
Did You Know? The Everglades is a unique ecosystem and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its restoration is crucial for both environmental and economic reasons.
The Importance of Everglades Restoration
The Everglades is a vital ecosystem that supports numerous plant and animal species. It also provides essential water resources for South Florida’s growing population. The Central Everglades Planning Project is intended to deliver a healthier everglades ecosystem.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about CEPP and other Everglades restoration efforts by regularly visiting the USACE website and attending public meetings.
CEPP Project phases Overview
To fully understand the scope of the Central Everglades Planning Project, consider the following phases:
- CEPP South: Focuses on improving water flow to the southern Everglades.
- CEPP north: addresses water storage and treatment north of the Central Everglades.
- CEPP New Water: Explores new strategies for water management.
- CEPP Everglades Agricultural Area: Aims to improve water quality and storage within the agricultural area.
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP)
The Comprehensive Everglades restoration Plan (CERP) provides a framework and guide to restore, protect, and preserve the water resources of the South Florida ecosystem, including the Everglades. It covers 16 counties and is one of the largest hydrologic restoration projects ever undertaken in the United States.
For more facts on CEPP, visit www.saj.usace.army.mil/CEPP.
What are your biggest concerns about the future of the everglades? How can local communities get more involved in restoration efforts?
Evergreen Insights on Everglades Restoration
Everglades restoration is not just an environmental issue; it’s an economic one as well. A healthy everglades supports tourism,fishing,and other industries vital to south Florida’s economy. Ongoing efforts aim to balance environmental needs with economic realities.
The Role of Technology: Advanced technologies, such as remote sensing and data analytics, are increasingly being used to monitor the progress of restoration efforts and make informed decisions.
| Project Phase | Focus Area | Key Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| CEPP South | Southern Everglades | Improve water flow |
| CEPP North | North of Central Everglades | Water storage and treatment |
| CEPP New Water | Water Management | Explore new strategies |
| CEPP Everglades agricultural Area | Agricultural Area | Improve water quality & storage |
Frequently Asked Questions About Everglades Restoration
Share your thoughts and comments below! Let us know what you think about the Everglades restoration efforts.
What are the potential long-term impacts of the EAA Reservoir on the Everglades ecosystem, considering factors such as water quality, habitat restoration, and wildlife populations?
USACE CEPP Informational Meetings: Restoring the Everglades
USACE (United States Army Corps of Engineers) central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) informational meetings are a critical part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).These meetings keep stakeholders informed about the project’s progress, challenges, and future plans. Attending a CEPP meeting is a valuable chance to learn about the ongoing efforts to restore the Everglades ecosystem.
Understanding the CEPP and CERP
The CEPP is a crucial component of the larger CERP, a multi-billion dollar initiative aimed at restoring the Everglades. The primary objective of the CEPP is to enhance the flow of water through the Everglades, improving water quality and habitat.Everglades restoration is a complex undertaking wiht far-reaching environmental benefits.
Key Objectives of the CEPP:
- Improve water flow to the Everglades.
- Enhance water quality.
- Restore and preserve vital habitats.
- Support the natural ecosystems and wildlife of Florida.
The role of USACE in CEPP Implementation
The USACE is the lead agency responsible for implementing the CEPP. They conduct extensive research, engineering, and planning to ensure the project’s success. This includes organizing and hosting informational meetings to communicate findings and updates to the public and key stakeholders.
Responsibilities of the USACE:
- Planning and design of CEPP projects.
- Construction and management of crucial infrastructure.
- Monitoring environmental conditions.
- Public outreach and engagement, including organizing CEPP meetings.
EAA Reservoir and CEPP Developments
The EAA Reservoir, located in the Everglades Agricultural Area, has become a key focus of the CEPP. The addition of the EAA Reservoir to the CEPP marks a notable progress in providing essential water storage capacity for a more lasting Everglades ecosystem.In May 2020, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers determined WRDA 2018 authorized the EAA Reservoir as a stand-alone project within the comprehensive Everglades Restoration.
Here is a summary table:
| Project | Role in CEPP | Status in May 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| EAA Reservoir | Water Storage and Quality Improvement | Authorized as a stand-alone project. |
| CEPP New Water | Enhancement of Water Flow | Being integrated with the EAA Reservoir |
Benefits of Attending USACE CEPP Meetings
Attending USACE CEPP informational meetings offers numerous benefits to those interested in the success of Everglades restoration projects. These include:
- Staying informed on the project’s current progress.
- Gaining insights into crucial decision-making processes.
- Opportunities for providing public input.
- Networking with other stakeholders, including scientists, engineers, and policymakers.
Practical Tips for Engagement
To maximize your participation in the USACE CEPP informational meetings, consider the following tips:
- Review Relevant Information in Advance: Familiarize yourself with project details.
- Prepare Questions: prepare specific, relevant questions for the meeting.
- Participate Actively: Ask questions, offer comments, and engage with speakers and other attendees.
- Provide Feedback: Share your opinions and observations with the USACE team.
