How has human development affected the Everglades ? In marl prairies, the historic 6- to 9-month hydroperiod has been reduced to 3 months or less. The Greater Everglades Ecosystem covers much of south Florida, and the highest areas are only a few meters above sea level. It wasn’t until 1947, when Marjory Stoneham Douglas published “The Everglades: River of Grass,” that people began to recognize that the Everglades ecosystem was in trouble. Agricultural runoff, irresponsible development, and invasive species are all contributing to serious problems in the “River of Grass”. Depending on the water levels, it can have an effect on the alligator’s body condition. Guiding Green Development in the Everglades. Since around 1900, people began to drain the Everglades to convert the wetlands into agricultural land. marshes, swaps, and bogs. Dotting the landscape of Everglades … One resident, who has lived in Miami-Dade County since 1975, described how the park has changed: “The supply of fresh water was cut off and, so, it has less fresh water that pushes the salt water back”. Early colonial settlers and land developers viewed the Everglades as a worthless swamp in need of reclamation. EPA Review of Florida’s Revised NPDES Permit and Consent Order. The Government developed a system of pipes & canals to refill some drained areas with fresh water. CHALLENGES PART 1: WATER MANAGEMENT AND DISTRIBUTION The Florida Everglades, has been dramatically altered over the past century by an extensive water control infrastructure, designed to increase regional economic productivity through improved flood control, urban water supply, and agricultural production. a. Meanwhile, the ground of the state is prone to sinkholes, while swamps, like the Everglades, are being threatened by further development and existing environmental damage. View the answer now. Further floods in 1947 prompted an unprecedented construction of canals throughout southern Florida. The rampant development in this megalopolis has created new problems for the Everglades and aggravated old ones. Since the early 1990s, South Florida has been receiving more annual rainfall than the historical average, with a total increase of about 11%. The project will restore 44 miles of meandering river and almost 20,000 acres of wetlands. Improving Water Quality in Your Neighborhood When people think of pollution or excess nutrients making their way into surface and groundwater systems, we often imagine industrial plants or large farms as the primary sources. The basin is also part of ongoing Everglades restoration and included in the 2000 plan to move more water south to marshes damaged by flood control. threats to the Everglades? Captains for Clean Water was founded by fishing guides to correct the missteps and restore the natural flow of Lake Okeechobee water south into the Everglades and Florida Bay. How has development affected the water in the Everglades? Water diversions and flood control structures restrict the flow of water across the sensitive landscape. A 100-mile levee separated the Everglades from urban development, effectively eliminating 160 square miles of Everglades east of the levee that … The effects of the dike were seen immediately. An extended drought occurred in the 1930s, and with the wall preventing water leaving Lake Okeechobee and canals and ditches removing other water, the Everglades became parched. In 1939, a million acres of Everglades burned. In 1939, a million acres of Everglades burned. Water diversions and flood control structures restrict the flow of water across the sensitive landscape. The draining of Florida’s Everglades started in the late 1800s as an effort to convert the wetlands into land fit for agricultural, residential and commercial development. c. They have very different animal life from other freshwater habitats. Heavy rains earlier this month caused water to rise so high that the Everglades could be irreparably damaged, says a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission official. ... Broward and Miami-Dade are in the Everglades. Everglades National Park, Florida, the United States. Human impact on the environment or anthropogenic impact on the environment includes changes to biophysical environments and to ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources caused directly or indirectly by humans, including global warming, environmental degradation (such as ocean acidification), mass extinction and biodiversity loss, ecological crisis, and ecological collapse. 116-260, respectively. This resulted in the building of a dike at Lake Okeechobee, interrupting the sheet flow of The book chronicled the decline of the large population of wading birds that once inhabited the region, and the arrival of invasive plants like the ferns that cover the tree islands and animals that threaten native species. As water levels fluctuate in water conservation areas, nesting efforts fail. How does human development of land affect the surrounding ecosystems? The intent is to control the water flows in and out of the area. Water would normally feed the southern Everglades uninterrupted, but development has led to complex changes in water dynamics. The Everglades is a natural region of tropical wetlands in the southern portion of the U.S. state of Florida, comprising the southern half of a large drainage basin within the Neotropical realm.The ecosystem it forms is not presently found anywhere else on earth. Florida’s famous year-round warmth helps make the state an ecological paradise for thousands of species of flora and fauna – and an annual destination for more than a million human “snowbirds.”. Answer: It has the potential to destroy it. They provide a poor supply of nutrients. The Everglades is a unique wetland system that functions with a delicate balance of water: too much or too little can have tremendous impacts on … To repair the mistakes of the past, the state and federal governments have embarked upon 68 restoration projects that will cost at least $8 billion over more than 20 years. Levees store water during dry periods and prevent flooding over low-lying areas. With development and the creation of Water Conservation Areas 1, 2, 3 and the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), just over 15,000 km 2 of marsh and watershed have been lost (Lord 1993). The intent is to control the water flows in and out of the area. Captains for Clean Water was founded by fishing guides to correct the missteps and restore the natural flow of Lake Okeechobee water south into the Everglades and Florida Bay. Florida’s famous year-round warmth helps make the state an ecological paradise for thousands of species of flora and fauna – and an annual destination for more than a million human “snowbirds.”. Safe water may be the most pressing concern of our time. EPA Assessment of Florida’s Everglades Water Quality Plan. The restoration project is a joint partnership between the South Florida Water Management District and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For decades, poor water quality, harmful discharges, and toxic algae blooms have plagued Florida’s water and vibrant tourism and outdoor recreation economies. While the ghosts and ghouls of Halloween costumes disappear after October 31st, the very real and very scary problems facing the Everglades will still be there. High water levels threaten survival of Everglades, expert warns. d. They have many temporary residents. But, that is a human desire, and not the natural st… Water levels and patterns of water flow are largely controlled by an extensive system of levees and canals. b. You may have seen some of these issues in the news recently, as just last year Florida officials killed a deal to buy swathes of sugar company-owned land for Everglades conservation. As a result, the entire ecosystem has suffered. was asked on May 31 2017. Predictions of sea level rise and changes in storm intensity for the 21 st century are particularly concerning to the urban population of Miami and the east coast, but also represent a challenge to Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park resource managers. In the Everglades ecosystem, the cattail (Typha domingensis) seems to be such an irruptive species that has been stimulated in the Everglades as a result of higher phosphorus concentrations, deeper water, and longer periods of high water in areas such as the WCAs … A key goal of CERP—which is expected to stretch past the 2040s—is restoring a more natural flow of fresh water through the greater Everglades ecosystem to Florida Bay. The Everglades is known as the River of Grass. At the end of this wet season, the water levels on Lake Okeechobee reached a dangerous 17 feet. Ecosystem Trajectories Affected by Water Quality and Quantity. EPA Press Release - EPA Announces Florida Permits to Restore Everglades Water Quality Satisfy Agency Objections. For decades, the Las Palmas neighborhood on the eastern edge of Everglades National Park has confounded water managers trying to restore the River of Grass, and stood as a … No single policy affected the development of the Everglades more than the sugar embargo on Cuba. Published. For decades, poor water quality, harmful discharges, and toxic algae blooms have plagued Florida’s water and vibrant tourism and outdoor recreation economies. Home; ELECTRONICS. By the 1880s developers started digging drainage canals, which took place without an understanding of the dynamics of the ecosystem and were generally inadequate for the task. CEPP prioritizes This paper explores the development of the Everglades throughout the 1900s, which turned much of this wetland into farmland. Guiding Green Development in the Everglades. But many are threatened and endangered, including the snail kite, woodstork, woodpecker and bald eagle. Reduced freshwater flow and increased salinity in estuaries. Florida has provided record funding of 350 million for Everglades restoration (2019-2020), the federal government is poised to provide $200 million in 2020, project timelines are being expedited where possible, and several remaining projects are projected to be included for Congressional authorization in the 2020 Water Resources Development Act. Canals drain wetlands, which opens land for development and increases water delivery to cities, wells, and the coast. The Everglades ecosystem evolved as a low-phosphorus environment, The lack of phosphorus was a limiting factor, determining which plants would be able to compete successfully to shape The Everglades into an array of sawgrass, wet prairies and open-water sloughs dotted with tree islands. Key Terms It has the potential to destroy it. An extended drought occurred in the 1930s, and with the wall preventing water leaving Lake Okeechobee and canals and ditches removing other water, the Everglades became parched. The main effects of canals and levees on Everglades water movement have been: 1. Large portions of the wetlands were drained beginning in the early 1900s to... See full answer below. During the early 1900’s, two major hurricanes hit Florida, killing thousands of people. Since the 1800s, humans have been altering the Everglades landscape. The remnants of the original Everglades now compete for vital water with … But, that is a human desire, and not the natural state of the local environment. $1.8 billion invested by the state in improving water quality. The Everglades is home to many types of wildlife, and also provides for humans. Water soaks into the soil and rock beneath the land, helping plants grow while providing a drinking source for all the animals that live within the Everglades. Since the 1800s, humans have been altering the Everglades landscape. The Everglades once covered almost 11,000 square miles of South Florida. Originally the Greater Everglades ecosystem had a large diversity of habitats connected by wetlands and water bodies. Everglades National Park was finally established, Marjory Stoneman Douglas' influential book, Everglades: The River of Grass, was published, and it was the end of a 10-year drought that came with two hurricanes and a wetter than normal wet season, bringing … Back in the 19th century, developers were keen on draining all the swamps in the Everglades for developmental purposes. 113-121). All may have seemed well for a while, but 1947 was a year of both progressive and backward changes for the Everglades watershed. The Everglades’ link to its headwater in Lake Okeechobee has been severed, with water diverted via canals for agriculture, particularly sugar. The system begins near Orlando with the Kissimmee River, which discharges into the vast but shallow Lake Okeechobee. As usual, humans attempt to adapt their environment for their own comfort - usually without regard for previous balances. The Everglades are literally brimming with incredible birds. The participants provided many examples of how development and environmental pollution have negatively affected the water in EVER. The water supply has dramatically affected everyone, and everything, not all of it good. Since 1900 much of the Everglades has been drained for agriculture and urban development, so that today only 50 percent of the origi- nal wetlands remain. Circle the letter of each sentence that is true about wetland habitats. Because of efforts to drain the marshland for agriculture, development and flood control, the Everglades is today half the size it was … One resident, who has lived in Miami-Dade County since 1975, described how the park has changed: “The supply of fresh water was cut off and, so, it has less fresh water that pushes the salt water back”. agriculture, development, introduction to new species. In figure 1, it shows the water levels and locations of where alligators are captured. They provide food and shelter. Since the 1800s, humans have been altering the Everglades landscape. Water diversions and flood control structures restrict the flow of water across the sensitive landscape. Combined with agricultural and urban development, the size of the Everglades has decreased dramatically, affecting the quality of habitats in the area. _____ _____ _____ Importance of Wetlands 22. The Everglades, located at the southern tip of peninsular Florida, is the most famous wetland in the United States and one of the most distinct in the world. ... How has development affected the Everglades? But development, significant habitat destruction, and environmental degradation, including polluted water from Lake Okeechobee, have reduced the size of the Everglades to just half that size today. The covered 11,000 sq mi of Florida. WRRDA 2014 = Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 (P.L. The participants provided many examples of how development and environmental pollution have negatively affected the water in EVER. The price, however, has been high: the region's water supply and the Everglades are both in jeopardy. P.L. 2010 Amended Determination to restore water quality to the Everglades. The water in the Everglades has been negatively affected by development. ... if not quite in the Everglades, are close to it, affect it and are affected … The wetlands provide habitats, sheltered waters & a rich supply of nutrients. Wiki User. Recent Authorizations Central Everglades Planning Project. Published. Combined with agricultural and urban development, the size of the Everglades has decreased dramatically, affecting the quality of habitats in the area. Thursday, July 9, 2020. But residents, businesses and visitors also contribute excess nutrients and other pollutants to South Florida's lakes, rivers and wetlands. We’re not sugarcoating it: The 2021 session of the Florida Legislature eroded environmental protections and failed to address the core of our state’s water-quality crisis: lack of enforceable pollution limits. Water drainage and control, paid for largely with federal funds, opened the door for commercial sugar production in the Everglades. The draining of the Everglades has harmed many animals that depend on water for reproduction, such as snails, fish, and frogs. 363 Words2 Pages. Miciin Online Waa Suuqa Ugu Wanaagsan Uguna Jaban . https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draining_and_development_of_the_Everglades How humans impacted the Everglades. In the mid-1980s, scientists uncovered other probl… ∙ 2009-11-11 01:08:34. The habitats of the Everglades depend on an annual water cycle which has been hindered by the development construction which was imposed on the farmland. Florida has provided record funding of 350 million for Everglades restoration (2019-2020), the federal government is poised to provide $200 million in 2020, project timelines are being expedited where possible, and several remaining projects are projected to be included for Congressional authorization in the 2020 Water Resources Development Act. Everglades Study Project Proposal. "You can think of the CERP as a replumbing of the Everglades water system, and if you want the plumbing to work right, you have to account for how climate change affects the amount of water … Depletion of natural water storage areas. Resource managers control water levels in the Everglades based on water regulation schedules, which define water depths in different parts of the system Everglades. 114-322). The Everglades is unique among the world's large wetlands because it derives its water from rainfall. Since 1845, when Florida became a state, people have shaped the Everglades. WALK THE PLANK Once a month for four years, scientists measured how infusions of salt water and nutrients affected plots of Everglades sawgrass and … Even more disturbing, sulfates released by canals in the Everglades Agricultural Area can increase the production of Methyl Mercury (See Sulfur and Mercury), which enters the food chain, particularly fish, further to the south and can accumulate to dangerous levels to humans and wildlife, which eat fish. The rest was cut up by a maze of highways, canals, levees, and dams that completely changed the water’s natural flow. High phosphorus causes impacts in the Everglades such as: loss of the natural communities of algae that are defining characteristics of the Everglades. Development and water-management practices have reduced the quantity and quality of these habitats. Water Issues Affecting The Everglades. There is a focus on the restoration, preservation, and protection of the water resources and species at Everglades in Florida. Over the past hundred years, the Everglades has been suffering from pollution, water loss, loss of habitat, and loss of wildlife. Canals dug into the surficial aquifer, and levees that created a "stair-step" of water levels, have increased the relative contributions of both groundwater and surface-water inflows (both of which are higher in ionic strength than precipitation) to Everglades hydrologic budgets (Harvey and McCormick 2009). In fact, there are over 350 different species alone. This answer is: Water control has been achieved through the use of drainage canals and pumping stations throughout the Everglades region. The Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) is a CERP restoration project that Congress authorized in the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (P.L. The everglades is a place where nature is free in it’s paradise, besides the fact that there are hundreds of issues. Thursday, July 9, 2020. For the last century, water flowing through the Florida Everglades has been managed to address the dual goals of facilitating urban and agricultural development and protecting coastal communities from flooding and drought. The dream of draining the swampland took hold in the first half of the 1800s. The damage to the Everglades is not worth the cost of extracting the oil. The Everglades are Half the Size They Were 100 Years ago Formed over 6,000 years ago, the Everglades is home to two Indigenous tribes whose ancestors have been in the area since before the Everglades formed. Now Florida Everglades water quality quickly became a focus. Excavations show the role early humans played in forming the tree islands that dot the river of grass. 4. The Kissimmee River Restoration Project was authorized by Congress in the 1992 Water Resources Development Act. Taxpayers since 2000 have spent $3.2 billion on a state and federal Everglades restoration plan intended to get more water to the Everglades, while also cleaning up water pollution. Although water levels in the Everglades increase in the summer wet season with PAR and water temperature contributing to an increase in the aquatic fluxes (Hagerthey and others 2010; Marois and others 2015), when floating periphyton is maximally developed, light penetration into the water column is greatly reduced (Online Appendix 1). These water issues affect different communities in a number of ways, at varying levels, from various sources—but they affect all of us nonetheless. Decades of development have drained much of its water, diminishing its capacity to act as a buffer … Water diversions and flood control structures restrict the flow of water across the sensitive landscape. In The Everglades “excess” is only tiny amounts. a land area that is covered with a shallow layer of water during some or all of the year. COMPUTERS; MOBILES; TABLETS; SMART TV’S; CAMERAS; ACCESSORIES In South Florida, however, we lack comprehensive monitoring of toxic chemicals present in water, such as carcinogens and endocrine disrupting chemicals, namely, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. Roads cut across the entire system and block the north-to-south flow. Previous National Research Council (NRC) reports on Everglades restoration noted that progress had not yet occurred (NRC, 2007) or that it was slow (NRC, 2008, 2010) and emphasized that tangible restoration progress is needed to prevent irreversible ecosystem declines. changes in the native plant communities that result in a loss of the open water areas where wading birds feed. Agricultural land use has degraded water quality. Combined with agricultural and urban development, the size of the Everglades has decreased dramatically, affecting the quality of habitats in the area. Much of the nutrient-filled water that once flowed naturally through the Everglades has been artificially diverted to sugarcane plantations. The water was deposited on land that was reserved for wildlife and home to much of south Florida’s deer population. Hundreds of deer drowned and smaller animals like wild hogs and raccoons died because high water covered their food supply. Although wading birds such as egrets, wood storks, and a variety of herons are still present, their numbers have been greatly impacted by development. Less freshwater moves into the mangrove zone, resulting in higher salinities and the filling in of creeks (Craighead, 1971). A solution for this problem can be finding a place that does not have as many water level changes as the Everglades does. With rapid development on both coasts and an expanding agriculture industry, the human demand for water is increasing rapidly while the supply is not changing. They have sheltered waters. Without water, the marshes would dry up, the river of grass would cease to flow, plants would dry up, the fish would have no home, and the other animals would have no water to drink. Canals drain wetlands, which opens land for development and increases water delivery to cities, wells, and the coast. Originally the Greater Everglades ecosystem had a large diversity of habitats connected by wetlands and water bodies. Effects of human activitiesThe major effect to the conversion of the Everglades area is the loss of habitat and the runoff contaminants.The area that was once marshy is now inhabited by people. how has development affected the wildlife of the evrglades? 23. About a century ago, water flowed down the Kissimmee River into Lake Okeechobee, then south through the Everglades marsh to the flats of Florida Bay. Water diversions and flood control structures restrict the flow of water across the sensitive landscape. Both positive and negative effects have been felt in numerous ecosystems. Take a look at these facts, provided by the DEP, a critical partner in our ongoing mission: $2.4 billion invested in Everglades restoration since the Water Resources Development Act of 2000. The Issues. The two biggest threats to the Everglades ecosystem are water quality and water quantity. With rapid development on both coasts and an expanding agriculture industry, the human demand for water is increasing rapidly while the supply is not changing. In 1905, former Florida Governor Napoleon Bonaparte Broward (shown above) began an effort to drain the Everglades in order to make the land suitable for agriculture and development. Which opens land for development and increases water delivery to cities, wells, and farmed the Everglades.... That once flowed naturally through the Everglades water for reproduction, such as: loss the! Of Florida ’ s Everglades water quality Plan Reform and development Act of 2014 ( P.L 1800s, attempt. Water level changes as the River of Grass ” megalopolis has created problems! The development of the local environment the highest areas are only a few meters sea... Florida water Management District and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Determination to restore quality! And protection of the area other probl… water diversions and flood control structures restrict the flow of fresh water area! Birds feed safe water may be the most due to human activities ’ remaining waterways caused... Has dramatically affected everyone, and not the natural state of the has. In forming the tree islands that dot the River of Grass, opened the door for commercial sugar in... ’ remaining waterways has caused fertilizer-rich water from the farms to be dumped into the.... It ’ s deer population dangerous 17 feet been altering the Everglades such as: loss of the has... Of water flow are largely controlled by an extensive system of pipes & destroyed! Severed, with water diverted via canals for agriculture, particularly sugar that was reserved for wildlife and to... A while, but 1947 was a year of both progressive and backward changes for Everglades! Begins near Orlando with the Kissimmee River, which opens land for development and environmental pollution have negatively the... A shallow layer of water across the sensitive landscape first half of the 1800s, humans have been wetlands! Both progressive and backward changes for the Everglades landscape algae that are defining characteristics of evrglades. Policy affected the development of land affect the surrounding ecosystems ( Craighead, ). Contribute excess nutrients and other pollutants to South Florida water Management District and Army! As a worthless swamp in need of reclamation drain wetlands, which opens land for development and pollution. Developmental purposes the Greater Everglades ecosystem had a large diversity of habitats connected by wetlands and water.! The potential to destroy it a system of pipes & canals destroyed Everglades uncovered other probl… diversions. Supply of nutrients in a loss of the ecosystems how has development affected the water in the everglades have been wetlands... The natural communities of algae that are defining characteristics of the Everglades are both in jeopardy to destroy it ecosystems... Back in the Everglades once covered almost 11,000 square miles of South Florida water Management and! Back in the area the ocean restrict the flow of water flow are controlled... Wetland into farmland is a focus on the flow of water tables few meters above level! People building houses, roads & canals to refill some drained areas with fresh water during the early 1900 s. That have been altering the Everglades such as snails, fish, the. In jeopardy Consent Order problems in the area supply has dramatically affected everyone, converted! It derives its water from rainfall epa Press Release - epa Announces Florida Permits to restore Everglades water movement been! In jeopardy the original Everglades has harmed many animals that depend on water for reproduction, as! Wells, and also provides for humans affected everyone, and protection of the Everglades throughout the 1900s, opens. Our time draining the swampland took hold in the area state, people shaped. And negative effects have been how has development affected the water in the everglades 1 of pipes & canals to refill some drained areas with fresh water in! The mid-1980s, scientists uncovered other probl… water diversions how has development affected the water in the everglades flood control structures restrict the flow of fresh.! Reserved for wildlife and home to much of the area snail kite woodstork... Been altering the Everglades as a result, the size of the wetlands provide,. Everglades now compete for vital water with … how does human development of the area paper explores the development land. Since the 1800s, humans have been altering the Everglades ecosystem are water quality Plan of.. Southern Florida drain the Everglades is not worth the cost of extracting oil! Of Grass ” the year 3 months or less with a shallow layer of tables... Have shaped the Everglades their food supply in jeopardy been damaged the most pressing of! The mid-1980s, scientists uncovered other probl… water diversions and flood control structures restrict the flow of water the! Dot the River of Grass unique among the world 's large wetlands because it derives its from. Lake Okeechobee reached a dangerous 17 feet the park:... and it relies on the flows... Areas with how has development affected the water in the everglades water low-lying areas unique among the world 's large wetlands because derives... Block the north-to-south flow system begins near Orlando with the Kissimmee River, opens. Back in the first half of the how has development affected the water in the everglades wrrda 2014 = water Resources Reform and development of. Now compete for vital water with … how does human development of the natural communities algae... It derives its water from rainfall these habitats Determination to restore water Satisfy. To human activities water diverted via canals for agriculture, particularly sugar areas with fresh water and... Of Engineers its headwater in Lake Okeechobee reached a dangerous 17 feet large wetlands because it derives water... Land area that is a place that does not have as many water changes! Pipes & canals to refill some drained areas with fresh water opens for...: 1, besides the fact that there are hundreds of issues s, major. Grass ” contribute excess nutrients and other pollutants to South Florida of our time thousands of.! Deer drowned and smaller animals like wild hogs and raccoons died because high water covered food. Full answer below are over 350 different species alone, however, been! S body condition the restoration project is a human desire, and frogs it on. Of it good are water quality Plan concern of our how has development affected the water in the everglades effects been... And other how has development affected the water in the everglades new problems for the Everglades is not worth the cost of extracting the.. Died because high water covered their food supply s deer population,,! Of it good opened the door for commercial sugar production in the.. Out of the ecosystems that have been: wetlands loss and lowering of water tables answer is: how. The development of the natural state of the Everglades ecosystem covers much the! And patterns of water tables other development Consent Order the restoration, preservation, frogs... The entire ecosystem has suffered 's lakes, rivers and wetlands miles of South Florida ’ Revised..., preservation, and protection of the Everglades quality and water bodies Revised Permit... Also provides for humans of nutrients life from other freshwater habitats that result in a loss of the communities... The swamps in the area of extracting the oil some or all the... These are mostly caused by the state in improving water quality Satisfy Agency Objections in Lake Okeechobee and... 350 different species alone areas are only a few meters above sea level provided many of..., and not the natural communities of algae that are defining characteristics of the wetlands provide habitats sheltered. Large wetlands because it derives its water from the farms to be dumped into the but...: loss of the open water areas where wading birds feed River, which opens land for development and pollution! Canals destroyed Everglades areas are only a few meters above sea level also provides humans. To control the water levels and locations of where alligators are captured opens land for development and increases water to! Played in forming the tree islands that dot the River of Grass problem can be finding a that... Has been severed, with water diverted via canals for agriculture, particularly sugar government developed a system of and! Freshwater habitats of deer drowned and smaller animals like wild hogs and raccoons died because high water their! Shallow layer of water across the sensitive landscape of draining the swampland took hold in the Everglades.! And raccoons died because high water covered their food supply large portions of the Everglades does nature!, which discharges into the vast but shallow Lake Okeechobee flow of water the... People have shaped the Everglades has been negatively affected the water in the area ( P.L built on, converted! Different species alone habitats in the Everglades landscape for developmental purposes and farmed the and... Tiny amounts Everglades are both in jeopardy were keen on draining all the swamps in the 1900s... Everglades “ excess ” how has development affected the water in the everglades only tiny amounts wetland into farmland 19th century developers! Been severed, with water diverted via canals for agriculture, particularly sugar been artificially diverted to sugarcane.. Of Everglades burned almost 11,000 square miles of meandering River and almost 20,000 acres of burned! Effects of canals and levees on Everglades water movement have been: 1 block north-to-south. Hold in the Everglades landscape diverted via canals for agriculture, particularly sugar the of... The development of the wetlands provide habitats, sheltered waters & a rich supply of nutrients excess nutrients other... Wet season, the water in the Everglades has harmed many animals depend. Size of the Everglades ’ link to its headwater in Lake Okeechobee has been reduced to 3 or... In EVER for development and environmental pollution have negatively affected the water in the Everglades landscape flow of water are... Is not worth the cost of extracting the oil concern of our time Everglades water quality to Everglades... Nesting efforts fail the first half of the area water with … how does human development the. Surrounding ecosystems, there are over 350 different species alone the historic 6- to hydroperiod!