Its been 25 years since America decided to save the Everglades. Where do we stand?
3 minute readPublished: Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 2:10 pm
Everglades Restoration: A Quarter-Century Later
Twenty-five years ago, a bipartisan effort launched the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), a monumental undertaking to revive a unique ecosystem. The plan, signed into law, aimed to reverse the damage inflicted on the Everglades during the 20th century, when the "river of grass" was drained, diverted, and fragmented.
The original plan, estimated at $7.8 billion and a 30-year timeline, has faced significant challenges. Costs have tripled to $23 billion, and completion is projected to take another two decades. Despite these setbacks, progress is being made. Construction has accelerated, particularly with the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir, a key component of the restoration. This reservoir, designed to store and filter water from Lake Okeechobee, is now under construction, with an anticipated completion date of 2029.
The restoration plan involves 68 projects, including the C-43 impoundment, which regulates water flow into the Caloosahatchee estuary, and the Blue Shanty Flow Way, which will improve water flow under the Tamiami Trail. The Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District have made significant strides in recent years.
However, challenges remain. The size of the EAA Reservoir is a point of contention, with some experts advocating for more land acquisition to increase water storage and cleaning capacity. Concerns also persist regarding the effectiveness of stormwater treatment areas (STAs) in filtering polluted water. The ability to maintain clean water flow is crucial for the restoration's success.
The restoration's success hinges on engineering effectiveness and sustained financial commitment. The pace of restoration is linked to funding from both state and federal sources, which in turn depends on public support.
BNN's Perspective: The Everglades restoration is a complex, long-term project with significant environmental and economic implications. While progress has been made, challenges remain, particularly regarding funding, land acquisition, and water quality. Continued commitment and collaboration are essential to ensure the Everglades' long-term health and the well-being of South Florida.
Keywords: Everglades, restoration, CERP, EAA Reservoir, water quality, Lake Okeechobee, Tamiami Trail, ecosystem, environment, Florida, Army Corps of Engineers, South Florida Water Management District, STAs, Miccosukee Reservation.