Standing Up for the Greater Everglades
Audubon of Florida Executive Director Eric Draper testified in November before Members of Congress about the recent progress in Everglades restoration and the opportunities to achieve the goals of water quality and habitat protection in the Northern Everglades. The Hearing, “Everglades Restoration: What Are the Priorities” focused on issues surrounding the proposed Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area and the status of other ongoing restoration efforts. This was a unique opportunity to present the needs of the Northern Everglades to the House of Representatives.
Audubon thanks Florida delegation members Southerland, Ross and Rivera for attending the hearing and Everglades Caucus Co-Founder Alcee Hastings for submitting written testimony supporting Everglades restoration and the development of the Headwaters Refuge.
A highlight of the hearing was the compelling comments offered by Congressman Rivera, who supported the goals of the refuge and conservation area as he articulated how the vast importance and bounty of the Everglades extends beyond Everglades National Park in his district to areas far north in the Kissimmee Valley.