Everglades Restoration: Interactions of Population and Environment

The Everglades system has suffered drastic changes to its life-blood, water. Dramatic population increases and intensive drainage efforts have significantly altered water quantity, quality, timing, and distribution through the system. This paper reviews water management alterations to the Everglades system and changes in the region's population and demography documenting the interconnectivity of the human and natural system. Specific ramifications of population and economic growth on land use, water use, and flood control are examined as a backdrop for discussion of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration efforts now underway. Through discussion of these ramifications and restoration efforts, challenges and opportunities for successful Everglades restoration are identified.