DRAFT
About the Everglades

America’s Everglades once covered almost 11,000 square miles of south Florida. Just a century 

ago, water flowed down the Kissimmee River into Lake Okeechobee, then south through the 

Everglades to the Florida Bay—the ultimate destination of unobstructed sheetflow. Because of 

efforts to drain the marshland for urban development, agriculture and flood control, the 

Everglades today is half the size it was a century ago. Dubbed the “River of Grass” for the 

sawgrass that flourished throughout the marsh, the Everglades is a mosaic of freshwater ponds, 

prairies and forested uplands that supports a rich plant and wildlife community. Renowned for 

its wading birds and wildlife, the Everglades is home to dozens of federally listed threatened and 

endangered species. The mix of salt and freshwater makes it the only place on Earth where 

alligators and crocodiles exist side by side.

Upon implementation of the foundation and the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan 

(CERP) projects, water flows will more closely mirror pre-drainage conditions to the extent 

possible given certain modern day constraints, and realize the goals of CERP for both the natural 

and human environments.

Water System Modifications: 

Historic Flow, Current Flow, and Flow after CERP Restoration in South Florida
Agency Letters

CERP 2010 Report to Congress i October 2010

AGENCY LETTERS

Section 601 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2000 approved the Final 

Integrated Feasibility Report and Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (the Plan),

which is the framework for modifications and operational changes to the Central and 

Southern Florida (C&SF) Project needed to restore, preserve and protect the south Florida 

ecosystem while providing for other water-related needs of the region, including water 

supply and flood protection. This legislation is now commonly referred to as the 

Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).

Section 601 (l) of WRDA 2000 requires that the Secretaries of the Army and the Interior 

jointly submit a Report to Congress not less than every five years on the implementation of 

the Plan. In accordance with section 601 (l) 1 of the Act this report includes: 

“...the determination of each Secretary, and the Administrator of the Environmental 

Protection Agency, concerning the benefits to the natural system and the human 

environment achieved as of the date of the report and whether the completed 

projects of the Plan are being operated in a manner that is consistent with the 

requirements of subsection (h)...”

The final report will include these detrminations and will also include a letter of support 

signed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the South Florida 

Water Management District (SFWMD).
Agency Letters

CERP 2010 Report to Congress ii October 2010

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Executive Summary

CERP 2010 Report to Congress iii October 2010

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Restoring the South Florida Ecosystem

Recognizing that a healthy ecosystem is fundamental to a healthy economy, numerous 

initiatives and construction projects are now under way to revitalize and protect the 

expansive south Florida ecosystem. A major component of south Florida ecosystem 

restoration is implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).

Approved by Congress in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2000, CERP is 

a framework for large-scale restoration. CERP is based on ―getting the water right‖ by 

improving water quality, quantity, timing and distribution. There are other important 

projects that pre-date CERP for Everglades restoration that work hand-in-hand to realize the 

benefits of the CERP. These important companion Foundation Projects restores the 

Kissimmee River and improve water flows into Everglades National Park. The State of 

Florida is also working to restore and protect the Northern Everglades by creating water 

quality treatment marshes for water flowing into Lake Okeechobee, coastal estuaries and the 

Everglades. 

Working across political boundaries and in collaboration with partners and many 

stakeholders at the local, state and federal level, restoration of the historic Everglades 

ecosystem is one of the largest and most complex environmental restoration efforts in North 

America. The overarching goal is to capture the fresh water that now flows unused to the 

ocean and the gulf and redirect it to storage for delivery to natural areas when they need it. 

Returning a more historic flow of water to the River of Grass will not only revive the native 

habitat for 68 federally listed threatened and endangered species, it will also naturally 

replenish the underground aquifers that supply drinking water to the population of south 

Florida. 

Major components of CERP include above ground and underground water storage, water 

preserve areas, management of Lake Okeechobee as an ecological resource, improved water 

deliveries to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries, treatment wetlands, improved water 

deliveries to the Everglades, removal of barriers to the natural sheetflow of water, reuse of 

wastewater, and improved water conservation. 

Sound environmental science is at the heart of this effort, much of it new and pioneering 

work. Since 2000, much has been learned through rigorous Everglades research, extensive 

monitoring and the development and refinement of computer models. The CERP planners 

recognized this natural progression in applied science and included a commitment to adaptive 

management as an integral part of CERP implementation to support improved decisionmaking and CERP performance over time. As restoration and scientific investigations 

advance, so, too, do the opportunities to incorporate CERP improvements and changes to 

better achieve restoration goals and objectives. 

Five Years of Restoration and Implementation Progress

This second Report to Congress details the progress made over the last five-year reporting 

period on implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Continuous 
Executive Summary

CERP 2010 Report to Congress iv October 2010

project and program level achievements for both CERP and foundation projects have 

produced not only much needed momentum, but also greater confidence in restoration 

efforts. During this period, a number of earlier initiatives and construction projects 

continued to move forward, and significant progress has been made in many areas, including 

additional scientific knowledge and understanding of the natural, pre-drainage system and 

how water flow, depth and timing influences Everglades ecology. 

Highlights for this period include: 

 Passage of WRDA 2007, authorizing construction of three major projects: Site 1 

Impoundment, Indian River Lagoon-South (IRL-S) and Picayune Strand Restoration.

 Construction and job creation provided by the passage of the American Recovery and 

Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for both CERP and other restoration projects.

CERP Authorized Projects

 Initiated construction for the Merritt Pump Station feature of Picayune Strand 

Restoration, building on the state’s work of filling and plugging seven miles of the Prairie 

Canal; removal of 65 miles of roadways and installation of seventeen culverts. Wading 

birds, black bears and the endangered Florida panther have already been observed within 

the 13,000 acres of restored habitat.

 Installed pilot projects for aquifer 

storage and recovery and ongoing cycle 

testing and monitoring at two sites: 

Kissimmee River and Hillsboro Canal.

 Completed designs to prepare Indian 

River Lagoon-South (IRL-S) for 

construction.

 Awarded the first construction contract 

for the Site 1 Impoundment, adjacent to 

the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee 

National Wildlife Refuge.

 Project Implementation Reports 

completed or nearly completed for: 

Caloosahatchee (C-43) West Basin 

Storage Reservoir, C-111 Spreader Canal – Western Project, Broward County Water 

Preserve Areas and Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands (Phase I).

 

Foundation Projects

 Kissimmee River Restoration: More natural flow was reestablished for four miles in 2007 

and four more miles in 2009 for a total of 22 miles of the meandering Kissimmee River 

now restored. Seasonal rains and flows now inundate 15,000 acres of restored floodplain 

habitat with a decade of comprehensive monitoring documenting that the river and its 

floodplain have surpassed the anticipated environmental response.

 Modified Water Deliveries to Everglades National Park (ENP): Initiated construction of 

the Tamiami Trail Bridge portion of the project to directly benefit water flows to 

Everglades National Park, completed initial necessary flood mitigation improvements in 

the 8.5 Square Mile Area and continuing closeout of punch list items.

 Kissimmee Aquifer Storage and Recovery Installation
Executive Summary

CERP 2010 Report to Congress v October 2010

 C-111 (South Dade): Completed construction of a series of shallow impoundments to 

reduce seepage from Everglades National Park.

 Completed construction of two Critical Projects and three more are in construction.

State Expedited Projects

 Completed an additional 6,000 acres of Stormwater Treatment Area with another 12,000 

acres currently under construction. To date, more than 45,000 acres of effective treatment 

marsh are in operation and using plants to naturally remove phosphorus from water 

flowing into the Everglades. 

 Initiated construction of the Deering Estates Flow-way, part of Phase 1 of the proposed 

CERP Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands Project to restore natural water flows to the Bay 

and Biscayne National Park. 

 Completed construction of L-31E Culverts, part of Phase 1 of the proposed CERP 

Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands Project.

 Initiated construction of the proposed CERP C-111 Spreader Canal - Western Project to 

benefit Florida Bay by restoring freshwater wetlands, tidal wetlands and near-shore 

habitat. 

 Test cells constructed for the CERP Caloosahatchee River (C-43) West Basin Storage 

Reservoir and the IRL-S C-44 Reservoir/Stormwater Treatment Area projects. Designs

completed on both features.

 Completed Acme Basin B Discharge Phase I (C-51 pump and C-1 canal improvements) 

and Phase II (Section 24 Impoundment) components. 

 Initiated design work on all proposed CERP Broward County Water Preserve Area 

components (C-9 Impoundment; C-11 Impoundment; Water Conservation Area-3A/3B 

Seepage Management). Remaining design and construction will be undertaken by the 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers following project authorization.

 Initiated construction on Lakeside Ranch Phase 1 (Stormwater Treatment Area [STA]

North and S-650 Pump Station). Phase II design (STA South and S-191A Pump Station) 

is under way. 

 Completed L-8 Reservoir components of the proposed North Palm Beach County-Part 1 

CERP project, including installation of the G-160 and G-161 structures. Design and 

construction plan for L-8 additional storage capacity is complete.

 Approved the acquisition of an initial 26,800 acres of strategically located land south of 

Lake Okeechobee from the U.S. Sugar Corporation to provide construction opportunities 

for treatment and storage configurations never before contemplated. 

Protecting Water for the Environment

 Fulfilling its commitment to meet the requirements of WRDA 2000 to set aside water 

generated through project construction first for the protection of fish and wildlife ahead 

of consumptive uses, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) as 

CERP’s local sponsor undertook rulemaking to reserve the water identified for the natural 

system in three Project Implementation Reports authorized by the Congress. The 

rulemaking also created a restricted allocation rule for the Everglades Protection Area. 

In February 2009 the SFWMD adopted a water reservation for the Picayune 

Strand and Fakahatchee Estuary, the first-ever water reservation for America’s 

Everglades. 
Executive Summary

CERP 2010 Report to Congress vi October 2010

The SFWMD also adopted a second reservation for the St. Lucie River and 

Estuary as part of the Indian River Lagoon-South project.

The SFWMD also initiated rulemaking to reserve water for the Caloosahatchee 

River and Estuary on Florida’s west coast as part of the upcoming C-43 West 

Basin Storage Reservoir project. 

Program Coordination

 Execution of the Master Agreement between the SFWMD and the Department of the 

Army, which serves as the umbrella 

accord between the State and federal 

partners to govern all CERP projects. 

 Execution of Project Partnership 

Agreements for five projects: 

Picayune Strand Restoration, Site 1 

Impoundment, L-31N (L-30) 

Seepage Management Pilot, 

Melaleuca Eradication and Other 

Exotic Plants – Implement 

Biological Controls and Indian 

River Lagoon - South.

 Incorporation of the CERP Master Implementation Sequencing Plan into the Integrated 

Delivery Schedule, which not only includes CERP projects, but also includes other major

ongoing restoration efforts and that recognizes project interdependencies and interagency 

prioritization and budgeting. 

New Science and Adaptive Management

An invaluable feature of Everglades restoration is the continuous expansion of scientific 

knowledge on the south Florida ecosystem. During the past decade, applied research, field 

monitoring and computer analysis have delivered extensive new data that inform the 

understanding of the complex Everglades environment. This information has emerged not 

only from CERP-related activities but from studies taking place in academic, governmental 

and research institutions.

Examples include a more detailed knowledge of how water depths, velocities and flooding 

cycles change Everglades topography and impact the plants and animals that thrive there. 

More extensive data has been collected on invasive exotics and today there is a better

understanding of the impact of salinity imbalances on the health of south Florida’s estuaries. 

Emerging information about climate change is also transforming the approach to Everglades 

restoration. New information on rainfall and temperature patterns, ocean acidification and sea 

level rise has shown that assumptions made a decade ago are no longer fully accurate. 

Restoration plans must now address a variety of expected impacts, such as changing salinity 

zones, spread of invasive species and altered drought/flood cycles.

The value of new scientific information is its ability to improve decision making within 

CERP, thereby improving restoration success. This is being achieved through a structured 

 August 13, 2009 signing of the Master Agreement 
Executive Summary

CERP 2010 Report to Congress vii October 2010

approach known as adaptive management, which provides a process to address the 

uncertainties and risks inherent in ecosystem restoration. Going beyond solely addressing 

new scientific information, adaptive management encourages flexibility. It encourages 

project designs that perform well or can be adapted given uncertain or changing future 

conditions; it encourages stakeholder engagement, interagency collaboration to build shared 

understanding and support for restoration, and problem resolution; and it helps reconcile 

competing objectives to benefit both nature and society. 

During the past five years, an adaptive management framework has been developed for 

CERP, integrating relevant principles and activities at both the program and project levels. 

Scientific studies now indicate that greater flow through the Everglades is essential to restore 

the ridge and slough system that continues to disappear. This same increased flow is needed 

to restore the health of Florida Bay.

Financial Status

The current cost estimate for the CERP is $13.5 billion at October 2009 price levels. Over 

two billion dollars in funding in combined contributions from the federal and state partners 

has been provided in support of CERP and prospective CERP projects over the past five 

fiscal years (2005-2009). During this time, the federal government expended almost $259 

million, while it is estimated that local sponsors spent approximately $270 million on 

activities not related to land acquisition. Land acquisition is a major expense. As of 

December 31, 2009, the State of Florida has spent $1.26 billion to purchase more than 

230,000 acres which could be made available for CERP project features. Some of this land 

was acquired by the state using federal grant funds amounting to over $327 million. 

Funding over the past five years included resources made available under ARRA which are 

outside the general fiscal year 2009/fiscal year 2010 budget process. ARRA funds combined 

with the President’s Fiscal Year 2009 and 2010 budgets infused the largest amount of Federal 

funding received since Congress authorized CERP in 2000. This resulted in a ―jump-start‖ 

of important restoration projects, speeding the recovery of the natural system, and providing 

jobs and contracts during difficult economic times. 

The Road Ahead

CERP must balance a long-term vision with 

judicious planning. The first order of 

business is to complete foundation and CERP 

projects that are under construction or being 

readied for construction. During the next five 

years important projects being constructed

include the Kissimmee River Restoration, 

C-111 Spreader Canal – Western Project, 

Modified Water Deliveries to ENP, Site 1 

Impoundment, Picayune Strand Restoration, 

IRL-S C-44 Reservoir/ Stormwater Treatment 

Area, the Caloosahatchee River (C-43) West 

Basin Storage Reservoir, and Biscayne Bay Endangered Florida panther with two kittens 

at Picayune Strand (after road removal, 2010) Photo courtesy of Darrell Land at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission 
Executive Summary

CERP 2010 Report to Congress viii October 2010

Coastal Wetlands (Phase I), among others. These crucial efforts will begin to transform the 

management of water throughout the system, providing much needed water storage, water 

treatment and rehydration to large areas of the ecosystem.

Restoration success can be achieved only if projects and programs are designed to embrace 

new information and can be flexible and adjust to improve their implementation. Adaptive 

assessment and management will become a more significant factor as CERP projects are 

completed and more is learned about the system and its operational needs. Ultimately, this 

will mean evolution of CERP itself—consistent with CERP restoration and other water 

resource related goals and objectives.

Public engagement has been and will continue to be a key part of the CERP project 

development process. In addition to public engagement through the normal project 

development process, the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force and the 

SFWMD’s Water Resources Advisory Committee have reached out to all agencies, 

stakeholders, and special interests groups as well as the general public to provide a more 

open and inclusive process in the overall restoration program development. 

Finally, a look forward does not present a clear or accurate view if it does not recognize 

economic realities. The economic downturn has had a substantial impact on the State of 

Florida’s funding capabilities. Advanced construction initiatives by the state plus its bold 

vision for land acquisition have been hampered by significant revenue declines since 2008. 

At the same time, recent federal funding has been invaluable. ARRA and Fiscal Year 2010 

appropriations together enabled a meaningful step forward for CERP. Partner agencies are 

busy at work planning, designing and building CERP projects, which is bringing multifaceted returns. Implementing Everglades construction projects not only provides 

immeasurable environmental benefits, it also injects funds into local communities, provides 

higher-wage jobs for Americans and ensures continued momentum for ―green‖ initiatives 

that will offer safeguards for Florida’s economic well-being for decades to come.

Sustained funding at both the state and federal level along with timely and continuing 

authorizations of CERP projects in upcoming Water Resources Development Acts are 

essential to maintaining the benefits and progress documented here. Together, pioneering 

science, engineering, and funding serve as the true foundation for America’s willingness and 

vision to restore her Everglades.

Modified Water Deliveries to ENP, a 

Foundation Project, strives to return Shark 

River Slough to a natural flow pattern (from 

the right) across Tamiami Trail, which serves 

as the northern boundary of Everglades 

National Park (to the left).
Table of Contents

CERP 2010 Report to Congress ix October 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AGENCY LETTERS...............................................................................................................I

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................................................III

TABLE OF CONTENTS .....................................................................................................IX

LIST OF TABLES................................................................................................................XI

LIST OF FIGURES ..............................................................................................................XI

1 INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................... 1

2 ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS.............................. 5

2.1 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION .............................................................................. 5

2.1.1 CERP Projects Under Construction ......................................................................... 5

2.1.2 State Expedited Efforts............................................................................................. 6

2.1.3 CERP Pilot Project Installation and Testing............................................................. 8

2.1.4 Other Federal and State South Florida Restoration Projects.................................... 9

2.1.5 Construction Ready ................................................................................................ 12

2.1.6 Project Authorizations............................................................................................ 13

2.1.7 Project Partnership Agreement Execution ............................................................. 13

2.1.8 Protecting Water for the Environment ................................................................... 14

2.1.9 Project Implementation Reports and Studies ......................................................... 15

2.1.10 Integrated Delivery Schedule ................................................................................. 15

2.2 LAND ACQUISITION............................................................................................ 18

2.3 SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS .......................................................................... 18

2.3.1 Overview of South Florida Ecosystem New Science............................................. 19

2.3.2 Independent Scientific Review............................................................................... 21

2.3.3 Restoration Coordination and Verification (RECOVER)...................................... 22

2.3.4 Adaptive Management ........................................................................................... 22

2.3.5 Non-Indigenous (Invasive/Exotic) Species............................................................ 23

2.3.6 Climate Change ...................................................................................................... 23

2.4 FINANCIAL STATUS AND ECONOMIC/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT.............. 24

2.4.1 Project/Program Funding ....................................................................................... 24

2.4.2 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Passage.............................................. 25

2.4.3 Expenditures Through Fiscal Year 2009................................................................ 26

2.4.4 Cost Estimate Update ............................................................................................. 28

2.4.5 Cost Share Crediting for Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Projects .. 29

2.4.6 Outreach and Assistance Activities........................................................................ 29

2.4.7 Recreation and Tourism ......................................................................................... 29

2.4.8 Economic Benefits Achieved ................................................................................. 30

3 THE NEXT FIVE YEARS....................................................................................... 31

3.1 PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS ............................................................................... 31

3.1.1 Construction ........................................................................................................... 31

3.1.2 Authorizations Expected ........................................................................................ 32

3.1.3 Decision Documents............................................................................................... 32
Table of Contents

CERP 2010 Report to Congress x October 2010

3.1.4 Project Partnership Agreements Anticipated ......................................................... 32

3.1.5 Protecting Water for the Natural System ............................................................... 33

3.1.6 Expectations for Other South Florida Restoration Efforts..................................... 33

3.2 LAND NEEDS......................................................................................................... 34

3.3 EXPECTATIONS IN SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS ...................................... 35

3.4 FUNDING NEEDS.................................................................................................. 36

4 LOOKING FORWARD........................................................................................... 39

TAB A - REFERENCES ...................................................................................................... 41

TAB B - ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ............................................................. 45

TAB C - LAND ACQUISITION UPDATE MAP.............................................................. 47

APPENDICES

APPENDICIES ........................................................................................................................I

APPENDICIES - TABLE OF CONTENTS.......................................................................III

APPENDIX A - CERP PROJECT INFORMATION ..................................................... A-1

APPENDIX B - CERP PROGRAM COORDINATION ................................................ B-1

APPENDIX C - SCIENTIFIC INITIATIVES ................................................................. C-1

APPENDIX D - STATUS OF OTHER SOUTH FLORIDA EVERGLADES

ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION PROJECTS................................................................. D-1

APPENDIX E - UPDATED COST ESTIMATES BY CERP PROJECT ..................... E-1
Table of Contents

CERP 2010 Report to Congress xi October 2010

LIST OF TABLES

Table 2-1: Integrated Delivery Schedule Through 2020 as of June 2010 .............................. 16

Table 2-2: Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Funding Fiscal Years 2005 through 

2009....................................................................................................................... 25

Table 2-3: Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Expenditures through Fiscal Year 

2009*..................................................................................................................... 27

Table 2-4: Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Cost Estimate Update Summary .. 28

Table 3-1: Estimated Land Crediting for Authorized Projects Expected within the Next Five 

Years..................................................................................................................... 35

Table 3-2: RECOVER’s Anticipated Efforts......................................................................... 36

Table 3-3: Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Funding Required to Support the 

Integrated Delivery Schedule from Fiscal Year 2010 through Fiscal Year 2014...

............................................................................................................................... 37

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1-1: Pre and Post-Alterations to South Florida Natural System................................... 2

Figure 2-1: Map of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Projects..................... 17

Figure Tab-C-1: South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Land Acquisition Strategy............ ..47
Table of Contents

CERP 2010 Report to Congress xii October 2010

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Section 1 Introduction

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 1 October 2010

2010 REPORT TO CONGRESS

1 INTRODUCTION

This 2010 Report to Congress on the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) is 

the second in a series of periodic reports to fulfill the requirements of the Water Resources 

Development Act of 2000 (WRDA 2000) and the CERP Programmatic Regulations. This 

Report provides members of Congress and other interested parties with an update on the 

progress of CERP over the past five-year period (mid 2005- mid 2010) and the 

accomplishments expected over the next five years. It is submitted jointly by the Secretary 

of the Army and the Secretary of the Interior after consultation with the State of Florida, the 

Secretary of Commerce, other federal and state agencies, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of 

Florida, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task 

Force (SFERTF). Cumulative expenditures, including the past five years, for this joint cost 

share program, are included, along with forecasts for funding requirements for the next five 

years.

The initial 2005 Report to Congress was submitted to Congress on September 22, 2006. The 

full text of which, as well as the Programmatic Regulations and other pertinent Water 

Resources Development Act (WRDA) legislation, is located on the official CERP Web site 

www.evergladesplan.org.

The Central and Southern Florida (C&SF) Project was authorized by Congress in 1948, in 

response to the deadly flooding in south Florida to address issues related to flood and water 

level control, water conservation, prevention of salt water intrusion and preservation of fish 

and wildlife. Earlier drainage projects were expanded by the federal government, through 

the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in partnership with the State of 

Florida. Together, they constructed and managed an elaborate water management system 

consisting of 1,000 miles of canals, 720 miles of levees and more than 150 water control 

structures -- the largest civil works project of its time.

The C&SF Project altered significant portions of the natural system as shown in Figure 1-1. 

The Kissimmee River was channelized and Lake Okeechobee was diked to prevent 

uncontrolled overflows from the lake. The region of the Everglades immediately south of 

Lake Okeechobee, now called the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), was drained to 

accommodate agricultural production. A drainage system was constructed in the lower east 

coast to support and enhance urban, suburban, and agricultural development. An elaborate 

dike system was constructed in the central portions of the Everglades to create the Water 

Conservation Areas (WCAs), which serve the dual purposes of storing water for human 

needs in the lower east coast and for deliveries of water to the Everglades National Park 

(ENP). 

Unfortunately, these alterations has had unintended adverse consequences for much of the 

south Florida ecosystem. The significant reduction of natural water storage capacity in the 

regional system led to substantial ecological damage to natural habitats. 
Section 1 Introduction

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 2 October 2010

FIGURE 1-1: PRE AND POST-ALTERATIONS TO SOUTH FLORIDA NATURAL 

SYSTEM

The south Florida human environment benefits from ecosystem services, too. Water quality 

impacts public health, flood protection contributes to safety, agricultural/aquaculture and 

tourism affect economic health and recreational opportunities enhance the quality of life. 
Section 1 Introduction

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 3 October 2010

The ability to restore the health of the remaining Everglades ecosystem and achieve 

sustainability in water resources for all needs depends on the successful implementation of 

restoration projects. As a result, the C&SF Project Comprehensive Review Study was 

directed under the WRDAs 1992 and 1996 to determine how to restore the south Florida 

ecosystem, enhance water supplies and maintain flood control. 

The WRDA 2000 approved the Central and Southern Florida Project Comprehensive Review 

Study Final Integrated Feasibility Report and Programmatic Environmental Impact 

Statement, dated April 1, 1999 (the Plan), as ―a framework for modifications and operational 

changes to the Central and Southern Florida Project‖...―needed to restore, preserve and 

protect the south Florida ecosystem while providing for other water-related needs of the 

region, including water supply and flood protection.‖ 

The Plan includes a holistic implementation plan focused on ―getting the water right‖ in the 

south Florida ecosystem as related to quantity, quality, distribution and timing—getting the 

right amount of water of the right type to the right places at the right time. Success for the 

natural system of south Florida will be achieved by restoring and sustaining those 

hydrological and biological characteristics that both defined the original pre-drainage greater 

Everglades; and made it unique among the world’s wetlands. 

These defining characteristics of the original 

Everglades include: sheetflow; low levels of 

nutrients in freshwater wetlands, healthy 

productive estuaries, resilient plant 

communities, and an abundance of native 

wetland animals. Although the future 

Everglades ecosystem will be smaller than the 

pre-drainage system, restoration will be 

successful if the activities that recover these 

characteristics allow the Everglades to function 

as one cohesive ecosystem, rather than as a set 

of managed and separated wetlands.

The USACE and the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) are the lead federal agencies 

responsible for undertaking implementation of the Plan in partnership with the South Florida 

Water Management District (lead non-federal sponsor) and the State of Florida along with 

other local sponsors. In addition, SFERTF is charged with coordinating the development of 

consistent policies, strategies, plans, programs, project activities and priorities for addressing 

restoration, preservation and protection of the south Florida ecosystem. 
Section 1 Introduction

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 4 October 2010

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Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 5 October 2010

2 ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS

2.1 PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

The USACE, the DOI and their partners are proceeding with the detailed design and 

implementation of multiple restoration projects as identified in the Integrated Delivery 

Schedule (IDS), see Table 2-1. These restoration projects include CERP projects which are 

being implemented through a partnership bewteen the USACE and local sponsors. The 

primary local sponsor for CERP is the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). 

The restoration projects also include projects the State of Florida, through the SFWMD, is 

designing and constructing under their Expedited projects initiative.. Although some of the 

State’s expedited projects may become portions of CERP projects, other expedited projects 

are not expected to do so. Other projects, such as Foundation Projects (see section 2.1.4.1)

and Critical Projects (see section 2.1.4.2) that pre-date CERP, are also included in the IDS.

Although not all of the projects in the IDS are a part of the Plan, they are fundamental to

achieving restoration of the south Florida ecosystem and realizing the benefits of the Plan. 

The status of the construction and design of restoration projects in south Florida is presented 

below. The status of the CERP projects currently being planned can be found in Appendix A

with the status of the Project Implementation Reports (PIRs) in Table A-1 of Appendix A. 

2.1.1 CERP Projects Under Construction

Picayune Strand Restoration Project 

The State of Florida initiated an early start on the proposed Picayune Strand Restoration 

project in 2003 as a state expedited project. Subsequently, Congress authorized construction 

of this as a CERP project in WRDA 2007 for $375.3 million.

Picayune Strand Restoration groundbreaking ceremony, January 7, 2010

The balance of construction, along with the remaining road removal efforts, is being 

implemented by the USACE. Construction was initiated with the October 30, 2009 award of 

the contract for the Merritt Pump Station and road removal. A groundbreaking ceremony 
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 6 October 2010

took place on January 7, 2010. Award of a second contract for the Faka-Union Pump Station 

and road removal features is scheduled for late 2010. 

Work completed by the SFWMD as a state expedited project included the plugging of seven 

miles of the Prairie Canal, removal of 65 miles of roadways, and the construction of 17 

culverts. Over-drainage of the adjacent Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park was 

successfully reduced. Native vegetation is quickly covering the plugged areas and very few 

nuisance or exotic plant species have been observed. An increased number of ospreys and 

wading birds have been observed foraging in the area and beneficial surface water flows have 

also been observed during the wet seasons. The Florida panther is also beginning to use the 

area again, with the first recorded dens in the area. 

Construction of the full authorized plan will restore and enhance more than 55,000 acres of 

wetlands in the former Southern Golden Gate Estates and in adjacent natural areas and public 

lands by reducing over-drainage and restoring more natural water flow through the area. 

Implementation of the restoration plan will also improve the water quality of coastal estuaries 

by moderating the large salinity fluctuations caused by the freshwater point discharge from 

the Faka-Union Canal. 

Site 1 Impoundment Project

The SFWMD completed a siginificant portion of the design of this project before turning the 

designs over to the USACE for completion and award. The USACE's first construction 

contract for this project was awarded on August 24, 2010. This project will reduce the 

amount of seepage loss from the adjacent Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife 

Refuge, helping to maintain water levels in this area, reduce water supply withdrawals from 

the Refuge, increase the amount of water remaining in the natural system (especially during 

the dry periods); and in turn allow for ecological habitat improvements.

The full Site 1 Impoundment authorized plan includes an 1,660-acre above-ground 

impoundment (13,280 acre-feet capacity) with associated structures. When completed, this 

project will also supplement water deliveries to the Hillsboro Canal by capturing and storing 

excess water currently discharged to the Intracoastal Waterway, reducing demands on Lake 

Okeechobee and the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. It will provide groundwater 

recharge, further reduce seepage losses from adjacent natural areas, and prevent saltwater 

intrusion. Existing levels of flood protection will be maintained and may also be enhanced 

along with improvement in the overall water quality. 

2.1.2 State Expedited Efforts

Certain projects are being implemented by the State of Florida through their own resources. 

These projects or portions of projects, some of which are identified in CERP, are expected to 

advance the delivery of benefits to the natural and human environments in and around the 

Everglades ecosystem. The USACE has worked closely with the State of Florida to assist 

them in their efforts to expedite these projects with regard to the required federal permitting 

under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The USACE works closely with SFMWD to 

coordinate during the Project Implementation Report (PIR) process. This coordination
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 7 October 2010

maximizes the probability that state initiatives prior to authorization will be consistent with 

the recommended plan identified in the appropriate PIR and proposed for congressional 

authorization. When the state’s initiative is consistent with the recommended plan 

authorized by Congress, credit may be afforded (e.g. Picayune Strand).

Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area, a Potential Component of Taylor 

Creek/Nubbin Slough Storage and Treatment Area

This Lakeside Ranch Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) is being constructed by the State of 

Florida and involves construction of a 2,700-acre STA, adjacent to Lake Okeechobee in the 

Taylor Creek/Nubbin Slough basin, which will provide up to 19 metric tons of phosphorus 

reduction annually. Removing this phosphorus will help improve Lake Okeechobee’s water 

quality. An STA feature in the Taylor Creek/Nubbin Slough basin was included in the Plan 

and the Taylor Creek/Nubbin Slough project was conditionally authorized in WRDA 2000, 

however, due in part to inclusion in the larger Lake Okeechobee Watershed Project, 

additional authorization will be sought. More information on the status of the Lake 

Okeechobee Watershed Project can be found in Appendix A. Per the Pre-Partnership Credit 

Agreement (PPCA), work performed by the sponsor on the Lakeside Ranch STA may be 

eligible for credit in the future pending the conditions noted in the PPCA. Construction for 

the STA North and the S-650 Pump Station (Phase 1) has begun. Design for Phase II (STA 

South and S-191A Pump Station) is currently underway.

C-111 Spreader Canal – Western Project – State Expedited Efforts

The final PIR for the western features is under review prior to submittal to Congress for 

authorization. Construction for this 

component, which includes two pump 

stations, culverts and water control 

structures in south Miami-Dade County, 

was initiated by the SFWMD in January 

2010. It will provide increased 

sheetflow to Florida Bay via Taylor 

Slough and ecosystem restoration of 

freshwater wetlands, tidal wetlands and 

near-shore habitat as well as flood 

maintenance and recreation 

opportunities. 

C-44 Reservoir and Stormwater Treatment Area – State Expedited Efforts

This component is a part of the CERP Indian River Lagoon – South (IRL-S) project that was 

authorized for construction in WRDA 2007. The C-44 Reservoir and STA will reduce 

harmful freshwater inflows and generate habitat and water quality improvements in the St. 

Lucie Estuary and the IRL. State expedited work included the completion of two test 

reservoirs and two test STA cells used to reduce construction and design uncertainties. 

Significant progress was also made on the design of the relocation work, including the 

C132/133 canals; the Troup Indiantown Water Control District Reconfiguration; and the 

Communications Tower. 

C-111 Spreader Canal – Western Project construction
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 8 October 2010

Caloosahatchee River (C-43) West Basin Storage Reservoir - State Expedited Efforts

Expedited design and planned land clearing activities are expected to support the planned 

CERP project of the same name and is a part of the final PIR under review by the 

Administration prior to submittal to Congress for authorization. The project is designed to 

capture and store stormwater runoff from the C-43 Basin and reduce excess freshwater flow 

to the Caloosahatchee Estuary. It will also capture and store water releases from Lake 

Okeechobee, reducing discharges to coastal estuaries. Test cells, and their associated 

analysis used to reduce construction and design uncertainties, were completed in 2007. The 

final design of the reservoir (in Hendry County on approximately 10,500 acres) was 

completed by SFWMD in January 2008 and tree clearing to remove approximately 6,000 

acres of citrus is scheduled for 2010.

Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands (Phase 1) - State Expedited Efforts

The SFWMD completed designs for L-31 Culverts, Deering Estates and Cutler Wetlands in 

2009. Construction on L-31 was completed in 2010 and construction on Deering Estates is 

underway. This phase will restore more natural water flows to Biscayne Bay and Biscayne 

National Park, improving salinity distribution near the shoreline. This will re-establish 

productive nursery habitats for shrimp, shellfish and near-shore habitat.

North Palm Beach County L-8 Reservoir – State Expedited Efforts

The L-8 Reservoir will provide 47,000 acre-feet of water storage. This will improve water 

levels in the Loxahatchee Slough and increase freshwater deliveries to the Northwest Fork of 

the Loxahatchee River during dry periods. Components that are complete include 

installation of the G-160 and G-161 structures.

Information about other restoration efforts outside of the CERP can be found in Appendix D.

2.1.3 CERP Pilot Project Installation and Testing

The Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Pilot projects have been designed to address local 

scale technical uncertainties relative to ASR design and operation. This includes 

investigating options for surface water withdrawal, injection, and pumping cycles; water 

treatment technology; and effects of these pumping cycles on the groundwater and ecosystem 

in the test region. Operating these pilot projects also provides insight into likely operational 

costs for the larger system, which will aid in a comparison of ASR technology with 

conventional (e.g., surface water reservoirs) and alternative (e.g., desalination) technologies 

to meet the water supply needs for the natural and human environments. 

Installation of the Kissimmee River ASR system was completed in December 2008. 

Operational cycle testing began on January 12, 2009. Two cycle tests were completed by 

December 2009, and a third is ongoing. Preliminary analyses of the engineering and 

scientific information collected during cycle testing at the pilot facilities is currently being 

accomplished. Construction of the Hillsboro Canal ASR system was completed by 

SFWMD in autumn 2008 and operational cycle testing began in January 2010. Adaptive 

Management measures will be conducted at both facilities during Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 and 

FY 2011 to optimize operational performance. 
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 9 October 2010

The purpose of the L-31N (L-30) Seepage Management Pilot is to resolve critical 

uncertainties associated with seepage management technologies and cost and time 

requirements for implementation. The recommended plan will test two structural seepage 

reduction technologies (steel sheet pile and slurry wall), and test the ability to seasonally 

manage seepage flows through pumping operations with extraction and injection wells. This 

pilot was identified for funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 

(ARRA) in May 2009, however it was determined that a post authorizaton change report will 

be necessary before construction can proceed.

In addition, the USACE is moving forward with a design test project for the proposed CERP 

C-111 Spreader Canal to resolve a specific design issue related to the eastern spreader 

canal. A contract for the design test was awarded and operation began in February 2010 with 

testing to continue for two years.

2.1.4 Other Federal and State South Florida Restoration Projects

The full suite of benefits from the implementation of all of the CERP projects has some 

dependency on the successful completion of other south Florida restoration projects. The 

Foundation Projects were authorized, or modified from the Flood Control Act of 1948 and 

other directives with the goal of correcting prior environmental damage while also enhancing 

water supply and flood mitigation. The Everglades and South Florida (E&SF) projects, more 

commonly known as Critical Projects, were authorized in WRDA 1996 and are smaller 

restoration projects that could produce ―independent, immediate, and substantial restoration, 

preservation, and protection benefits.‖ Lastly, some projects originally identified in CERP

have been constructed by local and state agencies outside of CERP.

2.1.4.1 Foundation Projects

Modified Water Deliveries to Everglades National Park

The Modified Water Deliveries to Everglades National Park project (ModWaters) is a key 

cornerstone to the foundation of CERP. Many CERP projects that will deliver water to this 

area are dependent upon this project to complete the goals of restoration. In the 8.5-squaremile area, lands were acquired and 

construction was completed in 2008. 

Operational testing is ongoing and 

project features (perimeter levee, 

flowway, detention cell and seepage 

collector canal) will be transferred to 

the SFWMD for operations when 

testing is complete. Groundbreaking 

for construction of a one-mile eastern 

bridge with reinforcement of the road 

(Tamiami Trail Modifications) took 

place in December 2009 with 

construction beginning in March 2010. 

Tamiami Trail along L-29
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 10 October 2010

Construction on water control structures S-331 modifications were completed in 2009 and 

modifications on S-333 were completed in 2007. In addition, the installation of a pilot 

project consisting of two speader swales is expected to be completed by the end of February 

2011 through a modification to the Tamiami Trail contract. 

Kissimmee River Restoration

As the headwaters of the Everglades system, the health of the 3,000-square-mile Kissimmee 

River basin is crucial to the health of the south Florida ecosystem. More natural flow was reestablished for an additional four miles in 2007 and four more miles in 2009 for a total of 22 

miles now restored. This has also restored the natural function of over 15,000 acres of 

floodplain. As a result, several species of birds have returned to the Kissimmee after an 

absence of 40 years. The following features were completed between 2006 and 2010: S84/84 spillway addition, radio tower relocation, S-65DX2 grade control structure, and S-68 

spillway addition. Currently under construction are the Istokpoga Canal improvements, the 

S-65DX1 retrofit, the C-37 Widening and the River Acres flood reduction features. 

Central and Southern Florida: C-111 Project (South Dade)

The modifications to the C-111 project will improve hydrologic conditions in Taylor Slough 

and maintain flood protection for development and agricultural interest in south Miami-Dade 

County. Between 2006 and 2010, construction of the S-331 Command and Control Center 

and construction of the first retention/detention zone features, which help to reduce seepage 

losses from Everglades National Park were completed. Both have been transferred for 

operations to the sponsor, the SFWMD.

Central and Southern Florida: West Palm Beach Canal Stormwater Treatment 

Area 1E/C-51 West

The construction of STA-1E/C-51W was substantially completed by the USACE in June 

2004 and transferred to the SFWMD for operations in 2005. Maintenance issues and minor 

repairs have been addressed that required de-watering access and a mechanical change on

another structure to finalize inspections. A field test for treatment with periphyton has also 

been underway. Preliminary small scale studies indicated a periphyton-based stormwater 

treatment area may be a cost effective way to greatly reduce phosphorus levels.

2.1.4.2 Everglades and South Florida: Critical Restoration Projects Program

Prior to 2006, the Florida Keys Carrying Capacity Study, the East Coast Canal 

Structures Project, and the Western C-11 Water Quality Improvement project were 

completed. During this reporting period, the SFWMD completed construction of the western 

portion of the Tamiami Trail Culverts (Phase 1) with assistance from Florida Department 

of Transportation funds. This work was incorporated into the Picayune Strand Restoration

PIR and as such was cost shared under that authorization. Construction for the Lake 

Okeechobee Water Retention and Phosphorus Removal - Nubbin Slough and Taylor 

Creek portion was physically complete in 2006. Testing, which was initiated in 2007, 

identified additional construction needs and will resume once modifications are complete and 

water levels in the area are sufficient. Construction was initially completed on the Ten Mile 

Creek Water Preserve Area project by June 2006. However additional project needs have 
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 11 October 2010

been identified, which will require modifications to the project authorization. The USACE 

has placed the facility in a passive operating state while a post authorization change report is 

completed.

The second muck-removal effort for Lake Trafford Restoration began in November 2006 

and is continuing following drought related delays. To date SFWMD has removed 3.15 

million cubic yards of muck. Southern Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed 

(CREW) will restore historical sheetflow in the project area and reduce excessive freshwater 

discharges (which include nutrients and pollutants) to Estero Bay during the rainy season. 

Ninety-three percent of land has been acquired and construction is twenty-five percent 

complete. Construction of Basin 1 features of the Seminole Tribe Big Cypress Reservation 

Water Conservation Plan was completed in June 2008 with transfer to the sponsor executed 

in February 2010. Construction of the Basin 4 features is scheduled to begin in 2011.

2.1.4.3 Everglades Ecosystem Water Quality

In the last decade the State of Florida has made significant progress in improving the quality 

of the water entering the Everglades (SFWMD 2010, South Florida Environmental Report). 

Water quality improvements are central to hydrologic restoration. The primary focus of the 

State effort is in reducing phosphorus levels in discharges to the Everglades Protection Area, 

including the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, the Water 

Conservation Areas, and ENP. The State’s investment in this effort is now over a billion 

dollars. 

The State’s Everglades Agricultural Area Stormwater Treatment Area Expansion will expand 

the size and enhance the performance of existing STAs in reducing stormwater phosphorus 

levels and helping achieve state water quality standards for the Everglades. Of the total 

18,000 acres of treatment wetlands planned, 6,000 acres have been completed within the 

initial expansion of STA-2, STA-5, and STA-6 in 2007. Construction of pump stations 

began in September 2009. Design and permitting is completed and construction is underway 

for the rest of the STA expansion. 

2.1.4.4 Project Construction by Non-Federal Parties

Projects described below were identified as Other Project Elements (OPE) within the Plan. 

All are currently being implemented outside of the CERP program by local entities.

Acme Basin B Discharge

This project is located in western Palm Beach County. The SFWMD has partnered with 

local interests to design and construct the Acme Basin B Discharge project. The project will

improve Everglades water quality by diverting urban stormwater runoff from the Acme Basin 

B into the C-51 Canal and then on to STA-1E for treatment. Phase 1 construction completed 

included Pump Station #7 and C-1 Canal conveyance improvements. Phase 2, which 

includes Pump Station #9, was completed in 2010.
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 12 October 2010

Winsberg Farm Restoration

Palm Beach County's Water Utilities District (PBCWUD) completed construction of Phase 1, 

or the western half, of the restoration project in 2004. Phase 1 included 72 acres of wetlands, 

plus a parking lot, visitor center, and recreational access features and was completed without 

federal funds. PBCWUD refers to this portion of the project as "Green Cay Wetlands." In 

the summer of 2008, PBCWUD made a decision to discontinue development of the 

remainder of the project identified in the Plan.

Lakes Park Restoration

The South Florida Water Management District advised that they would work with the nonfederal sponsor (Lee County) to accomplish Lakes Park with non-federal resources to design 

and construct outside of the CERP. Federal efforts on this project are discontinued. Lee 

County, working with SFWMD, has retrofitted two control structures to stop salt water 

intrusion and constructed detention areas to improve water quality along the eastern edge of 

the park, upstream of the control structures (Phase I and Phase II). The county has also

moved forward with design and permitting for an additional treatment area consisting of a 

40-acre filter marsh and flowway (Phase III) to address offsite stormwater issues. 

Construction of the filter marsh and the flowway is anticipated to begin in FY 2011. The 

restoration efforts will provide immediate habitat and water quality benefits at Lakes Park 

and improve downstream conditions in Hendry County and the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve.

2.1.5 Construction Ready 

The Indian River Lagoon–South (IRL-S) Project, which includes the C-44 Reservoir and 

STA elements, will improve the overall environmental health and sustainability of the St. 

Lucie Estuary and IRL. Half of the land acquired for this project was for the Allapattah 

"natural‖ area and SFWMD, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Natural Resource Conservation Service, has begun work to return it to a natural condition. 

This property has been opened to the public for passive recreational usage (e.g., bird 

watching, hiking). Plans and specifications for the C-44 Reservoir (50,600 acre-feet of 

storage) and its STA components (6,300 acres) were part of the SFWMD state expedited 

work. The USACE is currently re-packaging those plans into separate contracts in order for 

the USACE to be able to advertise and award the first contract for construction in late 2010 

or early 2011.

The primary benefits of the Melaleuca Eradication and Other Exotics project include 

preventing the expansion of invasive exotic plant species into natural areas, and reducing 

coverage and density of invasive exotic species. Secondary benefits include promoting the 

re-establishment of native plants, restoring native habitat for native bird and wildlife species, 

and reducing stressors on rare, threatened and endangered species. This project builds upon 

work already underway (see Appendix C – Non-Indigenous Species).

As an OPE in the CERP, this project was authorized by the Secretary of the Army under the 

Programmatic Authority in WRDA 2000. The approved plan for the control of melaleuca 

and Australian pine, as well as Brazilian pepper and Old World climbing fern, is to treat all 

test areas with approved biocontrol agents (such as specialized insects) and to construct a 
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 13 October 2010

mass rearing annex for housing and testing the agents. The USACE is working to award a 

contract with 2010 ARRA funding for the annex facility located in Davie, Florida.

2.1.6 Project Authorizations

There are several full-scale and pilot projects, as well as an Adaptive Assessment and 

Monitoring (AA&M) program, included in the Plan, which have already received some form 

of congressional authorization. WRDA 1999 authorized for construction the Hillsboro and 

Lake Okeechobee Aquifer pilot project, in Broward, Highlands, Martin, Palm Beach, St. 

Lucie and Okeechobee counties (Referred to separately in CERP as the Hillsboro Aquifer 

Storage and Recovery [ASR] Pilot and the Lake Okeechobee ASR Pilot).

Besides authorizing the AA&M program,the following pilot projects were authorized for 

implementation by WRDA 2000 (upon review and approval by the Secretary of the Army):

 Caloosahatchee River (C-43) Basin ASR Pilot - Hendry and Lee counties

 Lake Belt In-Ground Reservoir Technology Pilot - Broward County

 L-31N Seepage Management Pilot - Miami-Dade County

 Wastewater Reuse Technology Pilot - Miami-Dade County

On November 8, 2007, WRDA 2007 (P.L. 110-114) authorized three major CERP projects 

for construction: 

 Site 1 Impoundment Project, Palm Beach County, Florida

 Picayune Strand Restoration Project, Collier County, Florida

 Indian River Lagoon, Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties, Florida [a/k/a 

Indian River Lagoon-South (IRL-S )]

2.1.7 Project Partnership Agreement Execution

Prior to the USACE initiating construction on a CERP project, they must first enter into a 

Project Partnership Agreement (PPA) with a non-federal sponsor describing each party’s 

responsibilities, including cost-share obligations for construction, operation and maintenance 

of a project. The signing of PPAs was dependent upon the USACE and the SFWMD 

executing a Master Agreement between the Department of the Army and the SFWMD 

(CERP Master Agreement). Some authorities, such as the process for sharing costs on

projects and balancing the 50-50 cost-share on a program-wide basis, are unique to CERP. 

The CERP Master Agreement contains important provisions and establishes a framework of 

uniform terms and conditions that will be incorporated by reference into future PPAs, serving 

as a template; related to construction, operation, maintenance, repair, replacement and 

rehabilitation of projects in CERP. The CERP Master Agreement was executed on August 

13, 2009.

Also, prior to entering into the PPA, Congress must authorize the project and appropriate 

construction funding for the project. Execution of a PPA is a major milestone in project 

implementation because it establishes the legal partnership for construction of the project. 
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 14 October 2010

To date, PPAs have been executed for the following CERP projects:

 Picayune Strand Restoration [August 2009]

 L-31N (L-30) Seepage Management Pilot [July 2010]

 Site 1 Impoundment Phase 1 [June 2010]

 Indian River Lagoon – South Phase 1 [September 2010]

 Melaleuca Eradication and Other Exotics [July 2010]

2.1.8 Protecting Water for the Environment

Completed projects in CERP are required to be operated in a manner consistent with the 

overall goals of the restoration effort as envisioned in WRDA 2000. Although there are no 

projects that are fully completed to date, efforts have been underway to ensure that 

completed projects will be operated in a manner that will benefit the natural system and 

protect water supply users.

The SFWMD is required to use its reservation or allocation authority to protect water for the 

natural system identified by CERP projects prior to executing an agreement to construct 

these projects with the USACE. In addition to state statutory requirements, WRDA 2000 

mandates that the USACE cannot enter into a PPA to cost share CERP projects until the 

SFWMD executes under state law the reservation or allocation of water for that project. The 

SFWMD adopted its first reservation of water rule for the Picayune Strand and Fakahatchee 

Estuary in 2009 in support of the CERP Picayune Strand Restoration project and a second 

was adopted in March 2010 for the North Fork of the St. Lucie River in support of the CERP 

IRL-S project.

The SFWMD also applies a second type of regulatory mechanism, known as Restricted 

Allocation Area rules, for protecting natural systems from consumptive uses. The first 

Restricted Allocation Area rule to protect water for CERP projects was adopted on February 

15, 2007. This rule limits the allocation of water from the Everglades and the Loxahatchee 

River Watershed for other purposes and was utilized to protect the water for the Site 1 

Impoundment project. A second Restricted Allocation Area rule for the Lake Okeechobee 

Service Area was adopted in 2008. This limits consumptive use withdrawals from Lake 

Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee and the St. Lucie canals in association with the IRL-S 

project. 

In addition, work has been initiated to compile the collection of existing water control plans 

and operational guidance into a single manual, the Initial System Operating Manual. The 

manual will be comprised of a set of volumes organized by specific geographic regions. 

Each volume will provide information regarding authorization, operational intent, regional 

history, basin descriptions, watershed characteristics, descriptions of data collection and 

communication networks, and a regional operating manual. It will also include an 

explanation of the effects of regional operations on flood control, recreation, water quality, 

water supply and navigation. 
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 15 October 2010

2.1.9 Project Implementation Reports and Studies

Progress has been made on completion of several Project Implementaion Reports (PIRs) as 

well as other studies. 

 The Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Regional Study team released an interim 

report in June 2008 summarizing efforts from 2003-2007 concerning ASR. 

 A Final PIR for Caloosahatchee River (C-43) West Basin Storage Reservoir was 

completed and the Chief of Engineer’s Report was signed in March 2010. 

 The PIR for the C-111 Spreader Canal - Western Project was completed in 2009 and 

the signed Chief of Engineer’s Report is expected in fiscal year 2011. 

 The project team completed a draft PIR for Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands (Phase 1)

and published it in the Federal Register in February 2010. 

PIRs under development include:

 Broward County Water Preserve Areas

 North Palm Beach County – Part 1

 Water Conservation Area 3 Decompartmentalization and Sheetflow Enhancement 

(DECOMP)

 Lake Okeechobee Watershed

More information on the project planning efforts underway is provided in Appendix A.

2.1.10 Integrated Delivery Schedule

In 2005, the Master Implementation Sequencing Plan (MISP) was completed in accordance 

with South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Programmatic Regulations. The MISP defined the 

order in which CERP projects would be planned, designed, and constructed. It was based on 

the banding or grouping of projects within five-year time periods. In 2006 and 2007 two 

independent entities, the Committee on Independent Scientific Review of Everglades 

Restoration Progress and the General Accountability Office recommended the development 

of an integrated schedule to guide the overall south Florida ecosystem restoration effort 

(CERP and non-CERP initiatives). Thus, while the MISP was being updated, it was 

incorporated into an overall schedule for restoration known as the Integrated Delivery 

Schedule (IDS). 

The IDS includes the various components of CERP, the earlier Foundation projects and 

critical projects, as well as other efforts by the SFWMD and State of Florida towards 

restoration that are projected to be under construction by the year 2020. It also provides 

guidance to implementing agencies for decision-making, scheduling, staffing and budgeting 

south Florida ecosystem restoration programs as coordinated efforts. The IDS was 

developed by an interagency team and was presented to the SFERTF. The most recent 

version of the IDS is depicted in Table 2-1.

Figure 2-1 shows the approximate location and current official names of each of the projects, 

pilots and feasibility studies that are part of CERP.
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 16 October 2010

TABLE 2-1: INTEGRATED DELIVERY SCHEDULE THROUGH 2020 AS OF JUNE 2010

TO BE DETERMINED

2023

2023

2025

Long-Term Plan for Achieving Water Quality Goals

in the Everglades Protection Area Projects

 C-9 Impoundment

 WCA 3A&3B Levee/S-356

ENP Seepage Management

Lake Okeechobee Watershed

Herbert Hoover Dike Rehabilitation

Caloosahatchee River (C-43)

 West Basin Storage Reservoir

Melaleuca Eradication and Other Exotic Plants

Broward County Water Preserve Areas

 C-11 Impoundment

Water Conservation Area 3 Decompartmentalization and 

Sheetflow Enhancement (Decomp)

 Decomp Physical Model

 Decomp Part 1

 Decomp Part 2

 Decomp Part 3

 Phase 2

Indian River Lagoon-South

 C-44 Reservoir/STA

Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands

 Phase 1

 Faka Union Pump Station

 Miller Pump Station

Lakeside Ranch STA - a Potential Component of the Taylor 

Creek/Nubbin Slough Storage and Treatment Area Phase 1

Site 1 Impoundment

 Phase 1

2010

Seminole Big Cypress

West Palm Beach Canal/STA-1E

C-111 Spreader Canal

 Design Test

 Western Project

L-31N Seepage Management Pilot Project

C-111 South Dade

Kissimmee River Restoration

Modified Water Deliveries to Everglades National Park

 Tamiami Trail Modifications

 Conveyance and Seepage Control Features

Picayune Strand Restoration

 Merritt Pump Station

2011 2012

 Construction has started on these projects.

 Projects are currently non-federal construction, subject to change based on funding allocation.

 Projects are currently federal construction.

Project 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 System Operating Manual System Operating Manual

14 June 2010
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 17 October 2010

FIGURE 2-1: MAP OF THE COMPREHENSIVE EVERGLADES RESTORATION 

PLAN PROJECTS
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 18 October 2010

2.2 LAND ACQUISITION 

Each year the SFERTF publishes the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Land Acquisition 

Strategy which describes the land acquisition needed for proposed ecosystem restoration 

projects that would be either federally funded or jointly funded by federal and non-federal 

agencies. The 2009 strategy measures and reports the acquisition of identified lands. The 

full report can be found at www.sfrestore.org. 

The State of Florida, with financial assistance from the DOI, USDA and the local 

governments of St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Lee counties, is 

acquiring lands that may be needed by CERP. Final footprints needed for each ―selected 

plan‖ on every project have not yet been determined. To ensure the availability of lands 

needed for potential CERP project implementation, the state has moved forward aggressively 

in acquiring lands well in advance of project need. Acquiring this land now, rather than 

waiting, preserves land that may otherwise be developed or become unavailable. The actual 

lands needed for a project are determined through finalization of the PIR and associated plans 

and specifications.

As of December 31, 2009, the State of Florida has spent $1.26 billion to purchase more than 

230,000 acres which could be used for CERP project footprints. Some of this land was 

acquired by the state using federal funds that total over $327 million of which $247 million 

was for land acquisition only. Local government contributions of more than $116 million 

have been made along with Tribal contributions of $8 million. Funds spent on land 

acquisition are not included in the total expenditures information in section 2.4.

The map on Tab C illustrates current federal lands, joint projects, State of Florida holdings 

and the land acquisition strategy for the overall South Florida Ecosystem Restoration effort 

as well as the CERP conceptual footprint (dependent on final PIRs). 

2.3 SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS

During the past five years, CERP scientists have obtained new knowledge focused on 

addressing many of the uncertainties that existed at the time of CERP authorization. 

Important new knowledge has improved our understanding of water flows through the 

system, particularly how depths and durations of flooding influence Everglades ecology. The 

strong efforts to resolve uncertainties have increased scientific understanding of the driving 

forces of the system, thereby improving our awareness of the restoration needs of different 

parts of the landscape. New knowledge gained from RECOVER’s system-wide monitoring 

program helps to create better predictive tools, improve ecological models, and improve 

restoration implementation. REstoration COordination and VERification (RECOVER)

provides scientific input to CERP projects during the selection of project alternatives, with 

the goal of achieving the greatest environmental benefits. 

Adaptive management principles have been advanced over the past five years and have 

resulted in incorporation of numerous adaptive assessment proposals into project plans, 

including the Decompartmentalization and Sheetflow Enhancement (DECOMP), C-111 
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 19 October 2010

Spreader Canal, Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands, and Melaleuca Eradication and Other 

Exotics projects. The DECOMP Physical Model is a prime example of an active AM 

application, where new information from the field test will be used to inform future phases of 

the DECOMP projects.

2.3.1 Overview of South Florida Ecosystem New Science

Many of the ecological components of the south Florida ecosystem identified indicators of 

ecosystem health in the Interim Goals developed for the CERP continue to reflect stress

being experienced by the ecosystem. However, new scientific information gained within the 

past five years indicates that these components still have the capacity to recover and provides 

insights into actions necessary. Presented below is a summary of findings by CERP 

scientists for each of the geographic regions as well as the ecosystem as a whole. The 2009 

System Status Report (SSR) provides a more in-depth assessment of the monitoring data 

provided by the RECOVER Monitoring and Assessment Plan (MAP) in conjunction with 

historical data and data from non-MAP sources. 

Besides this information above, additional new science compiled over the last several years is 

available at http://www.sfrestore.org/new_science.html and further described in Appendix C

- New Science.

 

System-wide

 Continuing studies of the historical water movement patterns and geomorphology of 

the Everglades indicate that many areas in the Everglades were wetter than originally 

thought, that is more water flowed south over more extended periods of time. 

Consequently, additional flows to the Everglades and southern estuarine systems 

would be needed to achieve desired ecologic benefits.

 Researchers have identified a contiguous swath of marsh running through WCA 3A, 

WCA 3B, eastern Big Cypress National Preserve, and Everglades National Park that 

has potential for full restoration of sheetflow. This conclusion bolsters the outlook 

for Everglades restoration and shows a relevance of scientific monitoring to 

ecosystem restoration efforts (SSR, 2009).

 Many ecological indicators of the south Florida ecosystem continue to be stressed, 

but data suggests that these indicators can be restored as evidenced by the recovery of

juvenile oysters in the Northern Estuaries upon re-establishment of a favorable 

salinity regime.

 The south Florida ecosystem is dynamic and continues to respond to hydrologic and 

water quality drivers, such as salinity in the Southern Coastal Systems and 

phosphorous in Lake Okeechobee, while restoration progresses.

Lake Okeechobee

The goal of restoration for Lake Okeechobee is to reduce total phosphorus concentrations 

and to maintain submerged aquatic vegetation to provide suitable fish habitat. Over the past 

decade, total phosphorus concentrations have increased due to continued sediment and 

fertilizer runoff from the watershed and re-suspension of bottom sediments by the 2004-2005 

hurricanes. Submerged aquatic vegetation cover was extremely variable between 2000 and 
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 20 October 2010

2009, reflecting both hurricane activity and the 2001 and 2007-2008 droughts. The 

continued high total phosphorus concentrations indicate that additional watershed and in-lake 

phosphorus control projects will be necessary to reduce the frequency of large-scale algal 

blooms. Maintaining the lake stage between 12.5 and 15.5 feet above National Geodetic 

Vertical Datum is essential in maximizing the amount of nutrients that submerged aquatic 

vegetation and attached periphyton (algae growing on surfaces) can store, which will help 

reduce total phosphorus concentrations in the Lake. 

Northern Estuaries

Freshwater flows to the Northern Estuaries are typically too high and vary with rainfall 

during the wet season, and too low or infrequent in the dry season to maintain optimal 

salinities and sustain well-structured estuarine communities. Wet season freshwater releases, 

from canals and watershed runoff after a storm; overlap the time of year that oysters produce 

their offspring. This increased water flow can flush oyster larvae downstream where salinity 

and other conditions are not as favorable for growth or survival. Large releases of 

stormwater due to hurricanes in 2004 and 2005 caused significant declines in salinities and 

stirred up sediments, damaging submerged aquatic vegetation coverage and density, and 

altering the habitat of several species. Better management of the water coming from Lake 

Okeechobee, including construction of reservoirs to hold stormwater, is needed to minimize 

damaging releases in the wet season and increase dry season flows. Adding freshwater to the 

estuaries during the dry season is necessary to help reduce oyster disease and predation, as 

well as increase reproduction and survival of the submerged aquatic vegetation tape grass in 

the Caloosahatchee Estuary. Reestablishment of favorable salinities in the St. Lucie Estuary 

revealed that submerged aquatic vegetation and oyster populations can increase in areas 

currently occupied, as well as spread to areas left bare by hurricane activity.

Greater Everglades

The status of the greater Everglades ecosystem over the last few years (2005-2009) reflects 

how existing infrastructure prevents natural processes from allowing the ecosystem to fully 

recover. The combination of inherently variable climate conditions and existing 

infrastructure resulted in very low numbers of prey base fish and crayfish in Everglades 

National Park in three of the last four years. As a result, wading birds in this region continue 

to be less than 70% of their pre-drainage population size. Alligators and crocodiles continue 

to exhibit low population numbers in marshes and coastal wetlands relative to their historical 

numbers. Cattail expansion in Upper Taylor Slough highlights the challenges of providing 

water with higher nutrient concentrations than historical levels. The ridge, slough, and tree 

island habitats that covered over a thousand square miles of the historical ecosystem continue 

to degrade due to prolonged periods of inundation of sawgrass ridges and tree islands

upstream of levees and resultant overly dry conditions downstream of levees. However, 

within the impounded WCAs, upstream marshes tend to be over-drained, while downstream 

marshes experience prolonged flooding. Studies have documented a multi-decadal decline in 

the number (54% decrease) and areal extent (67% decrease) of tree island habitat, due to the 

influence of both high and low water levels, and to increased fire frequency (Sklar 2007). If 

restoration is further delayed and altered water management regimes continue, tree islands 

will remain more vulnerable to fires in drier areas and flooding in downstream areas, and 
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 21 October 2010

their resilience to natural hydrologic variability will decline, potentially leading to flooding 

stress when historic water depths are ultimately restored (NRC 2008).

Two positive indications that the Greater Everglades can be restored are found in 

Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge and successful ecological response to alterations of 

C-111 canal operations. Water management within the Loxahatchee National Wildlife 

Refuge led to a consistently higher population of prey fish, successful wading bird nesting, 

and healthy alligators during this period. Roseate spoonbills in Florida Bay responded 

positively to recent alterations in of C-111 canal operations. In addition, crocodile 

populations found near the outlet of Shark Slough are increasing following the repair of plugs 

that block salt-water intrusion into canals. 

In Everglades marshes, flowing water is required to transport fine sediment and organic 

matter and thereby shape the land into the linear ridge-and-slough systems and flow-sculpted 

tree islands that defined the pre-drainage system. Flow velocities in impounded areas of 

today’s system are not sufficient to support these physical and biological processes and 

maintain the characteristic landforms of the historic Everglades (Larsen et al. In review). A 

group of interagency scientists estimated the need for approximately 1.9 million acre-feet of 

average annual flows entering the Everglades Protection Area from the north. Based on this 

current scientific information, the DOI supports the need for approximately 1.9 million acrefeet of average annual flows as well as the need for additional storage. This water flow is 

viewed as the key to re-establishing the enormous feeding grounds and rookeries that were 

legendary for that area as well as providing the additional influx of fresh water deemed vital 

for the survival of Florida Bay. 

Southern Coastal Systems

Salinity was found to be the most important physical parameter driving the ecological health 

and suitability as nursery, refuge and food web habitat for aquatic and aquatic-dependent 

fauna in south Florida’s coastal waters. The large reduction in fresh water flows into the 

southern estuaries, due to diversions in the northern part of the system, have resulted in 

hyper-saline conditions in the coastal estuaries which have negatively impacted the region’s

estuarine communities. In the absence of increased freshwater flows, the existing salinity 

regime does not support the desired estuarine communities expected under restored 

conditions. Salinity targets were met less frequently during the dry season than during the 

wet, indicating that there is little ability to store water within the current system. Salinity 

modeling results for estimated restoration conditions in Florida Bay predict that suitable 

habitat could increase from 25,000 to 44,000 acres once favorable salinities are reestablished. 

Small increases of nutrients in the water caused large algal blooms which lasted several 

years. These blooms underscore the highly sensitive and nutrient-poor nature of these 

systems, revealing their vulnerability to nutrient loading and random climatic events. 

2.3.2 Independent Scientific Review

During the reporting period the Committee on Independent Scientific Review of Everglades 

Restoration Progress (CISRERP) of the National Academies produced two reports (NRC 

2006 and NRC 2008). In the first report, the CISRERP concluded the scientific program 
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 22 October 2010

accompanying the restoration efforts was of high quality and comprehensive. Important 

issues concerning scientific understanding, scientific coordination, and the incorporation of 

science into program planning and management remained, but the Committee asserted that 

no significant scientific uncertainty should stand in the way of restoration progress. 

In the second report, the CISRERP highlighted the major accomplishments of CERP, 

including the development of guidance documents, a monitoring and assessment plan and the 

foundation for adaptive management (AM). The overarching conclusion of the second 

report, however, was that progress was not being made quickly enough and that the 

Everglades ecosystem continued to decline even as work began on the first CERP projects. 

The CISRERP concluded that lack of timely restoration progress by CERP, to date, has been 

largely due to the complex federal planning process and the need to resolve conflicts among 

agencies and stakeholders. To avert further declines, the CISRERP stated that CERP 

planners should address major project planning and authorization hurdles and move forward 

expeditiously with projects having the most potential for contributing to restoration in the 

south Florida ecosystem. 

2.3.3 Restoration Coordination and Verification (RECOVER)

RECOVER, the scientific arm of CERP, is ensuring that science remains a fundamental and 

overarching element throughout the ongoing planning and implementation of Everglades 

restoration. RECOVER is a partnership among federal, state and local agencies, and tribal 

governments and has become the model for other multiagency science teams associated with 

large-scale ecosystem restoration programs. RECOVER is establishing a new approach to 

address the uncertainties associated with Everglades restoration through one of the largest 

applications of adaptive management in the United States. RECOVER is also developing 

approaches to link new knowledge with future decision making in a structured manner. 

During the reporting period RECOVER scientists focused their attention on better 

characterizing the functionality of a restored Everglades and many of their findings are 

documented above. Beyond development of new scientific findings, RECOVER has played 

a prominent role in enhancing CERP project planning efforts, including evaluating plan 

alternatives and developing tools to assess project performance. More information about 

RECOVER and its accomplishments over the past five years can be found in Appendix C.

2.3.4 Adaptive Management

CERP Adaptive Management (AM) is a structured management approach for addressing 

uncertainties by testing hypotheses, linking science to decision making, and adjusting 

implementation, as necessary, to improve the probability of restoration success. The Restudy 

recognized that there are uncertainties regarding Everglades restoration and adaptive 

management is needed to address these questions and improve CERP implementation over 

time (USACE and SFWMD, 1999). WRDA 2000 and the 2003 Programmatic Regulations 

established the need for a CERP adaptive management program that includes monitoring and 

assessment of ecosystem restoration performance, periodic updates to CERP, and continuous 

improvements to implementation. The CERP AM Program produced a strategy for 

integrating AM principles into CERP in 2006 (RECOVER, 2006). The National Research 
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 23 October 2010

Council endorsed the CERP AM program and encouraged its expanded use (NRC, 2006). In 

2010 the CERP AM Program produced a more detailed guidance document (CERP AM 

Integration Guide) to help CERP managers, scientists, and Project Delivery Teams (PDTs)

understand how to apply adaptive management to CERP and assist project teams in 

developing AM plans. 

2.3.5 Non-Indigenous (Invasive/Exotic) Species 

Invasive exotic species are a serious and growing threat to the south Florida ecosystem. More 

than 30 invasive exotic plant and 150 invasive exotic animal species are known to occur in 

the region, and the numbers are increasing (NRC 2008). Several of these pests were 

recognized in 2000 and remain a persistent challenge, while new species, including Burmese 

pythons and Old World climbing fern (Lygodium), have emerged as major threats to the 

achievement of restoration goals. The spread of many invasives, such as exotic fish, is clearly 

linked to canals and other human-altered landscape features.

Several efforts to manage and control exotics species have been done at the agency and interagency levels. As a result of the 2006 Invasive Species Summit, the Everglades Cooperative 

Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) partnership was formalized in 2008 with a 

Memorandum of Understanding among the South Florida Water Management District, U.S. 

Army Corps of Engineers, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, National Park Service, and 

the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Everglades CISMA has conducted region-wide aerial 

mapping of invasive plants, created a web-based invasive species reporting system (available 

on www.evergladescisma.org), drafted an Early Detection and Rapid Response 

Implementation Plan, and conducted rapid response efforts aimed at the controlling the 

sacred ibis, Nile monitor; and most recently, kripa, an Asian tree. In addition, several 

Department of Interior projects funded through the ARRA are for the removal and control of 

invasive exotics. Data on the control of invasive species has begun to be entered into a 

database to produce reports on acres treated and other accomplishments.

From 2005 to 2009 over 1,200 pythons were removed from Everglades National Park by 

authorized agents, park staff, and park partners. In December 2009, the USACE, 

Jacksonville District and federal and state partners unveiled a new public service campaign 

highlighting the statewide problem of invasive species called the ―Don’t let it Loose‖ 

campaign. Developed with support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National 

Park Service, this campaign features the Nile monitor, the Burmese python and the sailfin 

catfish. To complement existing south Florida invasive plant control programs, the 

development and spread of biological control agents, usually insects, will be increased under 

the CERP Melaleuca Eradication and Other Exotics project (see section 2.1.5). More 

information on non-indigenous species can be found in Appendix C.

2.3.6 Climate Change

Knowledge of how the Earth’s climate is changing has advanced rapidly since 2000, and 

understanding the implications of climate change for south Florida is critical to restoration 

efforts. Changing precipitation and temperature patterns, ocean acidification, sea level rise, 
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 24 October 2010

and the possibility of storms of greater frequency and intensity will potentially have effects 

on all aspects of the system, including the coastal transition zone, invasive species, plant and 

animal physiology, and drought/flood/fire cycles. The impending natural resource alterations 

that will likely result from climate change should not be viewed as an excuse for delay or 

inaction, but rather as motivation to avoid irreversible losses and restore the health and 

natural resilience of the ecosystem (NRC 2008). Everglades restoration is an important 

adaptation response to climate change.

Federal, state and local agencies are involved in a variety of activities concerning climate 

change – from hosting conferences to developing models to preparing papers and making 

recommendations on research and model needs. The USACE released interim guidance in 

2009 requiring that sea level change be considered in all phases of the project life-cycle. By 

uncovering vulnerabilities, a better selection of alternatives produces restoration sustainable 

for the long term. The USACE is also working with partner agencies on a series of technical 

reports to facilitate collaborative information sharing, specifically regarding climate change 

sensitivity data and model development. 

The DOI Climate Science Centers and Landscape Conservation Cooperatives form the 

cornerstone of an integrated approach to climate change science and adaptation. This 

strategy will serve the Department’s land, fish, wildlife, water marine, tribal and cultural 

heritage managers, as well as for our federal, state, local, Tribal, non-governmental 

organization, private landowner, and stakeholder partners. The south Florida ecosystem is 

part of the Southeastern Climate Change Center and also the Peninsular Florida Landscape 

Conservation Cooperative. More information on climate change can be found in Appendix C.

2.4 FINANCIAL STATUS AND ECONOMIC/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

2.4.1 Project/Program Funding 

Over two billion dollars in funding in combined contributions from the federal and state 

partners has been provided in support of the CERP and prospective CERP projects over the 

past five fiscal years (2005-2009) (Table 2-2). As stated below in section 2.4.3, the State has 

spent a considerable portion of their funding on obtaining lands, the crediting of which is

discussed in section 3.1.7. 
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 25 October 2010

TABLE 2-2: COMPREHENSIVE EVERGLADES RESTORATION PLAN FUNDING

FISCAL YEARS 2005 THROUGH 2009

2.4.2 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Passage 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) (P.L. 111-5), enacted on February 

17, 2009, funds a total of $4.6 billion for various USACE construction and operations 

projects nationwide and approximately $3 billion for the DOI. Nearly $88 million is 

provided through USACE for south Florida restoration projects, while at the DOI, the U.S. 

Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) received $2.2 million and the National Park Service 

(NPS) received $2.1 million to expend on projects in south Florida (detailed in Appendix D). 

CERP Federal and State Enacted Funding(1)

Oct 1, 2004 through Sept 30, 2009

(rounded in 1,000’s) 

FEDERAL FY 05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 5-Yr Total

USACE(2) $ 64,446 $ 62,610 $64,000 $ 64,000 $ 83,640 $ 338,696 

USACEARRA(3)

- - - - $ 1,100 $ 1,100

USDOI -

NPS(4)

$ 5,213 $ 5,174 $ 5,212 $ 5,132 $ 5,108 $ 25,839 

USDOI - FWS $ 3,304 $ 3,269 $ 3,269 $3,251 $ 3,251 $ 16,344 

Federal Sub 

Total $ 72,963 $ 71,053 $ 72,481 $ 72,383 $ 93,099 $ 381,979 

STATE FY04-05 FY05-06 FY06-07 FY07-08 FY08-09 5-Yr Total

SFWMD(5) $ 101,120 $ 253,716 $ 507,980 $ 411,691 $ 114,260 $ 1,388,767 

FL Department 

of 

Environmental 

Protection

$ 128,972 $ 128,638 $ 136,616 $ 102,094 $ 57,206 $ 424,888

FL Fish and 

Wildlife 

Conservation 

Commission

$ 336 $ 336 - - $ 4,465 $ 5,137 

State Sub 

Total $ 230,428 $ 254,052 $ 644,596 $ 513,785 $ 175,932 $ 1,818,792 

TOTAL 

FUNDING $ 303,391 $ 325,105 $ 717,077 $ 586,168 $ 269,030 $ 2,200,771 

Notes: (1) Actual funds allocated to date, but not necessarily expended.

(2) USACE CERP activities are funded under the overall Central and Southern Florida Project.

(3) USACE Everglades projects funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. 

(4) National Park Service (NPS) CERP funding includes General Services Administration space rental 

costs in the following amounts: FY07 - $554K; FY08 - $475K; FY09 - $409K

(5) Reflects SFWMD adopted budget appropriations less any state and federal funds. 
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 26 October 2010

Several Florida ecosystem restoration project efforts, or features (including funds for nonCERP or pre-existing authorized Foundation Projects) were identified as water-related 

environmental infrastructure candidates for ARRA funding in April, 2009. Candidate 

projects had to be ―shovel-ready‖ with little schedule risk; result in immediate employment; 

be executed by contract or direct hire of temporary labor; and complete a project or project 

phase, or provide a useful service, without requiring additional funding. 

Funds made available under ARRA are outside the general fiscal year 2009/fiscal year 2010 

budget process. ARRA funds combined with the President’s Fiscal Year 2009 and 2010

budgets infused the largest amount of Federal funding since Congress authorized CERP in 

2000. The result was to jump-start important restoration projects, speeding the recovery of 

the natural system, and providing jobs and contracts during difficult economic times. 

Among those features benefiting from ARRA federal funding through the USACE are the 

following:

 Picayune Strand Restoration – complete the Merritt Pump Station construction, 

perform road removal and plug Merritt Canal

 Site 1 Impoundment – construction of the L-40 Levee reinforcement and upgrading, 

installation of dam safety instrumentation and construction of an auxiliary spillway 

(S-530) 

 Melaleuca Eradication and Other Exotics – construct a mass rearing lab annex for 

growing and storing bio-controls to an existing facility in Davie, Florida

 Adaptive Assessment and Monitoring Program – additional monitoring contracts 

to advance the acquisition of required scientific information or support deployment of 

critical monitoring infrastructure needs. Funds will be used for one-time monitoring 

activities, support monitoring infrastructure deployment, and/or expand ongoing 

monitoring needed to fill knowledge gaps in understanding of pre-existing conditions 

of the south Florida ecosystem during FY09 and FY10.

The Kissimmee River Restoration, a related non-CERP Foundation Project, received $7.5 

million in funding through the ARRA for the widening of C-37. 

2.4.3 Expenditures Through Fiscal Year 2009

Federal sponsor (USACE) and local sponsor creditable expenditures for CERP 

implementation through the end of FY09, as shown in Table 2-3, total approximately $370.5 

million for USACE, $378.1 million for SFWMD and $2.15 million for other local sponsors. 

Note these expenditures do not include funds spent on land acquisition. During fiscal years 

2005 to 2009, the federal government expended almost $259 million, while it is estimated 

that local sponsors spent approximately $270 million including estimated work-in-kind not 

yet submitted. The submissions of requests for work-in-kind credit from the primary nonfederal sponsor normally lag, as there is a delay in compilation and submission by the 

SFWMD. There is also a review and verification process which is completed by the USACE 

once the requests are received. 
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 27 October 2010

TABLE 2-3: COMPREHENSIVE EVERGLADES RESTORATION PLAN 

EXPENDITURES THROUGH FISCAL YEAR 2009

Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan

Cumulative Expenditures Through Fiscal Year 2009(1)

(in 1,000s)

CERP

Federal 

Sponsor

Non-Federal 

Sponsors

TOTAL USACE SFWMD (2) Other

Projects (3) $ 165,147 $ 72,565 $ 2,154 $ 239,866 

Adaptive Assessment & 

Monitoring $ 31,695 $ 25,622 $ 0 $ 57,317 

Program Coordination $ 173,613 $ 85,657 $ 0 $ 259,270

Estimated Work-in-Kind, 

not yet submitted (4) - $ 194,244 $ 0 $ 194,244

TOTAL $ 370,455 $ 378,088 $ 2,154 $ 750,697 

Cost Share Percentage (%) 49.3% 50.4% 0.3% 100%

Note: 

(1) Actual expenditures, except for land expenditures, which is not the same as funds allocated.

(2) Includes cumulative and creditable (approved) SFWMD submissions through a portion of FY07. 

FY08 and FY09 submissions are expected later in 2010. 

(3) Projects total also includes CERP Feasibility Studies and Pilots

(4) An estimate of the submissions expected from the SFWMD for FY08 and FY09.

As noted above in Table 2-3, the costs include program coordination and adaptive 

assessment and monitoring. Program coordination includes providing strategic direction for 

the sequence of project implementation, resource allocation, and goals against which 

progress of the restoration is measured, and the feedback processes to identify and address 

any shortfalls in progress. In addition, program coordination also includes the CERP projects 

which are managed at the programmatic level due to their interface with all of the projects –

Master Recreation Plan, Public Outreach, Interagency Modeling Center, Information and 

Data Management, Quality Assurance Oversight Team and Environmental and Economic 

Equity. The work these projects have accomplished over the past five years and that are 

expected over the next five years is described in Appendix B.

The state and the SFWMD have expended $1.26 billion through December 2009 for advance 

land acquisition and other efforts which are expected to support CERP. For land acquired 

and features constructed by the State that are consistent with the PIR authorized by Congress, 

the non-federal sponsor may receive credit for its efforts (see section 3.2). 
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 28 October 2010

2.4.4 Cost Estimate Update

The Plan presented to Congress in 1999 included a baseline cost estimate for projects 

(including pilot projects and feasibility studies) of approximately $7.8 billion at October 

1999 price levels. In addition, the Plan also included a baseline cost estimate for AA&M of 

$387 million. This resulted in a total cost for the Plan of $8.2 billion to be cost shared 50/50 

between the federal government and multiple local sponsors. As shown in the 2005 Report 

to Congress, by updating the cost to October 2004 price levels (and including authorized 

changes), the total cost for the Plan was $10.9 billion. For this report the costs have been 

updated to October 2009 price levels and adjustments were made for changes authorized or 

currently proposed for authorization.

Table 2-4 below shows the overall CERP cost estimate at October 2004 and October 2009 

price levels. Current cost estimates for the Plan are $13.5 billion at October 2009 price 

levels. 

TABLE 2-4: COMPREHENSIVE EVERGLADES RESTORATION PLAN COST 

ESTIMATE UPDATE SUMMARY

Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan 

Cost Estimate Update

Summary

(in millions) 

Oct 04 Price Level Oct 09 Price Level

Projects $ 9,881 $ 12,303

AA&M $ 496 $ 579

Program Coordination $ 500 $ 578

TOTAL $ 10,876 $ 13,461

The estimated cost of CERP was based on the best available information at the time. 

Appropriate contingency factors were used to reflect the uncertainties inherent at that stage 

of the program. The cost risk associated with each feature was appraised separately and, due 

to the lack of design information, was generic rather than site specific. It was anticipated that 

the cost of the Plan would be modified as pilot projects and individual PIRs were completed. 

The cost estimate increase is due to: (1) $2.03 billion in price level (inflation) adjustments 

from October 2004 to October 2009, (2) $554 million in scope changes based on final 

decision documents (Caloosahatchee River (C-43) West Basin Storage Reservoir and C-111 

Spreader Canal) or for authorizations (IRL–S, Site 1 Impoundment, the ASR Pilots and 

Picayune Strand Restoration). 
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 29 October 2010

2.4.5 Cost Share Crediting for Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan 

Projects

WRDA 2000 Section 601 (e) provides that project costs may be shared among the partners, 

i.e., USACE and its local sponsor. This is accomplished by the use of a ―cost-sharing‖ 

provision within the Project Partnership Agreement.

WRDA 2000 made no provision to provide credit for any construction that the non-federal 

sponsor undertakes in advance of the project authorization. Section 6004 of WRDA 2007, 

amended Section 602 (e)(5)(B) of WRDA 2000 by adding that ―...credit is provided for work 

carried out before the date of the partnership agreement between the Secretary and the nonfederal sponsor, as defined in an agreement between the Secretary and the non-federal 

sponsor providing for such credit.‖ In these cases, additional rules and requirements apply, 

and thus additional agreements may be needed.

2.4.6 Outreach and Assistance Activities

The USACE and the SFWMD have developed and implemented a wide array of creative and 

effective outreach programs and products, at both the program and the individual project 

level, for a variety of audiences, at various educational levels and in multiple languages 

(English, Spanish, and Creole). A calendar of meetings open to the public as well as project 

documents are made available to the public through www.evergladesplan.org.

To ensure that impacts on socially and economically disadvantaged communities and 

individuals, including individuals with limited English proficiency, are considered during 

implementation of the Plan; and that such individuals have opportunities to review and 

comment on its implementation, efforts have been made to:

 Schedule and locate public meetings and workshops in locations readily accessible to 

both low-income and minority populations and to communities adjacent to CERP 

projects

 Provide translators for select meetings

A more detailed discussion of the Public Outreach Program, including Environmental and 

Economic Equity activities and accomplishments, is included in Appendix B.

2.4.7 Recreation and Tourism

A significant part of recreation in south Florida is water based. As CERP projects are 

implemented, the impact to recreation opportunities will be addressed along with the 

additional recreation opportunities that may be made available by CERP. A Master 

Recreation Plan has been under development that will identify, by region, restoration 

compatible recreation suited for potential inclusion in CERP projects as they are planned and 

developed. This plan will ensure the public has the opportunity to directly enjoy the benefits 

from the Everglades restoration. The interagency team working on this plan has identified 

existing recreation opportunities as well as potential recreation opportunities on a regional 
Section 2 Accomplishments During the Past Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 30 October 2010

basis. The Master Recreation Plan will serve as a guidance document to be utilized by the 

PDTs for the incorporation of recreation planning, consistent with the goals and objectives of 

CERP during their site-specific design work. The plan is expected at the beginning of FY 

2011.

2.4.8 Economic Benefits Achieved

CERP has a direct impact on the regional economy, through the creation of jobs and 

contracting opportunities. The USACE and the SFWMD use established programs to ensure 

that small and minority-owned businesses are aware of these opportunities and have 

opportunities to do business with their respective agencies. Information about contracting 

opportunities is distributed through many channels - job fairs, site visits, and expositions and 

workshops with potential contractors and small business owners.

The goal of the USACE Small Business Program is to ensure that all types of small 

businesses receive their fair share of government contract dollars. The USACE seeks to 

provide information to small businesses owned and operated by socially and economically 

disadvantaged individuals who have qualified for certification under the U.S. Small Business 

Administration Section 8(a) Program. This program is designed to provide business 

development assistance and technical assistance to help socially and economically 

disadvantaged American businesses gain access to the mainstream American economy. In 

order to identify businesses that are socially and economically disadvantaged, the USACE 

has an aggressive outreach program. 
Section 3 The Next Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 31 October 2010

3 THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

3.1 PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS

3.1.1 Construction

Construction is expected to start on several projects between mid-2010 and mid-2015 and 

construction will be completed on those that have already begun. 

The Merritt Pump Station portion of Picayune Strand Restoration project began 

construction in 2010 and is partially funded with ARRA funds and should be completed 

within the next reporting period. The recently awarded first contract for the Site 1 

Impoundment will be under construction and also completed within the next reporting 

period. The SFWMD expects to complete construction on the C-111 Spreader Canal -

Western Project in June 2011. Construction completion in 2012 is expected on the 

Lakeside Ranch STA North and S-650 Pump Station,. The SFWMD also anticipates 

completing all relocations necessary for the C-44 component (IRL-S). Portions of the 

proposed plan for Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands (Phase I) are also expected to be 

completed, including the Deering Estates and Cutler Wetlands features between 2010 and 

2012 – and associated monitoring activities to be underway from 2011 to 2015. 

The State will be starting site clearing for the Caloosahatchee River (C-43) West Basin 

Storage Reservoir in 2011. Installation and Testing of the L-31N (L-30) Seepage 

Management Pilot is also expected to begin in the upcoming five-year period. 

As noted earlier, construction is anticipated to begin in 2010 on the following projects: the 

C-44 portion of IRL-S and the Faka-Union Pump Station portion of the Picayune Strand 

Restoration, which will all be completed and become operational in the upcoming five-year 

period. In addition, actions are expected to be initiated in support of the DECOMP –

Physical Model and the Melaleuca Eradication and Other Exotics plan, including a sublease agreement with the USDA along with completion of the mass Rearing Facility.

Design work on the following projects is expected during the next reporting period: 

 Picayune Strand Restoration (remaining portions)

 Site 1 Impoundment (2nd contract)

 IRL-S

 C-111 Spreader Canal – Western Project

 C-9 and C-11 features of the Broward County Water Preserve Areas (WPAs) project 

 Caloosahatchee River (C-43) West Basin Storage Reservoir (conversion of plans)

 DECOMP - PIR 1
Section 3 The Next Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 32 October 2010

3.1.2 Authorizations Expected

Potential project candidates for inclusion into the next WRDA for authorization include: 

Caloosahatchee River (C-43) West Basin Storage Reservoir, C-111 Spreader Canal –

Western Project, Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands (Phase I) and Broward County WPAs. 

Other projects that may be proposed for inclusion in WRDAs over the next five years 

include: Everglades Agricultural Area Storage Reservoirs, Lake Okeechobee Watershed, 

DECOMP – PIR 1 and North Palm Beach County – Part 1.

3.1.3 Decision Documents

The PIRs scheduled to be completed in the next five years include: 

 Broward County WPAs

 Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands

 WCA 3 Decompartmentalization and Sheetflow Enhancement (DECOMP) – PIR 1

 Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoirs (if pending litigation issues are resolved in a 

timely fashion)

 Lake Okeechobee Watershed 

 North Palm Beach County – Part 1

The Southwest Florida Feasibility Study is being converted to the Southwest Florida 

Comprehensive Watershed Plan. In the next report period, it is expected that work will begin 

on the PIR 2 and PIR 3 for DECOMP and a PIR for ENP Seepage Management.

It is expected that a project management plan will be completed and a PIR possibly initiated 

for the Caloosahatchee Watershed project that will address the remaining needs of the 

Caloosahatchee River Basin. This project follows and builds upon the Caloosahatchee River 

(C-43) West Basin Storage Reservoir project.

3.1.4 Project Partnership Agreements Anticipated

Based on the current IDS, the USACE and SFWMD anticipate executing Project Partnership 

Agreements for the following projects over the next five years:

 C-111 Spreader Canal [summer 2011]

 Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands – Phase 1

 Broward County WPAs

 Caloosahatchee River (C-43) West Basin Storage Reservoir

 WCA 3 Decompartmentalization and Sheetflow Enhancement
Section 3 The Next Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 33 October 2010

3.1.5 Protecting Water for the Natural System

The SFWMD priorities to protect water for the natural system for the next five years include 

the following: 

 Complete rule development for the Kissimmee River and Chain of Lakes Water 

Reservation in 2010 

 Adopt a Water Reservation rule in 2011 to support the CERP Caloosahatchee River 

(C-43) West Basin Storage Reservoir project

 Initiate rule development for Biscayne Bay in 2010 to support the CERP Biscayne 

Bay Coastal Wetlands (Phase I) project

 Apply the Restriction Allocation Area rules (effective April 23, 2007) to demonstrate 

that the water provided to the natural system by the following two CERP projects, 

C-111 Spreader Canal and Broward County WPAs, is protected 

3.1.6 Expectations for Other South Florida Restoration Efforts

Foundation Projects

For ModWaters, the projected completion of the bridge construction and the road-raising for 

the Tamiami Trail is in 2013. Dependent upon funding, in the next five years work is also 

anticipated related to Structures S-345 A, B, and C, the Osceola Camp elevation, and the 

continued degradation of the L-67 Extension Canal, as well as continuing planning and 

design on other conveyance and seepage features. Installation of the spreader swale pilot is 

expected to be completed by the end of February 2011 with monitoring and assessment 

following for two years.

Completion of C-37 widening in the Kissimmee River Restoration project is scheduled for 

June 2012. The following features are anticipated to be awarded in the next five years: the 

CSX railroad bridge, oxbow excavation and embankment, the S-65E gated spillway addition, 

Pool D boat ramp construction, the S-69 Weir, and C-38 Reaches 2 and 3 backfilling.

There are four construction contracts remaining to complete the C-111 (South Dade) project: 

the North Detention Area; the L-31West Borrow Canal Backfill; the S-332B Pump Station; 

and the S-332C Pump Station. Plans and specifications are completed for the North 

Detention Area. The L-31 West Borrow Canal Backfill and S-332B Pump Station plans and 

specifications are under development. The construction schedule is dependent upon the Post 

Authorization Change Report and funding.

In addition to the above efforts, the National Park Service is currently completing a report on

additional improvements needed for the Tamiami Trail. These improvements consist of 5.5 

additional miles of bridging as well as road raising to allow unrestricted flow across the Trail. 

By removing this restriction at the southern end of the system, more water can flow south. 

This will help to reduce the harmful discharges to the northern estuaries while also providing 

much needed additional water to Everglades National Park, the southern coastal estuaries, 

and Florida Bay.
Section 3 The Next Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 34 October 2010

State Initiatives Expected Over the Next Five Years

During the next five years the SFWMD expects to finalize model refinements and project 

identification toward preparing a feasibility study for Fisheating Creek. They also will be 

completing design and construction of the C-43 water quality treatment and testing facility 

and start operation of the facility to conduct pilot-scale and full-size testing on nitrogen 

removal before design of the full project. The SFWMD will complete four water quality 

projects that are cost-shared with Martin County.

The SFWMD will continue operation and maintenance of existing hybrid wetland treatment 

technology sites and evaluate for possible continued operation of existing sites and 

construction of additional sites. 

The SFWMD will continue and complete 

construction of the Compartment B and 

C Build-outs as part of their EAA STA 

Expansion, and will complete construction 

of pump stations and modifications to the 

L-6 Canal and G-444 divide structure.

Though no longer having a federal interest, 

Lee County and the SFWMD have moved 

forward with the design and permitting of 

Lakes Park Restoration identified in 

CERP. Work is continuing for an 

additional treatment area consisting of a 

40-acre filter marsh and flowway (Phase 

III) to address offsite stormwater issues. Construction of the filter marsh and the flowway 

are anticipated to begin in FY 2011 and to be completed by 2015. 

3.2 LAND NEEDS

Of the approximately 391,000 acres of land needed for potential CERP projects, sixty percent 

(approximately 233,277 acres) have been acquired, as of March 31, 2010, leaving 158,000 

acres which still need to be acquired. As projects are authorized and when appropriate 

Project Partnership Agreements are fully in place, the State of Florida becomes eligible for 

credit. Table 3-1 below depicts the credits anticipated for land. 

EAA stormwater treatment area compartment in 

Hendry County 
Section 3 The Next Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 35 October 2010

TABLE 3-1: ESTIMATED LAND CREDITING FOR AUTHORIZED PROJECTS 

EXPECTED WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan 

Estimated Land Crediting for Authorized Projects(1)

Expected within the Next Five Years

(in $1,000s)

CERP Project

Federal 

Sponsor

Non-Federal 

Sponsor (3)

USACE SFWMD TOTAL

Indian River Lagoon–South 

(Phase 1 only) (2) $ 0 $ 401,340 $ 401,340

Picayune Strand Restoration $ 38,085 $ 156,000 $ 194,085

Site 1 Impoundment $ 4,183 $ 4,183 $ 8,366 

TOTAL $ 42,268 $ 561,523 $ 603,791

Cost Share

Percentage (%) 7.0 % 93.0 % 100 %

Note:

(1) This estimate is only for those projects which have been authorized and either have a PPA. 

Other land crediting may occur in the next five years if other projects are authorized.

(2) These are only the estimates for the phase 1 portion of IRL-S as construction on the other 

portions is not expected to begin in the next five years according to the IDS.

(3) Portions acquired via Section 390 of the 1996 Federal Farm Bill.

3.3 EXPECTATIONS IN SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS

Over the next five years RECOVER will continue to inform CERP planning and 

implementation, particularly through the CERP Adaptive Management (AM) program. 

CERP was authorized with broad goals and objectives, which were to be refined as new 

information became available. One most substantial effort in which RECOVER will be 

involved the coming years is to refine the vision of success for Everglades restoration, to 

make it specific and measurable, using information and knowledge gained since CERP’s 

authorization. This effort is called the 2010 Shared Definition of Everglades Restoration 

(Shared Definition). The first step, completed in fiscal year 2010, was to compile new 

scientific information relevant to Everglades restoration. This document will be used to 

reach consensus on a more specific, refined vision of success for Everglades restoration. 

Finally, specific, measurable interim goals - targets with desired endpoints based on the 

refined vision will be developed. The results will help guide project teams and provide 
Section 3 The Next Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 36 October 2010

specific information for planning, implementation and operation of restoration projects. 

RECOVER anticipates completing the efforts listed below, in concert with the Shared 

Definition effort.

TABLE 3-2: RECOVER’S ANTICIPATED EFFORTS

RECOVER 

MISSION 

AREA/PROGRAM ANTICIPATED EFFORTS

Adaptive 

Management 

Program

 Continue to systematically identify and address programmatic uncertainties 

 Develop a programmatic AM Plan that will coordinate the pieces of CERP and 

include contingency options to optimize performance

 Continue to assist with the development of project-specific AM plans as required by 

the USACE

Adaptive 

Assessment and 

Monitoring 

Program

 Continue system-wide monitoring and produce web-based System Status Reports in 

2012 and 2014 to report CERP’s performance 

 Continue to coordinate project-specific monitoring plans with existing system-wide 

monitoring

 Continue to improve information-exchange between scientists and managers and 

coordination among scientific efforts

 Continue identification of management actions necessary to adjust CERP to meet 

desired performance expectations 

 Update ecological models, hypotheses, performance measures, and interim and 

long-term goals

Evaluation and 

Planning

 Continue to conduct regional evaluations for projects in the planning phase 

 Continue to develop/refine models to evaluate CERP on a regional/system-wide 

basis

 Continue to update CERP baseline planning conditions, as new information 

becomes available 

 Continue to provide scientific input for project sequencing contained in the IDS

 Continue to stay abreast of climate change and integrate applicable information into 

short- and long-term plans

 Continue to produce technical reports on climate change sensitivity data and model 

development

3.4 FUNDING NEEDS

Estimated funding needs to support CERP for FY10 through FY14 per current planning 

priorities and the IDS are shown in Table 3-3. The initial MISP utilized a maximum of $200 

million per year federal funding target. However, this has never represented the President’s 

budget requests and is not a commitment by the federal government. The Secretary of the 

Army plans to implement projects through the normal budget process at the appropriate time, 

considering national priorities, and the availability of funding. At the time of this writing, the 

budget estimates for FY11 and FY12 have been submitted as part of the normal two-year 

cycle budgeting process.

The ARRA funds are ear-marked by the U. S. Army and the USACE for several CERP 

projects. If additional funding becomes available, some elements of projects that show 

demonstrable benefits to the natural system as well as significant stakeholder support could 

be sequenced earlier. 
Section 3 The Next Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 37 October 2010

TABLE 3-3: COMPREHENSIVE EVERGLADES RESTORATION PLAN FUNDING 

REQUIRED TO SUPPORT THE INTEGRATED DELIVERY SCHEDULE FROM 

FISCAL YEAR 2010 THROUGH FISCAL YEAR 2014

Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan 

Funding Required from Sponsors to Support 

the Integrated Delivery Schedule 

for Fiscal Year 2010 through Fiscal Year 2014

(in millions)

Sponsor FY

10

FY

11

FY

12

FY

13

FY

14 5-Yr Total

USACE $ 120.0 $ 112.7 $ 191.0 $ 113.0 $ 140.0 $ 676.7

SFWMD $ 130.9 $ 69.8 $ 69.0 $ 83.4 $ 92.8 $ 445.9

TOTAL $ 250.9 $ 182.5 $ 260.0 $ 196.4 $ 232.8 $ 1,122.6
Section 3 The Next Five Years

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 38 October 2010

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Section 4 Looking Forward

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 39 October 2010

4 LOOKING FORWARD

Despite the seemingly slow startup process for CERP, much has been accomplished thus far 

towards restoring the Everglades ecosystem. Thanks to the efforts of the State of Florida 

with funding support from the state, federal, and local levels, as much as 60 percent of the 

land estimated to be needed for CERP has been acquired. This is in addition to other large 

acquisitions made for the foundation projects and other local and state 

restoration/preservation efforts (see Appendix D for information on the Foundation Projects). 

Meanwhile, the ongoing work by the USACE in partnership with the DOI on the ModWaters 

project and with the SFWMD on the other non-CERP projects is already resulting in 

significant benefits to the ecosystem. Success of these interconnected Foundation and 

supporting projects are important to the success of CERP. In the northern part of the system,

the Kissimmee River Restoration project remains the showcase restoration project that 

demonstrates the ability of the natural system to recover. With more than 20 miles of the 

historical river channel and more than 14,000 acres of floodplain already restored, the natural 

recovery of the river’s ecosystem has been astounding in terms of bio-diversity and

production. This has clearly demonstrated the ability of a natural system to heal itself once 

the hydrologic conditions upon which the ecosystem originally developed are restored. 

Within the next five years, foundation projects such as the Kissimmee River Restoration, the 

C-111 (South Dade), the WPB STA-1E/C-51, and the Modified Water Deliveries to ENP

will be completed along with CERP projects such as the Site 1 Impoundment, much of the 

Picayune Strand Restoration project, the C-44 Reservoir component of the IRL-S project, and 

significant portions of the Broward County Water Preserve Areas projects. Other CERP 

projects, or components of projects, will also be completed or nearing completion – e.g. 

Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands (Phase I) and the C-111 Spreader Canal-Western Project will 

be completed by the SFWMD, the Caloosahatchee River (C-43) West Basin Storage 

Reservoir, and the initial portion of the DECOMP project will be completed dependent on 

authorization and funding. These will begin to transform the management of water 

throughout the system providing much needed storage, treatment, and re-hydration to large 

areas of the ecosystem.

The DECOMP project’s first PIR, that will be completed or underway, will lay the 

groundwork to transform the very manner in which water moves through the system, 

restoring many of the historical characteristics of that flow and directly benefiting over 

172,000 acres of the Everglades. The non-CERP ModWaters project coupled with further 

improvements to the Tamiami Trail to accommodate historical high flows without damaging 

the roadway, will remove the constraints at the southern end of the ―managed‖ system and 

begin to allow more ―free‖ flow south without damage to the Everglades. The redistribution 

of flows across the Trail will restore flows to the historic Northeast Shark River Slough 

flowway, thus restoring the 109,000 acre ENP Expansion Area. 

This in combination with adequate seepage control work on the eastern boundary (e.g. L-31N 

(L-30) Seepage Management Pilot, ENP Seepage Management), will allow higher water 

levels without increasing the risk of flooding in developed areas to the east. Together, the

C&SF C-111 (South Dade) and the CERP C-111 Spreader Canal projects will likewise 
Section 4 Looking Forward

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 40 October 2010

redistribute and increase flows entering the Taylor Slough and panhandle portion of ENP 

thus restoring more natural hydro patterns to that area. This will not only enhance these 

portions of ENP but also positively impact the upper estuaries of Florida Bay by expanding 

the fresh water interface and reducing hyper salinity events. Complimenting these efforts, 

the completion of the first phase of the Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands project will begin to 

redistribute flows across the wetlands to Biscayne Bay and aid in protecting the remaining 

fragile coastal estuary. 

Besides the physical progress made through construction and land acquisition noted above, 

the understanding of the science surrounding the ecosystem and its processes has also grown 

significantly thanks to a multitude of efforts underway to better define the science and 

relationships within the ecosystem. This continued investigation into the characteristics and 

processes of the Everglades ecosystem has led to an understanding that the southern end of 

the pre-drainage system near Florida Bay may have been much wetter than originally 

believed when CERP was first put together in 1999. During a series of science workshops, a 

group of interagency scientists estimated the need for approximately 1.9 million acre-feet of 

average annual flows entering the Everglades Protection Area from the north. Based on this 

current scientific information, the DOI supports the need for approximately 1.9 million acrefeet of average annual flows as well as the need for additional storage. Discussions are 

currently underway on how to incorporate this new information into system planning. This 

water flow is viewed as the key to re-establishing the enormous feeding grounds and 

rookeries that were legendary for that area as well as providing the additional influx of fresh 

water deemed vital for the survival of Florida Bay. 

And last, in a period of economic recession and accompanying challenges, the restoration 

effort offers the opportunity to invest not only in the restoration and preservation of this 

unique treasure but also in the people, infrastructure, and economy of the region. The 

numerous projects included in the program will generate as many as 1000 new direct jobs 

and many times more indirect jobs throughout the region. These employment opportunities

will be both temporary for construction (one to four years) and long term for infrastructure

operation and maintenance. This work has already had and will continue to have a 

substantial positive economic impact on the area. 

In summary, the coming years provide an unparalleled opportunity for great 

accomplishments toward the restoration of this truly unique ecosystem. They also represent 

a great challenge to maintain the level of financial and other resource commitment required 

to move the program forward in a meaningful way. Timely authorizations and funding are 

critical to maintaining the recently established momentum. However, if financial issues can 

be adequately addressed at the National and state level, solid, visible progress will be made 

toward achieving the overall goal of restoring this unique and world renowned environmental 

treasure, America’s Everglades. 
Tab A References

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 41 October 2010

TAB A - REFERENCES

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) (P.L. 111-5) (February 17, 2009). 

CERP Guidance Memoranda – (various).

http://www.evergladesplan.org/pm/program_docs/cerp-guidance-memo.aspx

Department of Defense. ASA-CW Memorandum: Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan 

(CERP) – Requirements for Project Implementation Reports (PIRs) and Other 

Implementation Documents (May 27, 2010).

Department of Defense. ASA-CW Memorandum: Subject: Design Agreement for the

Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (March 24 2000).

Department of Defense. CECW--SAD Letter and Memorandum for the Record, Land Valuation 

and Crediting Policy CERP Project (July 30, 2009).

Department of Defense. Programmatic Regulations for the Comprehensive Everglades 

Restoration Plan; Final Rule by the Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers Title 33 

of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 385. Federal Register Vol. 68, No. 218. 

(November 12, 2003).

http://www.evergladesplan.org/pm/progr_regs_final_rule.aspx

Design Agreement between the Department of the Army and the South Florida Water 

Management District for the Design of Elements of the Comprehensive Plan for 

Everglades and South Florida Ecosystem Restoration (May 12, 2000).

Amendment No. 1, (July 24, 2004).

Amendment No. 2, (August 13, 2009).

http://www.evergladesplan.org/pm/program_docs/progr_part_design_agree.aspx

Lacey Act - P.L. 97-79, 95 Stat. 1073, 16 U.S.C. 3371-3378 (November 16, 1981), and 

amended by P.L. 100-653, 102 Stat. 3825 (November 14, 1988), and P.L. 98-327, 98 

Stat. 271, (June 25, 1984). http://www.fws.gov/le/pdffiles/Lacey.pdf

Langeland, K.A and Stocker, R.K. 1997. Control of Non-native Plants in Florida’s Natural 

Areas. Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agriculture 

Sciences. University of Florida. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

Larsen, L.G., N. Aumen, C. Bernhardt, V. Engel, T. Givnish, S. Hagerthey, J. Harvey, L. 

Leonard, P. McCormick, C. McVoy, G. Noe, M. Nungesser, K. Rutchey, F. Sklar, T. 

Troxler, J. Volin, and D. Willard. ―Recent and historic drivers of landscape change in the 

Everglades ridge, slough, and tree island mosaic. Critical Reviews in Environmental 

Science & Technology.‖ In review (2010).

Master Program Management Plan, Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, Final, 

(August 2000). 
Tab A References

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 42 October 2010

http://www.evergladesplan.org/pm/program_docs/mpmp.aspx

Master Agreement Between the Department of the Army and South Florida Water 

Management District for Cooperation in Constructing and Operating, Maintaining, 

Repairing, Replacing, and Rehabilitating Projects Authorized to be Undertaken Pursuant

to the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (August 13, 2009).

http://www.evergladesplan.org/pm/pm_docs/master_agreement/081309_master_agreeme

nt_cerp.pdf

Milan, Hodges et al. 1999. Public Preferences and Economic Values for Restoration of the 

Everglades/South Florida Ecosystem.

National Research Council (NRC). 2006. Progress Toward Restoring the Everglades: The 

First Biennial Review - 2006. Committee on Independent Scientific Review of 

Everglades Restoration (CISRERP), National Academies Press. 

http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12469

National Research Council (NRC). 2008. Progress Toward Restoring the Everglades: The 

Second Biennial Review, 2008. Committee on Independent Scientific Review of 

Everglades Restoration (CISRERP), National Academies Press. 

http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=12469

Norton D.A., 2009. Species Invasions and the Limits to Restoration: Learning from the New 

Zealand Experience. 

Ogden et al. 2005. Ogden, J.C; Davis, S. M.; Barnes, T.K., Jacobs, K.J. and J.H. Bentile. 

2005. Total System Conceptual Ecological Model. Wetlands 25(4). 955-999.

RECOVER. CERP Monitoring and Assessment Plan, Part 1. Section 4.0 Quality 

Assurance/Quality Control and Data Validation, Management, Evaluation and Reporting 

(January 15, 2004).

http://www.evergladesplan.org/pm/recover/recover_docs/map/MAP_4.0_QAQC.pdf

RECOVER. Scientific and Technical Knowledge Gained in Everglades Restoration (1999-

2009) DRAFT (June 2010).

RECOVER. System Status Report (2009).

http://www.evergladesplan.org/pm/ssr_2009/ssr_main.aspx

Sklar et al. 2007. Chapter 6: Ecology of the Everglades Protection Area. 2007 South Florida 

Environmental Report. 

South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). 2006 South Florida Environmental 

Report – Volume I, Chapter 9.

SFWMD. 2009 South Florida Environmental Report – FINAL.
Tab A References

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 43 October 2010

https://my.sfwmd.gov/portal/page/portal/pg_grp_sfwmd_sfer/pg_sfwmd_sfer_prevreport

SFWMD. 2010 South Florida Environmental Report - FINAL – Chapter 3A: Status of Water 

Quality in the Everglades Protection Agency (March 1, 2010).

https://my.sfwmd.gov/portal/page/portal/pg_grp_sfwmd_sfer/pg_sfwmd_sfer_home

South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force (SFERTF). Land Acquisition Strategy, 

2009. http://www.sfrestore.org/issueteams/latt/documents/

SFERTF. System-wide Indicators for Everglades Restoration, 2008 Assessment.

http://www.sfrestore.org/scg/documents/index.html

SFERTF. New Science: Advancing Understanding of the South Florida Ecosystem by the 

Working Group and Science Coordination Group. (May 2010).

http://www.sfrestore.org/new_science.html

State of Florida. Laws of Florida CHAPTER 2010-185. Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 

No. 318 and Committee Substitute for Senate Bill No. 572. ―An act relating to wildlife 

regulation; amending s. 379.231, Florida Statutes; prohibiting the import or release of 

nonnative animals in this state unless authorized by the Fish and Wildlife 

Commission...‖ (June 3, 2010).

http://laws.flrules.org/files/Ch_2010-185.pdf

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Central and Southern Florida (C&SF) Project 

Comprehensive Review Study - Final Integrated Feasibility Report and Programmatic 

Environmental Impact Statement. Jacksonville District Office; Jacksonville, Florida. 

(CERP or Restudy). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (1999).

http://www.evergladesplan.org/pub/restudy_eis.aspx

USACE. Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) 2005 Report to Congress -

Final, (September 2006).

http://www.evergladesplan.org/pm/program_docs/cerp_report_congress_2005.aspx

Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1992 [as amended through P.L. 102-580, 

December 29, 2000]. 

http://epw.senate.gov/wrda92.pdf

WRDA of 1996 (Public Law 104-303), 110 Stat. 3658, Section 528 (October 12, 1996).

http://www.fws.gov/habitatconservation/Omnibus/WRDA1996.pdf

WRDA of 1999 (Public Law 106-53), 113 Stat. 269, (August 17, 1999).

http://www.fws.gov/habitatconservation/Omnibus/WRDA1999.pdf

WRDA of 2000 (Public Law 106-541), 114 Stat. 2572, Section 601, (December 11, 2000).

http://www.evergladesplan.org/wrda2000/wrda_docs/wrda2000_gpo.pdf
Tab A References

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 44 October 2010

WRDA of 2007 (Public Law 110-114), 121 Stat. 1041 (November 8, 2007).

http://www.evergladesplan.org/wrda2000/wrda_docs/wrda_2007.pdf

Wittenberg, R. & Cock, M.J.W., eds. 2001. Invasive alien species: a toolkit of best 

prevention and management practices. Global Invasive Species Programme. Wallingford, 

Oxon, UK. CAB International. 
Tab B Abbreviations and Acronyms

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 45 October 2010

TAB B - ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

AA&M adaptive assessment and monitoring

AM Adaptive Management

ARRA American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 

ASA-CW Assistant Secretary of the Army Civil Works

ASR aquifer storage and recovery

C&SF Central and Southern Florida

CERP Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan

CERP Master Agreement 

Master Agreement between the Department of the Army and the South 

Florida Water Management District for Cooperation in Constructing and 

Operating, Maintaining, Repairing, Replacing and Rehabilitating Projects 

Authorized to be Undertaken Pursuant to the Comprehensive Everglades 

Restoration Plan. 

CISMA Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area 

CISRERP Committee on Independent Scientific Review of Everglades Restoration 

Progress

CREW Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed

DECOMP Decompartmentalization and Sheetflow Enhancement 

DOA U.S. Department of the Army

DOI U.S. Department of the Interior

DPM Decomp Physical Model 

E&SF Everglades and South Florida 

EAA Everglades Agricultural Area

EEE Environmental and Economic Equity

ENP Everglades National Park

FDEP Florida Department of Environmental Protection

FY fiscal year

ICU Initial CERP Update

IDM Information and Data Management

IDS Integrated Delivery Schedule

IG/IT(s) Interim Goals and Interim Targets

IMC Interagency Modeling Center

IRL Indian River Lagoon

IRL-S Indian River Lagoon–South

LOW Lake Okeechobee Watershed

MAP Monitoring and Assessment Plan

MISP Master Implementation Sequencing Plan

ModWaters Modified Water Deliveries to Everglades National Park

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act
Tab B Abbreviations and Acronyms

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 46 October 2010

NPS National Park Service

NRC National Research Council

OPE Other Project Element (CERP)

PBCWUD Palm Beach County's Water Utilities District 

PDT Project Delivery Team

PIR Project Implementation Report

P.L. Public Law

The Plan Central and Southern Florida Project Comprehensive Review Study Final 

Integrated Feasibility Report and Programmatic Environmental Impact 

Statement, dated April 1, 1999

PPA Project Partnership Agreement

PPCA Pre-Partnership Credit Agreement

QAOT Quality Assurance Oversight Team

QA/QC Quality Assurance/Quality Control

RECOVER REstoration COordination and VERification

Restudy Central and Southern Florida Project Comprehensive Review Study Final 

Integrated Feasibility Report and Programmatic Environmental Impact 

Statement, dated April 1, 1999

SAD South Atlantic Division

SFER South Florida Ecosystem Restoration

SFERTF South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force

SFERTF-WG South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force–Working Group

SFWMD South Florida Water Management District

SFWMM South Florida Water Management Model 

SMA square mile area

SSR System Status Report 

STA stormwater treatment area

SWFCWP Southwest Florida Comprehensive Watershed Plan

TSP Tentatively Selected Plan 

TTM Tamiami Trail Modifications

U.S. United States

USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture

USFWS U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

WCA Water Conservation Area

WPA Water Preserve Area

WQTA water quality treatment area (State of Florida)

WRDA Water Resources Development Act
Tab C Land Acquisition Update

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 47 October 2010

TAB C - LAND ACQUISITION UPDATE MAP

FIGURE TAB-C-1: SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION LAND ACQUISITION STRATEGY 

(www.sfrestore.org)
Tab C Land Acquisition Update

CERP 2010 Report to Congress 48 October 2010

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Appendices

CERP 2010 Report to Congress Appendices i October 2010

APPENDICIES

Appendix A CERP Project Information

Appendix B CERP Program Coordination

Appendix C Scientific Initiatives

Appendix D Status of Other South Florida Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Projects

Appendix E Updated Cost Estimates by CERP Project
Appendices

CERP 2010 Report to Congress Appendices ii October 2010

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Appendices Table of Contents

CERP 2010 Report to Congress Appendices iii October 2010

APPENDICIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

APPENDIX A - CERP PROJECT INFORMATION

A.1 AQUIFER STORAGE AND RECOVERY REGIONAL STUDY ........................A-1

A.2 BISCAYNE BAY COASTAL WETLANDS............................................................A-1

A.3 BROWARD COUNTY WATER PRESERVE AREAS .........................................A-2

A.4 CALOOSAHATCHEE RIVER (C-43) WEST BASIN STORAGE 

RESERVOIR.....................................................................................A-3

A.5 C-111 SPREADER CANAL......................................................................................A-3

A.6 WATER CONSERVATION AREA 3 DECOMPARTMENTALIZATION AND 

SHEETFLOW ENHANCEMENT (DECOMP)......................................................A-4

A.7 EVERGLADES AGRICULTURAL AREA RESERVOIR ...................................A-5

A.8 LAKE OKEECHOBEE WATERSHED..................................................................A-5

A.9 NORTH PALM BEACH COUNTY–PART 1 .........................................................A-6

A.10 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FEASIBILITY STUDY................................................A-7

APPENDIX B - CERP PROGRAM COORDINATION

B.1 PROGRAMMATIC REGULATIONS.....................................................................B-1

B.2 EVOLUTION OF THE INTEGRATED DELIVERY SCHEDULE.....................B-2

B.3 RECOGNIZING CULTURAL RESOURCES........................................................B-2

B.4 MASTER RECREATION PLAN.............................................................................B-3

B.5 INTERAGENCY MODELING CENTER...............................................................B-3

B.6 PUBLIC OUTREACH AND ASSISTANCE...........................................................B-4

B.7 INFORMATION AND DATA MANAGEMENT...................................................B-8

B.8 QUALITY ASSURANCE OVERSIGHT TEAM....................................................B-9

B.9 ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC EQUITY ...............................................B-9

B.10 PROGRAM COORDINATION FINANCIAL COSTS........................................B-10

B.11 OUTLOOK FOR ECONOMIC, TOURISM, RECREATION AND OTHER 

BENEFITS ................................................................................................................B-12
Appendices Table of Contents

CERP 2010 Report to Congress Appendices iv October 2010

APPENDIX C - SCIENTIFIC INITIATIVES

C.1 INCORPORATION OF ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT......................................C-1

C.2 RESTORATION COORDINATION AND VERIFICATION.............................C-1

C.2.1 Planning and Evaluation .........................................................................................C-1

C.2.2 Adaptive Management Program.............................................................................C-2

C.2.3 Adaptive Assessment and Monitoring....................................................................C-3

C.3 INTERIM GOALS AND INTERIM TARGETS...................................................C-4

C.4 METHODS FOR ASSESSING PERFORMANCE AND PROVIDING 

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT .................................................C-6

C.5 NEW SCIENCE........................................................................................................C-8

C.6 NON-INDIGENOUS (INVASIVE/EXOTIC) SPECIES.......................................C-9

C.7 IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND SEA LEVEL RISE..........................C-10

C.8 EXPECTATIONS FOR THE SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM 

RESTORATION OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS ........................................C-11

C.8.1 RECOVER Activities Anticipated over the Next Five Years..............................C-11

C.8.2 Addressing Invasive and Exotic Species..............................................................C-13

C.8.3 Incorporating Climate Change and Sea Level Rise..............................................C-15

APPENDIX D - STATUS OF OTHER SOUTH FLORIDA EVERGLADES

ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION PROJECTS

D.1. THE FOUNDATION PROJECTS..........................................................................D-1

D.1.1 Modified Water Deliveries to Everglades National Park Project....................D-3

D.1.1.1 8.5 Square Mile Area .........................................................................................D-3

D.1.1.2 Tamiami Trail Modifications.............................................................................D-4

D.1.1.3 Spreader Swale Pilot Test along Tamiami Trail................................................D-4

D.1.1.4 Conveyance and Seepage Control Features.......................................................D-4

D.1.1.5 Everglades Restoration Transition Plan.............................................................D-5

D.1.2 Kissimmee River Restoration ............................................................................D-5

D.1.3 Central and Southern Florida: Modifications to the C-111 Project (South 

Dade) ....................................................................................................................D-7

D.1.4 Central and Southern Florida: West Palm Beach Canal Stormwater 

Treatment Area-1E/C-51 West..........................................................................D-8

D.2. EVERGLADES AND SOUTH FLORIDA: CRITICAL RESTORATION 

PROJECTS PROGRAM........................................................................................D-8

D.3. OTHER SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION PROJECTS .D-10

D.3.1 Federal Initiatives During the Past Five Years..............................................D-10
Appendices Table of Contents

CERP 2010 Report to Congress Appendices v October 2010

D.3.2 State and Local Initiatives During the Past Five Years............................D-10

D.3.2.1 Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program ..........................D-11

D.3.2.2 C-43 Water Quality Treatment and Testing Facility......................................D-11

D.3.2.3 Fisheating Creek Feasibility Study.................................................................D-11

D.3.2.4 Hybrid Wetland Treatment.............................................................................D-12

D.3.2.5 Local Cost-Share Projects with Martin County .............................................D-12

D.3.2.6 Everglades Agricultural Area Stormwater Treatment Area Expansion .........D-12

D.3.2.7 L-63N Canal (Taylor Creek) Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project ............D-13

D.3.2.8 Seminole Tribe – Brighton Reservation Aquifer Storage and Recovery Pilot 

Project.............................................................................................................D-13

APPENDIX E - UPDATED COST ESTIMATES BY CERP PROJECT..................E-1

LIST OF APPENDIX TABLES 

Table A-1: Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Project Status.............................A-9

Table B-1: Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Expenditures for Program 

Coordination...... .......................................................................B-11

Table C-1: Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Adaptive Assessment and 

Monitoring Expenditures through Fiscal Year 2009 .........................................C-7

Table D-1: State Initiatives Update Past Five Years...........................................................D-14

Table E-1: Updated Cost Estimates By CERP Project.........................................................E-3

LIST OF APPENDIX FIGURES

Figure D-1: Other South Florida Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Projects...............D-2
Appendices Table of Contents

CERP 2010 Report to Congress Appendices vi October 2010

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Appendix A CERP Project Information

CERP 2010 Report to Congress A-1 October 2010

APPENDIX A - CERP PROJECT INFORMATION

Section 601(h) of Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2000 and § 385.40(c) of the 

Programmatic Regulations set forth reporting requirements for the Comprehensive 

Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). These include providing descriptions of planning, 

design, and construction work completed during the five-year period covered by the report. 

As a quick reference, Table A-1 provides a listing of this work around CERP project 

accomplishments to date.

Under normal procedures, in order for a CERP project to begin construction, it must be 

authorized and have a signed project partnership agreement (PPA). Projects that are in 

construction, authorized or have signed PPAs are discussed in the main body of the 

document. The projects discussed below are in various stages of the U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers (USACE) Planning process or are studies that result in a report. The progress 

these projects have made over the past five years is discussed below. 

A.1 AQUIFER STORAGE AND RECOVERY REGIONAL STUDY

CERP includes use of Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) technology on an unprecedented 

scale. This technology involves collection and treatment of excess surface waters that are 

then stored in underground aquifers for later recovery. Although ASR technology has been 

used successfully in Florida since 1983, concerns have been expressed about the proposed 

use of large-scale ASR in south Florida. Many of these concerns were outlined in a report 

prepared by the ASR Issue Team of the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force 

(SFERTF). 

The ASR Regional Study was designed to answer many of the questions concerning the 

feasibility of full-scale ASR implementation. An interim report (June 2008) summarized 

efforts from 2003-2007. Hydrology, water quality, engineering and eco-toxicological data 

were collected successfully during the recharge phase of cycle-1 in the Kissimmee River 

ASR Pilot Facility. Additional data collection, modeling, assessment and evaluations will 

continue through 2012 with a final summary report summarizing the feasibility for the 

regional use of ASR technology for CERP.

A.2 BISCAYNE BAY COASTAL WETLANDS

This project will expand and restore the wetlands adjacent to Biscayne Bay in Miami-Dade 

County, enhancing the ecological health of Biscayne National Park.

In February 2008, the project was divided into two phases. Phase I consists of the design and 

construction of three essential components: Deering Estates Flowway, Cutler Ridge 

Wetlands, and L-31 East Flowway to restore the quantity, quality, timing, and distribution of 

freshwater to Biscayne Bay and estuary and Biscayne National Park. The entire project will 

capture, treat, and redistribute freshwater runoff from the watershed into Biscayne Bay, 

expand spatial extent and connectivity of coastal wetlands, and provide improved 

recreational opportunities in Biscayne Bay and adjacent wetlands. It will also improve 
Appendix A CERP Project Information

CERP 2010 Report to Congress A-2 October 2010

salinity distribution near the shoreline helping to reestablish productive nursery habitat for 

shrimp and shellfish. 

Miami-Dade County has already constructed a portion of the proposed Deering Estates

Flowway. The project team completed a draft Project Implementation Report (PIR) for 

Phase I and published it in the Federal Register in February 2010. As discussed in section 

2.1.2 the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) completed construction on 

L-31 Culverts in 2010 and began construction on Deering Estates. Cutler Wetlands is 

scheduled to begin construction in 2011. A review is currently underway in response to the 

request by the local sponsor for a policy change regarding cost-sharing for treatment of 

agrichemical soils within the project footprint. Upon receipt of policy decision, the project 

will proceed with either a re-write of the PIR or a presentation to the Civil Works Review 

Board.

A.3 BROWARD COUNTY WATER PRESERVE AREAS 

The Broward County Water Preserve Areas (WPAs) project contains three of the ten initially 

authorized projects identified in WRDA 2000: Water Conservation Area (WCA) 3A/3B 

Levee Seepage Management, C-11 Impoundment and Stormwater Treatment Area (STA), 

and C-9 Impoundment and STA. The project was refined in the final PIR signed by the 

USACE District Engineer in June 2007. However, completion of the PIR and design of 

project features was suspended pending resolution of the land crediting policy change request 

from SFWMD. The land crediting policy has since been resolved. The PIR is being 

rewritten based on the changes to the Master Agreement as well as the cost updates for the 

real estate policy change and to reflect construction cost changes. Once the changes are 

incorporated, an Independent External Peer Review will be scheduled and conducted prior to 

submitting this project for WRDA consideration.

The project is designed to enhance the buffer between residential development and protected 

Everglades’ wetlands, capturing and diverting stormwater runoff and reducing underground 

seepage from the Everglades. It consists of three components all located along the eastern 

edge of WCA 3A/3B in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

(1) WCA 3A/3B Seepage Management Area is a 14-mile-long tract of wetlands 

adjacent to the Everglades. Increasing the water levels in this area will reduce 

groundwater seepage from WCA 3A and 3B.

(2) C-11 Impoundment is a 1,500-acre, above-ground impoundment capable of holding 

a water depth up to approximately four feet. It will receive diverted untreated 

stormwater from the western C-11 watershed, which would otherwise enter WCA 3A. 

The impoundment pool will also assist in reducing groundwater seepage to improve 

groundwater levels in the Everglades.

(3) C-9 Impoundment is a 1,650-acre, aboveground impoundment capable of holding a 

water depth of up to approximately 4 feet. It will capture excess stormwater from the 

western C-11 watershed. If the impoundment has capacity and there are no flows 

from the C-11 Basin, then excess stormwater from the western C-9 Basin will be 

pumped into the impoundment for temporary storage and release. The impoundment 
Appendix A CERP Project Information

CERP 2010 Report to Congress A-3 October 2010

will assist in reducing groundwater seepage from the adjacent Seepage Management 

Area and WCA 3B. 

State Expedited Efforts

While the PIR was suspended, the state moved forward under its expedited program to 

complete the Basis of Design Report for the WCA 3A/3B Seepage Management Area and the 

C-9 Impoundment. On C-11 Impoundment, the preliminary project design is 60 percent 

complete. The remaining design and construction for all three WPA components have been 

transferred to the USACE. 

A.4 CALOOSAHATCHEE RIVER (C-43) WEST BASIN STORAGE 

RESERVOIR

A Final PIR has been completed and the Chief of Engineer’s Report was signed in 

March 2010. This project proposes a 170,000 acre-feet reservoir to capture excess C-43 

Basin runoff and store water releases from Lake Okeechobee and then release water to the 

Caloosahatchee Estuary when needed. The reservoir will also help to improve water quality 

by reducing salinity and nutrient impacts of runoff and improving environmental water 

supply deliveries to the Caloosahatchee Estuary.

A.5 C-111 SPREADER CANAL 

This project is being implemented via two PIRs (a Western PIR and an Eastern PIR). The 

draft integrated PIR and Environmental Impact Statement for the Western PIR was 

completed in 2009. A signed Chief of Engineer’s Report is expected in fiscal year 2011. As 

discussed in section 2.1.2, a portion of this project is being expedited by the state. The PIR 

includes a 590-acre Frog Pond detention area and a second detention area (Aerojet Canal); 

with each having a 225 cubic feet per second pump station. These features will create a 

mound of groundwater to the south and west, which will prevent groundwater seepage out of 

Everglades National Park (ENP). Preventing groundwater seepage out of ENP will improve 

the quantity, timing and distribution of flows to Florida Bay via Taylor Slough. 

Hydroperiods and hydropatterns within wetlands of the Southern Glades and Model Lands 

will be improved by construction of a new water control structure in the lower C-111, 

incremental operational changes at existing structure S-18C, changes in operations at the 

existing structure S-20, construction of an opening at existing structure S-20A for marine 

traffic, and installation of several additional access points along the C-110 Canal. 

As metioned in section 2.1.3, in addition to the Western PIR efforts, an integrated Design 

Document Report/Environmental Assessment was prepared for the C-111 Spreader Canal 

Design Test. The test consists of operating a small scale spreader canal and monitoring the 

effects on groundwater and surface water flows. This data will be used in the development 

and analysis of alternatives for the Eastern PIR and will help determine the location for the 

Eastern PIR’s full-size spreader canal, minimize impacts to private lands, and maximize 

restoration results. 
Appendix A CERP Project Information

CERP 2010 Report to Congress A-4 October 2010

This integrated report received public comments between August and September 2008. The 

design test survey and hydraulic design were completed in 2008 and the scope of work for 

the test was completed in January 2009 with a final document dated July 2009. A contract 

for the design test was awarded and operation of the test began in February 2010; testing will 

continue for two years. 

A.6 WATER CONSERVATION AREA 3 DECOMPARTMENTALIZATION 

AND SHEETFLOW ENHANCEMENT (DECOMP)

At a June 2008 Feasibility Scoping Meeting, the Project Delivery Team (PDT) recommended 

an Incremental Adaptive Restoration strategy for the DECOMP project. An initial plan 

formulation summary was drafted and RECOVER has completed its performance measure 

consistency review. Conceptual alternatives were modeled using the South Florida Water 

Management Model to determine which segment(s) of the Miami Canal yielded the most 

benefits when backfilled. The RMA-2 (a model developed by Resource Management 

Associates for the USACE in 1973) was used to determine optimal plug length and spacing 

given variable fill quantities. These model results, along with additional considerations, were 

used to formulate a preliminary array of alternatives. The PDT used a structured screening 

process to reduce the preliminary alternatives to an array of six to be further analyzed using 

the Regional Simulation Model. The next step will be for the team to work on the modeling 

and evaluation of the final array of alternatives.

Due to the uncertainties surrounding the physical impacts associated with DECOMP, a 

temporary field test will be implemented to investigate the design of features for restoring 

sheet flow and for removing barriers to habitat connectivity in Water Conservation Area 

(WCA) 3. This test (also known as a Physical Model) is important because there are critical 

questions regarding design and effectiveness of decompartmentalization features that the 

project team cannot answer with current knowledge or computer simulation models. The 

DECOMP Physical Model (DPM) will gather data to better understand the hydrological and 

ecological effects associated with different types of canal and levee modifications to benefit 

the Everglades, and to better understand how to design effective project features. 

The DPM will take place along a small portion of the L-67A Levee and L-67C Canal Levee 

in WCA 3 in northern Miami-Dade County approximately ten miles north of S-333. It 

consists of culverts in the L-67A Levee, a gap in the L-67C Levee and the complete and 

partial backfilling of segments of the L-67C Canal. These features will provide a 

controllable hydrologic connection between WCA 3A and WCA 3B delivering pulsed flows 

at velocities of at least three centimeters per second over a period of days. DPM data and 

assessment of the effects of pulsed flows on hydrology, transport, vegetation and wildlife 

will guide planning, design and operational guidance for alternatives for both PIRs 2 and 3 of 

the DECOMP project. 

The entire DPM includes planning and evaluation of test alternatives in an Environmental 

Assessment, baseline monitoring, installing test features, operation, post-installation 

monitoring and removal of all DPM features following the test period. The Environmental 

Assessment for the DPM was completed in April 2010 and installation is scheduled to begin 
Appendix A CERP Project Information

CERP 2010 Report to Congress A-5 October 2010

in mid-2011. Data will be gathered over approximately four years. The USACE designed 

the project to be reversible so that following the testing; the area will be returned to its pretest condition.

A.7 EVERGLADES AGRICULTURAL AREA RESERVOIR 

The purpose of this project is to improve the timing of environmental deliveries to the Water 

Conservation Areas, including reducing damaging flood releases from the Everglades 

Agricultural Area (EAA) to the Water Conservation Areas. The features will also support 

reducing Lake Okeechobee regulatory releases to the estuaries, meeting Everglades 

Agricultural Area irrigation and Everglades natural system water demands, and mitigating 

flood risk for the Everglades Agricultural Area.

The Tentatively Selected Plan (February 2006), features a reservoir impoundment with a 

maximum normal pool storage depth of 12.5 feet with approximately 31,000 acres of above 

ground surface area. The reservoir is divided into two parts, Cell A-1 and Cell A-2, 

approximately 190,000 and 170,000 acre-feet in size, respectively. In December 2006,

program managers recommended that the Phase 1 PIR should be modified to focus on 

implementation of Cell A-1 (the 190,000 acre-feet storage project and associated features). 

Work on the CERP project implementation report was suspended.

State Expedited Efforts

The A-1 reservoir has been planned to be part of the larger CERP EAA Storage Reservoirs 

project and is an above-ground reservoir for water storage, with a capacity of 190,000 acrefeet at a maximum depth of 12.5 feet. The reservoir will be constructed on 16,700 acres of 

land north of STA 3/4. The SFWMD awarded the EAA Reservoir construction contract in 

June 2006, with a five-year construction schedule. However, construction was suspended by 

the SFWMD Governing Board on June 1, 2008 (due to litigation) and the construction 

contract was terminated on November 30, 2008. To date, the seepage canal excavation 

phases have been completed and approximately 20 percent of the materials to build levee 

components have been produced.

A.8 LAKE OKEECHOBEE WATERSHED

The Lake Okeechobee Watershed (LOW) is one of CERP’s largest projects and affects 

approximately 1,800 square miles. It consists of four major planning areas, based on the four 

major tributary systems that naturally drain the lower portion of the watershed into Lake 

Okeechobee. The purpose of LOW is to increase aquatic and wildlife habitat, regulate 

extreme highs and lows in lake staging (water levels), reduce phosphorus and other nutrient 

loading to Lake Okeechobee and reduce damaging releases to the surrounding estuaries. In 

addition, the LOW project will focus on rehydrating wetlands in and around the areas north 

of the lake and improve the ecological health of Lake Istokpoga. Storage and water quality 

improvement targets have been validated, incremental implementation and cost analysis have 

been ongoing and the plan formulation section was revised. The LOW project tentatively 

selected plan (TSP) consists of six water storage and treatment features on a 52 square mile 
Appendix A CERP Project Information

CERP 2010 Report to Congress A-6 October 2010

footprint along with a recommended Lake Istokpoga Regulation Schedule. The six features 

are:

1. 32,000 acre-feet reservoir in the Taylor Creek/Nubbin Slough basin

2. 3,975 acre STA in the Taylor Creek/Nubbin Slough Basin projected to provide 15.8 

metric tons of average annual phosphorus load reduction

3. 161,263 acre-feet reservoir in the Kissimmee River Basin (C-41A and C-38) 

4. 79,560 acre-feet reservoir in the Lake Istokpoga Basin

5. 8,044-acre STA in the Lake Istokpoga Basin expected to provide approximately 29.1 

metric tons of average annual phosphorus load reduction 

6. 3,730-acre wetland restoration in Paradise Run - oxbows of the Kissimmee River, and 

Lake Okeechobee littoral zone (wetlands)

The project has been delayed, since 2005, due to unresolved policy issues. The draft PIR 

will be completed and circulated for review following the resolution of the policy issues. 

Teams are currently conducting cultural resources inventories, and will, in the near future, 

complete model verification.

State Expedited Efforts

As discussed in section 2.1.2, the state is constructing the Lakeside Ranch Stormwater 

Treatment Area. Construction for the STA North and the S-650 Pump Station (Phase 1) has 

begun. Design for Phase II (STA South and S-191A Pump Station) is currently underway.

A.9 NORTH PALM BEACH COUNTY – PART 1 

The North Palm Beach County-Part I project area is approximately 480,000 acres and is 

located in northeastern portions of Palm Beach County and Southern Martin County. The 

project, as identified in CERP (1999), is made up of six main components:

1. Pal-Mar and J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area Hydropattern Restoration 

2. L-8 Basin Modifications 

3. C-51 and L-8 Reservoir 

4. Lake Worth Lagoon Restoration

5. C-17 Pumping and Treatment 

6. C-51 Pumping and Treatment

The purpose of the North Palm Beach County project is to improve the overall quantity, 

quality, timing and distribution of freshwaters, increase the spatial extent of natural areas and 

restore hydrologic and ecological connectivity, all in an effort to improve the ecosystem 

function across the entire area. The SFWMD has the technical lead on the project. The 

Feasibility Scoping Meeting was completed in 2004. 

As a result of that analysis, two of the original six elements identified in CERP, both the 

C-51 and C-17 Pumping and Treatment, were removed from the overall project scope. Since 

the Feasibility Scoping Meeting, the SFWMD has been modeling project components to 
Appendix A CERP Project Information

CERP 2010 Report to Congress A-7 October 2010

develop an array of alternatives. Selection of the TSP is anticipated in Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 

and an Alternatives Formulation Briefing is scheduled for the end of 2010. 

In partnership with the City of West Palm Beach, Indian Trail Improvement District, and 

Palm Beach County, the SFWMD completed the L-8 Reservoir Testing project at the Palm 

Beach Aggregates site in March 2005. This test project provided the technical basis to 

confirm that the rock mining pits at the Palm Beach Aggregates site could be effectively used 

for water storage. Based on the data collected during this project, the SFWMD, in 

partnership with the FDEP, moved forward with acquiring this storage facility in 2002-2003. 

Additionally, in 2008, the SFWMD conducted a test of the Flowway 1 concept to move 

regional water to the Loxahatchee River. The test was initiated in April 2008, but had to be 

suspended due to drought conditions and was re-started in July 2008. Even though L-8 

Reservoir water was unavailable at the time of the test, the test confirmed that if water is 

available from the regional sources of WCA-1 or the L-8 Reservoir, the G-161 and 

downstream structures can be successfully operated to deliver the required flows to the 

Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River.

By utilizing a phased approach to the construction, approximately 18,000 acre-feet of 

discharge capacity has been made available for interim water management benefits in the 

L-8 Basin area and this capacity will increase every year until full completion. 

State Expedited Efforts

As discussed in section 2.1.2, the L-8 Reservoir will improve water levels in the Loxahatchee 

Slough and increase freshwater deliveries to the Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River 

during dry periods by providing 47,000 acre-feet of water storage. Although components that 

are complete include installation of the G-160 and G-161 structures, design and construction 

of additional pumping capacity will be necessary to fully utilize the storage. The design and 

construction plan for L-8 additional storage capacity is complete.

A.10 SOUTHWEST FLORIDA FEASIBILITY STUDY

The Southwest Florida Feasibility Study was authorized to provide a framework to address 

the health of aquatic ecosystems; water flows; water quality; water supply; flood protection; 

fish and wildlife; biological diversity; and natural habitat. The study area encompasses 4,300 

square miles including eleven municipalities. The study boundary also corresponds to the 

SFWMD Lower West Coast Water Supply Plan area.

The Southwest Florida Feasibility Study is being re-named and packaged as the Southwest 

Florida Comprehensive Watershed Plan (SWFCWP). This plan will address loss of habitat, 

fragmentation of natural areas, alteration of natural freshwater flows to wetlands and 

estuaries (altered surface water hydrology), invasion of exotics, loss of groundwater recharge 

and water quality degradation in surface waters. In February of 2008, several SWFCWP

iterations were reviewed by the multi-agency PDT. A cost-benefit analysis was completed 

on the components and the TSP determined in November 2008, as part of a feasibility study.

A draft Integrated Feasibility Report was completed along with the Environmental Impact 

Statement in July 2009. Agency Technical Review began in August 2009. During the 
Appendix A CERP Project Information

CERP 2010 Report to Congress A-8 October 2010

development of the TSP a policy change occurred resulting in the need to develop the TSP to 

the 30% design level. Due to funding constraints the policy requirement for 30% design was 

not achievable. As a result the non-federal sponsor and Jacksonville District worked with 

headquarters and determined that completion of the report as a watershed plan would 

accomplish the requirements of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. The PDT 

is currently repackaging the Integrated Feasibility Report into a watershed plan to be 

submitted to Congress in 2013 which will not identify a TSP. The SWFCWP will outline 

potential projects with both federal and local interest that accomplish the goals authorized 

with the Southwest Florida Feasibility Study. The implementation of the SWFCWP will 

require identification of non-federal sponsors as projects are designed and authorized for 

construction. 

Note: All items checked in the following table on current CERP Project status (Table A-1) 

are complete unless otherwise stated. An asterisk (*) indicates projects authorized for 

implementation under a Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) and may be subject to 

PIR approval by congressional committees. 
Appendix A CERP Project Information

CERP 2010 Report to Congress A-9 October 2010

TABLE A-1: COMPREHENSIVE EVERGLADES RESTORATION PLAN PROJECT STATUS 

 CERP Project WRDA 

Implementation 

Authorized PMP

Decision 

Document 

Begun

PIR, PPDR 

or Study 

Draft

 PIR, PPDR 

or Study to 

USACE HQ 

Final 

Transmitted to 

Congress

WRDA 

Construction 

Authorized 

Designs 

and Specs 

Begun

Design and 

Specs 

Complete

Project 

Partnership 

Agreement 

Signed

Construction 

or Install 

Testing 

Begun

Physically 

Complete

Indian River Lagoon - South C-44 component 

WRDA 2000        C-44 

Picayune Strand Restoration -          

Aquifer Storage and Recovery PILOTs (LOW, 

C-43 and Hillsboro)

WRDA 1999, 

WRDA 2000     - -   - 

Site 1 Impoundment WRDA 2000        Phase 1 

L-31N (L-30) Seepage Management PILOT WRDA 2000     - -  - 

ASR Regional Study -   Interim Interim

- - - - - - -

Broward County WPAs WRDA 2000    

C-43 West Basin Storage Reservoir - PIR -     Everglades Agricultural Area Storage 

Reservoirs

Some components 

WRDA 2000   

C-111 Spreader Canal - PIR WRDA 2000     Design Test

Southwest Florida Feasibility Study WRDA 1996     - - - - -

Melaleuca Eradication & Other Exotics WRDA 2000     - - 

Florida Bay Florida Keys Feasibility Study WRDA 1996   - - - - -

Comprehensive Integrated Water Quality 

Feasibility Study WRDA 1996   - - - - - -

Lake Okeechobee Watershed Some components 

WRDA 2000  

Winsberg Farm Restoration WRDA 2000 

(Programmatic)   

Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands -   

ENP Seepage Management -  

North Palm Beach County - Part 1 Some components 

WRDA 2000  

WCA 3 Decompartmentalization and Sheetflow 

Enhancement

Some components 

WRDA 2000  

Florida Keys Tidal Restoration WRDA 2000 

(Programmatic)  

Lake Belt In-Ground Reservoir Technology 

PILOT WRDA 2000  -

Lakes Park Restoration WRDA 2000 

(Programmatic)  

Strazzulla Wetlands - 

Wastewater Reuse Technology PILOT WRDA 2000 - -

On Hold

Discontinued. No longer a federal interest.

Discontinued. No longer a federal interest.

On Hold.

On Hold until 2012 - pending L-31N (L-30) Pilot

Planned in future.
Appendix A CERP Project Information

CERP 2010 Report to Congress A-10 October 2010

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Appendix B CERP Program Coordination

CERP 2010 Report to Congress B-1 October 2010

APPENDIX B - CERP PROGRAM COORDINATION

Successful implementation of CERP requires that consistent guidance be provided across 

the many plan elements and planning teams. This guidance includes strategic direction for 

the sequence of project implementation, resource allocation, and goals against which 

progress of the restoration is measured, and the feedback processes to identify and address 

any shortfalls in progress. The process to provide this guidance is referred to herein as 

program coordination. This includes efforts related to the Programmatic Regulations, the 

Integrated Delivery Schedule, and several program level activities which span multiple 

projects and system-wide issues. For each of these areas, work completed during the last 

five years and work anticipated over the next five years is described in the sections below.

Over the next five years, integration will continue to be a mainstay with numerous federal 

and state agencies including the SFERTF. Ongoing coordination and participation with 

other initiatives, such as the finalization of the White House Council on Environmental 

Quality recently proposed National Objectives, Principles and Standards for Water and 

Related Resource Implementation Studies (December 3, 2009) will undoubtedly interface 

with the large CERP program. Public and stakeholder engagement have been and will be 

instrumental in the future success of the CERP program.

B.1 PROGRAMMATIC REGULATIONS

The Programmatic Regulations published in 2003 included clarification of the requirements 

from WRDA 2000 as well as additional requirements related to the implementation of 

CERP. As noted in the 2005 Report to Congress, the SFWMD and the USACE had 

developed six draft Program-Wide Guidance Memoranda, a draft Pre-CERP Baseline, a 

draft Initial CERP Update (ICU), and a MISP in consultation with their federal, state and 

tribal partners and the SFERTF. 

The Six Program Wide Guidance Memoranda continue to be revised and updated to reflect 

new information as it has become available. They are used as interim guidance for the 

various PDTs to ensure consistency among the various reports and projects. Also, the 

various aspects and requirements of PIR development and coordination as enumerated in the 

Programmatic Regulations are carried out for each project and report. 

As provided for in WRDA 2000 and in §385.6 of the Programmatic Regulations, the 

Secretary of the Army ―...shall review, and if necessary, review the regulations of this part 

at least every five years...‖ or, ―...whenever the Secretary believes that such review and 

revision is necessary to attain the goals and purposes of the Plan.‖ The revision process 

must follow the federal rule-making process; and the revised regulations will require 

concurrence by the Secretary of the Interior and the Governor of Florida before 

promulgation by the Secretary of the Army. 

In accordance with these requirements, the USACE, in partnership with the state and the 

DOI, formed an interagency review team in 2009 to conduct the review and update the 

regulations. This includes an open, public process to ensure all stakeholders have an 
Appendix B CERP Program Coordination

CERP 2010 Report to Congress B-2 October 2010

opportunity to provide comment and input to any needed revisions to the regulations. It is 

anticipated that any revisions proposed to the regulations will be published in late 2010 for 

public review and comment. Following that review, the final revision to the regulations will 

be developed in coordination with other agencies and interests as required.

B.2 EVOLUTION OF THE INTEGRATED DELIVERY SCHEDULE 

The IDS is a living document and will be updated as necessary to reflect major changes in 

program authority, funding, or other pertinent decisions. The latest IDS can be found in 

Chapter 2, Table 2-1. It was updated after consultation with the SFERTF, the Miccosukee 

Tribe, the Seminole Tribe, other state and local agencies, and stakeholders at large. Updates 

to the IDS are expected in the near future to reflect the full impact of the increased federal 

funding for restoration as provided through the 2010/2011 budget including the ARRA. The 

IDS will also highlight ongoing actions by the State of Florida and the SFWMD to advance 

implementation of portions of the Plan and continue the accelerated land acquisition 

program. 

Should the state’s negotiations to acquire property from U.S. Sugar Corporation in the EAA 

come to fruition, the impact of that acquisition and potential changes to CERP will also be 

assessed and addressed as appropriate.

B.3 RECOGNIZING CULTURAL RESOURCES

To deal with the complex issues pertaining to impacts on cultural resources from CERP 

projects, the USACE, Jacksonville District took the lead with its partners in Everglades 

restoration through the creation of a Cultural Resource Coordination Team. This team is 

comprised of various stakeholders that include the SFWMD, the State Historic Preservation 

Officer, the State Archaeologist, the NPS and Tribal representation. Over the past five years 

the team has met to coordinate activities for 40 projects. The goals of this team approach 

are to ensure project completion, reduce duplication of efforts, and facilitate an expedited 

decision making process to the identification of cultural resources within CERP project 

areas. The group approach ensures that the multitude of local, state, and federal regulations 

pertaining to cultural resources are met at various stages of project planning and 

implementation. 

In addition, the team approach ensures that proper relationships are maintained with 

federally recognized tribes as part of the State of Florida’s and federal trust responsibility. 

One of the major components for meeting this responsibility is coordination of projects 

under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. As part of an ongoing dialog 

with the Miccosukee Tribe and the Seminole Tribe, consultation with appropriate tribal 

representatives occurs for upcoming and ongoing projects. Over the past five years, this 

working group has conducted nineteen Cultural Resource Surveys within the south Florida 

CERP project area. The group approach has also allowed the team to work towards 

consistency on survey methods and policy. 

The Cultural Resource Coordination Team will continue to meet to ensure that local, state, 

and federal regulations pertaining to cultural resources are met at the various stages of 
Appendix B CERP Program Coordination

CERP 2010 Report to Congress B-3 October 2010

project planning and implementation. In addition, relationship building and 

communications will be maintained with federally recognized tribes as part of the State of 

Florida’s and federal trust responsibility by regularly meeting with appropriate tribal 

representatives to discuss upcoming and ongoing projects.

B.4 MASTER RECREATION PLAN

A significant part of recreation in south Florida is water based. As CERP projects are 

implemented, the impact to recreation opportunities will be addressed along with the 

additional recreation opportunities that may be made available by CERP. A Master 

Recreation Plan has been under development that will identify, by region, restoration 

compatible recreation suited for inclusion in CERP projects. This plan will ensure the 

public has the opportunity to directly enjoy the benefits from the Everglades restoration. 

The interagency team working on the plan has identified existing recreation opportunities as 

well as potential recreation opportunities on a regional basis. The Master Recreation Plan is 

a guidance document to be utilized by the PDTs for the incorporation of recreation planning, 

consistent with the goals and objectives of CERP during their site-specific design work. 

The Master Recreation Plan is expected at the beginning of FY 2011. Therefore, over the 

next five years, it is expected that there will be continued support to the PDTs during their 

planning phase to ensure that recreation planning is included and consistent with the goals 

and objectives of CERP. 

B.5 INTERAGENCY MODELING CENTER

A collaborative state and federal interagency effort, the Interagency Modeling Center 

(IMC), was established in 2003 to provide a centralized pool of resources and expertise to 

promote greater efficiency and consistency in the hydrologic and ecologic modeling that 

supports CERP planning. It provides, coordinates, and oversees the modeling needs and 

efforts for CERP both at the Program Coordination level and at the regional level. 

Modeling needs for individual project analyses are addressed by PDTs and consultants, but 

are coordinated through the IMC to ensure consistency with the regional model, for model 

selection, and appropriate application of project-level models. 

System-wide computer models are important tools used to simulate south Florida hydrology 

and water management, and to evaluate the system-wide performance of the plan. The 

primary regional model covering most of the CERP domain is the South Florida Water 

Management Model (SFWMM). Sub-regional models are used when finer detail for a 

portion of the CERP domain is needed, or when the project is outside the domain of the 

SFWMM. Often, sub-regional models are used in conjunction with the SFWMM. The 

Regional Simulation Model encompasses a family of next generation sub-regional models 

that are beginning to be applied to certain basins to provide more accurate representations of 

performance under CERP. Implementation of the Natural System Regional Simulation 

Model is intended to provide a superior representation of the pre-drainage system and 

replace the current Natural System Model which is based on the SFWMM.
Appendix B CERP Program Coordination

CERP 2010 Report to Congress B-4 October 2010

The SFWMM is being updated to extend the period of record, update land use, topography, 

and enhance the model code. It was ported from Unix to Linux to facilitate simulations on 

computer clusters which has dramatically reduced computer run-times for SFWMM 

simulations.

Since its inception, the IMC has performed thousands of regional model simulations to 

support CERP projects and RECOVER evaluations; and has responded to hundreds of 

requests from CERP projects for review of modeling strategies, scopes of work and reports 

of project-level model applications. In addition, IMC modelers provide liaison services to 

PDTs and RECOVER to facilitate their interaction with the IMC.

The next five years are expected to be a period of continued demand for regional and subregional model applications for planning and evaluation of CERP projects. Sub-regional 

implementations of the RSM will be completed and deployed in the IMC for application to 

provide more accurate representations of the performance of CERP projects. Project-level 

modeling will continue to be coordinated by the IMC to ensure consistency with regional 

models and for appropriate model applications. Ecological models which have been under 

development outside of the IMC will be implemented in the IMC to facilitate the evaluation 

of ecological response to CERP projects.

B.6 PUBLIC OUTREACH AND ASSISTANCE

Public outreach is a vital part of CERP. Involvement and information are primary 

components and continue to play a key role in CERP implementation. The primary 

objectives of outreach are to: (1) keep the public informed of the status of the program or 

project and key issues associated with restoration implementation, and (2) provide effective 

mechanisms for meaningful public participation during the restoration process. 

The USACE, the SFWMD and FDEP have a multi-faceted CERP public outreach program. 

Outreach strategies seek two-way communication with all public sectors to broaden 

understanding and to instill a sense of stewardship among all Floridians and visitors. The 

partner agencies conduct outreach for system-wide issues at the program level as well as 

customized outreach for each CERP project. While program and project outreach activities 

are considered separate, there is often overlap of materials, tools and techniques. Creative 

methods engage diverse groups: from school children to retirees; from those who need very 

basic information to those who require highly technical and scientific information; those 

who are socially or economically disadvantaged; and those who need their information in 

other languages, such as Spanish or Creole. 

The agencies developed and executed a broad array of outreach involvement activities and 

information programs to include the general public, minority groups, small businesses, and 

specific stakeholder audiences. The program has included public meetings and workshops; 

news media relations; creative information products; environmental education; print, 

electronic, interactive and Internet materials; and many other programs and products to 

ensure the public is engaged and involved in CERP. The main focus of the outreach efforts 

is the 16-county central and south Florida region, the area most affected by CERP. Yet, 
Appendix B CERP Program Coordination

CERP 2010 Report to Congress B-5 October 2010

outreach activities and products also reach many people throughout the State of Florida, 

nation and world. 

Highlights of this very diverse CERP outreach program include: 

 Launched the successful environmental education curriculum – The Journey of 

Wayne Drop to the Everglades in 2005. Since then, have distributed 200,000 

English-language storybooks; 10,000 each Spanish and Creole storybooks; 10,000 

DVDs and 5,000 teacher’s guides. All materials are available online. The USACE 

participated in national and state teaching conferences to raise awareness of the 

products, as well as through other means. An update to the book is planned in 2010. 

Program materials also include bulletin board characters and other related products.

 Developed and began distribution of Florida Panther Study materials, including 

curriculum for elementary and middle school students, a magazine and panther 

learning products. This program is expected to be fully launched in 2010.

 Executed Name That CERP Sound campaign to raise awareness about wildlife of the 

Everglades. Included an interactive game, Web products, buttons, a screensaver and 

a tray liner. 

 Distributed more than 500,000 promotional products since 2005, which includes 

Earth squeeze balls, backpacks, wristbands, eco-friendly bags, fans, tattoos, 

beverage holders, hologram rulers, and many more. Products appeal to all ages and 

carry the CERP logo, web site and other information. 

 Distributed 700,000 copies of the Community Outreach in Action newsletter since 

2005, largely to African American readers. Approximately two new issues are 

distributed per year.

 Distributed 200,000 copies of the Spanish-language Community Outreach in Action

to predominantly Hispanic communities since 2005. The newsletter is distributed 

approximately once a year in Spanish. Both English and Spanish language versions 

are also placed online. 

 Produced an electronic newsletter about Everglades restoration, which is distributed 

six times a year. The name changed from CERP Report to Everglades Report in 

2008, and the tone shifted from outreach to more hard news. This is sent to an email list, placed online, and 200 of each issue are printed for community events. (A 

total of 30 new issues have been created and distributed since 2005.)

 Participated with CERP displays and materials at more than 80 communitysponsored events, and in more than 60 classrooms.

 Developed a public information campaign to further diversify involvement in 

Everglades restoration. The Livin’ with the Waters program is about a fictitious 

African-American family living in south Florida. Components include comics, 

bookmark-calendars, activity books, and upcoming play in 2010. New installments 

are released each February, in connection with Black History Month.

 Produced CERP screensavers for Kwanzaa each year since 2005, which apply the 

principles of Kwanzaa to Everglades restoration. 

 Organize and host an event each May to diversify involvement and engage the 

Haitian communities in the Everglades restoration effort. In 2009, the USACE 
Appendix B CERP Program Coordination

CERP 2010 Report to Congress B-6 October 2010

provided art lessons to students in an inner-city after-school program, with the 

original artworks later put on display in May.

 Translated presentations and other materials to Spanish and Creole, as needed.

 Organized and held CERP Earth Day events since 2005. Often these events 

involved collecting and displaying original artwork from local elementary schools. 

Since 2005, thousands of individual works of art have been created (on 4- by 4-inch 

paper tiles provided to the schools) and displayed in the community in April. 

 Maintained a network of touch-screen kiosks in public places throughout the 16-

county CERP area. Thousands of people use the interactive kiosks each year to 

learn about the Everglades. The complete presentation is available in English and 

Spanish; the introduction is also available in Creole in some kiosks. 

 Held more than 40 public meetings or workshops for CERP and related topics and 

several well-attended groundbreaking ceremonies for various south Florida projects.

 Distributed more than 60 news releases and Email notifications about CERP and 

related topics.

 Created and distributed two popular CERP mobiles about animals of the Everglades 

and the Florida panther. 

 Maintained a recorded and updated toll-free phone line: 1-877-CERP-USA. The 

line is available in English or Spanish and callers can leave a name to receive free 

print information in the mail. 

 Participated in the Service Disabled Veterans Small Business Outreach Program by 

presenting topics on the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration program and ARRA 

funding.

 Completely revamped the domain and continually update the official CERP Web site 

with a greater emphasis on multimedia tools to help convey complex information in 

easy-to-understand terms and the addition of more videos and interactive tools along 

with access to the public information product resources named above. 

 Developed a mobile information van which has been in use since late 2008. The van 

operator has traveled thousands of miles to dozens of events with materials and a 

video presentation. It is in use many weeks per year focusing on CERP, Lake 

Okeechobee, and the Herbert Hoover Dike rehabilitation. 

 Launched a billboard campaign in late 2009 about non-native plants and animals. 

Billboards started appearing around the State of Florida in 2010 as part of a public 

service campaign and tie into the existing ―Don’t let it Loose‖ campaign. 

 Continued to update segments for the Everglades Radio Network at 

http://www.dep.state.fl.us/ern/ which broadcasts along ―Alligator Alley.‖

 Developed a comprehensive historic exhibit on permanent display in the lobby at 

West Palm Beach headquarters of the SFMWD. Encompassing 15 panels, the 

exhibit tells the story of the Everglades ecosystem– with a focus on water 

management -- in pictures and text in a timeline dating from prehistoric times 

through December 2008. An additional nine-paneled exhibit highlights the 

Kissimmee-Okeechobee-Everglades ecosystem with a snapshot in time of 

yesteryear, a synopsis of the impacts to the system and how this vast and unique 

ecosystem is being restored today.

As required by Section 601 (k) of WRDA 2000, programs at the federal and state levels 

ensure that small and minority-owned businesses are aware of opportunities with the 
Appendix B CERP Program Coordination

CERP 2010 Report to Congress B-7 October 2010

USACE and the SFWMD and are provided opportunities to participate in CERP contracting 

opportunities under section 15 (g) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 644 (g)). The 

USACE and SFWMD developed a Public Outreach Program Management Plan for CERP

between 2000 and 2003 with public input to describe long-range outreach goals throughout 

the life of CERP. 

The WRDA 2007 amended section 601 (k) of WRDA 2000, to support those requirements 

with an allowance for the Secretary of the Army to expend up to $3,000,000 per fiscal year 

(beginning after September 30, 2004) for public outreach, education and business assistance. 

In addition to the CERP activities listed above, the SFWMD sponsored the Everglades: An 

American Treasure, a Newspapers-In-Education (NIE) printed curriculum; delivered to 

every 7th and 9th grader in Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The 

educational supplement is also used as the basis for annual teacher training workshops. 

Support materials at the workshops include curriculum for middle and high school teachers, 

along with Everglades restoration updates and other science-based information.

In 2009, a popular field studies component was added to the workshops and conducted 

onsite at the Loxahatchee Impoundment Landscape Assessment (LILA). LILA is a working 

model of the Everglades ecosystem located at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National 

Wildlife refuge. This 80-acre living laboratory – developed in 2000 by the USACE, U.S 

Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the SFWMD – supports CERP by defining the 

hydrology (water depth and flow) that sustains a healthy Everglades. This field opportunity, 

along with the ―Everglades: An American Treasure‖ curriculum, creates an Everglades 

education package to meet a significant part of the CERP education outreach requirement. 

It is aligned with the Florida Sunshine State Standards and the Florida Comprehensive 

Achievement Test based studies.

Between 2004 and 2009, the SFWMD sponsored 27 Everglades education workshops, 

directly reaching 515 teachers and more than 51,000 students. In 2009, a virtual LILA tour 

was developed to bring the Everglades into the classrooms of those who had to forego field 

trips due to economic restraints.

The SFWMD launched a complete redevelopment of its existing Web site 

(www.sfwmd.gov) in 2009 with a completion date of July 2010. Realizing the internet is 

now a primary venue for public information, the agency is enhancing the site with a greater 

emphasis on multimedia with a focus on Everglades ecosystem restoration by renaming and 

repopulating a major section called Protecting and Restoring Ecosystems. Tapping in to 

social media connections (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube) is another example of how 

both the SFWMD and USACE are constantly looking for opportunities to increase use and 

explore alternative communication methods in order to reach varied audiences.

As projects start to break ground, it is expected that there will be even more interest and 

involvement for CERP outreach and assistance. Planning will continue on the specific 

CERP projects throughout the 16-county area, with each requiring local outreach efforts, 

particularly to socially and economically disadvantaged individuals – or those having 
Appendix B CERP Program Coordination

CERP 2010 Report to Congress B-8 October 2010

limited English proficiency. Pilot projects for ASR and seepage management will conclude, 

requiring the communication of the results to the public. For many, CERP will become 

more tangible as construction activities increase, bringing associated job and contracting 

opportunities.

B.7 INFORMATION AND DATA MANAGEMENT

The CERP Information and Data Management (IDM) Programmatic activity is a 

combination of information services and systems which support the CERP program. These 

services support the project and program level activities of CERP, as well as other South 

Florida Restoration Programs. The functional areas of CERP IDM services include, but are 

not limited to, infrastructure management, electronic document management, scientific and 

electronic data management, geographic information systems, quality control/quality 

assurance of data and World Wide Web management. 

The south Florida restoration effort operates a common information system, the CERPZone, 

used to collaborate during the planning, engineering, construction, and post-construction 

phases of the program. This system is accessible, upon request, to all Program/ PDT 

members from the USACE, Jacksonville District, the SFWMD, and other federal, state, 

local, and tribal government agencies. This system allows sharing of information by all 

participating agencies thereby avoiding duplication, increasing efficiency, and providing 

reliable short term and long term repositories for CERP data. Over the last two reporting 

periods over twenty-five tools have been developed or made available in the CERPZone. 

The tools range from a document management system, to an internet accessible electronic 

storage/sharing area, to web-meeting tools, to tools for identifying and approving tasks for 

team members and contractors. The system currently has over 1000 users and is 

comparable to a computer system for a mid-size company. 

The IDM program is responsible for maintaining all the equipment needed to run this 

system, including the programming and equipment necessary for the public website 

EvergladesPlan.org. The IDM program is also responsible for lifecycle management of all 

data and documents associated with CERP.

A period of even more interest in the storage and retrieval of data for CERP is anticipated. 

As projects are constructed, monitoring of the performance of the project and its affect on 

the south Florida system will require comparisons between data taken in previous years and 

recent data. This will likely lead to even more interest in the quality standards and 

procedures established for CERP by Quality Assurance Oversight Team (QAOT). As data 

is compared between pre and post construction, the quality standards and procedures will 

ensure that the data is comparable. As data is compared other issues may also arise that will 

need to be addressed. In addition, collaboration will become even more significant as 

projects move into construction and operations.
Appendix B CERP Program Coordination

CERP 2010 Report to Congress B-9 October 2010

B.8 QUALITY ASSURANCE OVERSIGHT TEAM

As implementation of CERP moves forward, the critical need for establishing a Quality 

Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) program to ensure the accuracy, precision, and 

reliability of CERP data and monitoring became evident. 

The Quality Assurance Oversight Team (QAOT) is an interdisciplinary, interagency body; 

however responsibility for QAOT rests jointly with the USACE and the SFWMD, as the 

sponsoring agencies. The QAOT is responsible for providing guidance on, and evaluating 

the implementation of, the CERP Quality Systems with the goal of providing guidance such 

that data collected meet or exceed the data quality objectives of each project. This includes 

developing and providing guidance on procedures, QA/QC requirements and data validation 

for CERP monitoring activities. The guidance can be found in the Quality Assurance 

System Requirements manual, which is available on the public Web site 

(www.evergladesplan.org/pm/), and through the CERP Guidance Memoranda. In addition, 

the QAOT is the forum to develop consistency regarding data quality and the QA/QC 

processes among the various entities involved with hydrological, meteorological, water 

quality, and biological monitoring activities. 

In order to assure the quality of the data collected, the QAOT reviews monitoring plans and 

scopes of work, performs laboratory audits and performance evaluations, and participates in 

field observations. Between six and ten laboratory audits were done each year starting in 

2006 as well as at least one performance valuation. Several field observations in biological, 

ecological and hydrological areas were accomplished over the last three years.

B.9 ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC EQUITY

The USACE (and other federal agencies) is required to ―...make achieving environmental 

justice part of its mission by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately 

high and adverse human health or environmental effects of its programs, policies, and 

activities on minority populations and low-income populations...‖ and to develop an agency 

wide environmental justice strategy (59 F.R. 7629, Feb. 16, 1994). Additionally, programs, 

policies, and activities that substantially affect human health or the environment, operate ―in 

a manner that ensures that such programs, policies, and activities do not have the effect of 

excluding persons (including populations) from participation in, denying persons the 

benefits of, or subjecting persons to discrimination under, such programs, policies, and 

activities, because of their race, color, or national origin. 

The Environmental and Economic Equity (EEE) Program’s purpose is to ensure that the 

CERP civil works projects are implemented in ways that do not result in disproportionate 

impacts on any community(s); and to assure that all Americans, including the unique 

cultural and ethnic diversity of south Florida’s populations, live in safe, healthful and 

aesthetically and culturally pleasing surroundings. The CERP EEE Program Management 

Plan deals with the social, cultural, behavioral, historical and/or economic subjects involved 

with CERP. The plan's purpose is to maximize the potential benefits, both system-wide and 

project-specific, resulting from CERP activities and to minimize any adverse social or 
Appendix B CERP Program Coordination

CERP 2010 Report to Congress B-10 October 2010

economic impacts that may arise. The USACE and SFWMD co-chair the CERP EEE 

Program.

The USACE and the SFWMD attempted to identify acquisition policies, procedures and 

regulations which can be utilized by both agencies to procure services and award 

construction contracts. However, no simple unified procedures were found and 

consequently, each agency is using their own procedures. While the initial intent was to 

award a significant share of CERP construction projects to local small businesses, the 

magnitude of certain construction projects did not always make this possible. However, 

subcontracting and employing local small business community members was accomplished 

to the highest extent possible.

The EEE program strategy therefore focuses on evaluating individual and cumulative 

system-wide changes in socio-economic, socio-ecological and human health effects to 

ensure that a healthy and safe environment exists, and that associated benefits are realized 

and maintained for all projects located in the south Florida Everglades -- including any 

impacts to minority populations or low-income populations. To that end, the partners will 

operate in accordance with the following principles:

 Promote partnerships with all stakeholders

 Identify and address the impacts of CERP activities on the people of south Florida 

including minority and low-income populations, and the Miccosukee Tribe and the 

Seminole Tribe

 Create an Advisory Board dedicated to ensuring that the EEE mandate is fulfilled 

within the USACE, Jacksonville District, and overseeing the implementation of, and 

compliance with socio-economic and environmental justice and Executive 

Order 12898

 Coordinate with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Justice office, 

sponsors, stakeholders, other federal, state, and local offices

 Foster environmental and economic equity in future CERP and non-CERP projects, 

as appropriate

 Create and maintain an internal administrative process for EEE program activities

The EEE Project Management Plan is undergoing revision that will result in more effective 

and more meaningful community engagement and participation and should be finalized later 

in 2010. Efforts in education and training, community engagement, partnering with 

community-based organizations, and providing assistance to small businesses will be 

refined and expanded to include gathering of updated census data and advanced training 

courses. In addition, contracting to small local businesses will be expanded for the longer 

term maintenance of constructed CERP projects. The EEE program may eventually cover 

both CERP and non-CERP projects. 

B.10 PROGRAM COORDINATION FINANCIAL COSTS

As discussed in section 2.4.3, Program Coordination includes several program level 

activities as well as costs for the preparation of the Master Program Management Plan, the 
Appendix B CERP Program Coordination

CERP 2010 Report to Congress B-11 October 2010

Master Agreement, the Agreement signed by the President and Governor, development of 

Interim Goals, report on Miami Dade ASR, reports to Congress occurring, at a minimum, 

every five years, annual reports to the public, and coordination with Army Audit and others 

on work-in-kind efforts by the sponsors. Other efforts which are essential to effectively 

executing the program and ensuring effective coordination among parties include Fish and 

Wildlife Coordination activities for program level actions, preparation of the special report 

on Exotic Species, and preparation of special agreements. Also parts of these programmatic 

costs are the development of the more than 50 CERP Guidance Memoranda for PDTs, 

development and update of standard schedule and budget controls and procedures such as 

standardized project templates and milestones. A breakdown of the costs for the program 

level activities – Public Outreach, Environmental and Economic Equity, Information and 

Data Management, Interagency Modeling Center, Master Recreation Plan and RECOVER –

as well as program management is included in Table B-1.

TABLE B-1: COMPREHENSIVE EVERGLADES RESTORATION PLAN 

EXPENDITURES FOR PROGRAM COORDINATION

CERP Program Activity

Actual 

Expenditures 

Through FY09 (1)

(in 1,000s)

(USACE and SFWMD)

Program Management $ 132,291

Public Outreach $ 17,427

Environmental & Economic Equity $ 1,836

Information and Data Management $ 30,542

Interagency Modeling Center $ 34,535

Master Recreation Plan $ 2,751

RECOVER $ 39,887

TOTAL $ 259,270

Note: 

(1) Expenditures are through FY09 for the USACE; but, do 

not include SFWMD Work-in-Kind for FY08 or FY09.
Appendix B CERP Program Coordination

CERP 2010 Report to Congress B-12 October 2010

B.11 OUTLOOK FOR ECONOMIC, TOURISM, RECREATION AND OTHER 

BENEFITS

CERP recognizes the interconnectedness of the natural system and development, by also 

providing for other water related needs of the region, including water supply and flood 

protection. This interconnectedness can be used to describe "sustainability" in integrating 

environmental and development issues. Sustainability development is meeting the needs of 

the present without endangering the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. 

Several state statutes directly or indirectly address sustainability. For example, Chapter 373, 

Florida Statutes, provides that minimum flows be established for watercourses to a limit 

beyond which would be harmful to the water resources or ecology of the area and water may 

be reserved for the protection of fish and wildlife or the public health and safety. The water 

reservation process is used to reserve the water created by a CERP project for the natural 

system. CERP implementation is also aimed at getting the water right -- at the right place, 

at the right time, in the right quantity and of the right quality. Getting it right enables a 

natural system to support more wading birds, alligator, panthers and other wildlife; restore 

short hydroperiod wetlands, improve flows to estuaries and help to control the spread of 

invasive exotic plants.

CERP is helping to restore and support sustainable natural resource based economies that 

include hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, camping, hunting, fishing, and canoeing. 

Additionally, CERP will help to provide a sustainable water supply for new development 

that maintains and enhances water elevation and capacity by providing water storage 

capacity in areas where it has been diminished, without reducing flood management.

CERP projects and non-CERP foundational projects work in tandem supporting restoration 

efforts by creating various benefits. These benefits include active and passive recreational 

activities, water storage, a more natural hydrology, restoration of natural areas that can now 

support fish and wildlife in numbers that can be safely harvested or just enjoyed. 

Acquisition of conservation land also supports economic sustainability. Protecting natural 

areas and maintaining fish and wildlife resources supports natural resources based 

businesses such as tourism or charter boat fishing, as well as groundwater recharge 

supporting water supply for other developed regions.

One illustration can be made with a popular national pastime – bird-watching. It is 

generating an estimated $477 million in retail sales in Florida every year. According to a 

state report, non-consumptive bird use (non-hunting activities) supported more than 19,000 

jobs in Florida in 2006, and wildlife viewing activities generated more than $3 billion 

statewide that year. 

In Economic Benefits of Land Conservation: A Case for Florida Forever (2009), the Nature 

Conservancy concluded that ―healthy native habitats and species are an integral component 

of the foundation of Florida’s tourism industry – Florida’s single most important economic 

engine. During 2006, wildlife viewing alone had a total economic impact of $5.2 billion 

and supported a minimum of 51,000 jobs. Fishing and hunting accounted for a robust 
Appendix B CERP Program Coordination

CERP 2010 Report to Congress B-13 October 2010

industry of more than $8 billion in 2006 and helped support almost 85,300 jobs... and ... 

based on FY 2007-2008 data, the Florida state park system had an overall direct economic 

impact of more than $1 billion on local economies throughout the state. 

Defenders of Wildlife ―A Preliminary Assessment of the Economic Benefits of Land 

Conservation Areas in Florida” (2008) calculated economic impacts of ten areas protected 

through Florida Forever and other state acquisition programs. Total value of ecosystem 

services was estimated to be more than $1.8 billion per year and stated that ―Greater 

economic value can be gained from conservation areas that are well managed and restored 

and by preventing overly intensive uses that diminish the natural and economic values‖ 

finding that the value of these services will increase in the future as fewer natural areas are 

available for protection. 

A case study by the same group entitled ―Economic Benefits of Conserving Natural Lands”

examined economic values from an 825-acre area in Collier County near Big Cypress 

National Preserve and Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. This study concluded that 

the economic value of the benefits flowing from these natural lands that accrue to humans in 

a given year (e.g. carbon sequestration, water supply, recreation, scenic views) ranged from 

$145 million to $315 million (in 2004 dollars). Highest values came from water provision 

(via recharge, through infiltration and percolation of rainwater that provides most of the 

public water supply.

Another Defenders of Wildlife study ―Assessing the Wealth of Nature in Indian River 

County” (2006) found that the annual value of ecosystem services derived from lands 

purchased by the county amounted to $23.4 million, including $19 million derived from 

freshwater wetlands, $3 million from coastal strand and $600,000 from forests and scrub. 

The annual value of services from all county public lands amounted to $768 million. A 

University of Florida Gainesville, Food and Resource Economics Department “Public 

Preferences and Economic Values for Restoration of the Everglades/South Florida 

Ecosystem‖ report (1999 – Milan, Hodges et al) found that the average household was also 

willing to pay $59 to $79 per year for the restoration of the Florida Everglades. 
Appendix B CERP Program Coordination

CERP 2010 Report to Congress B-14 October 2010

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Appendix C Scientific Initiatives

CERP 2010 Report to Congress C-1 October 2010

APPENDIX C - SCIENTIFIC INITIATIVES

C.1 INCORPORATION OF ADAPTIVE MANAGEMENT

Adaptive Management (AM) is a structured management approach that links science to 

decision-making in order to improve the probability of restoration success. AM is rooted in 

science and helps achieve goals and objectives by providing an efficient process to address 

the risk and uncertainty inherent within ecosystem restoration. Specifically, AM can help 

address questions about how best to achieve restoration goals or about the effects of proposed 

actions. AM encourages flexibility to be incorporated into plans and designs to account for 

uncertainty by providing options to adjust given actual future conditions. The AM process 

also encourages stakeholder engagement and interagency collaboration, which can lead to a 

better understanding of the issues that need to be addressed to implement individual projects 

or the overall CERP. By using AM to address uncertainty, information learned is used to 

adjust a program or project to better meet restoration goals, thus improving performance. 

An AM program has been developed for CERP, and many of the critical components of AM 

are in place, including a scientifically rigorous monitoring and assessment program to 

analyze and understand responses of the system for implementation of CERP. More 

information on the Adaptive Management program is discussed in section C.2.2.

C.2 RESTORATION COORDINATION AND VERIFICATION

Restoration Coordination and VERification (RECOVER) is the scientific arm of CERP, 

ensuring that science remains a fundamental and overarching element throughout the 

ongoing planning and implementation of the Plan. RECOVER is a partnership among 

federal, state and local agencies, and tribal governments, designed to organize and provide 

the highest quality scientific and technical support to guide design and implementation of the 

Plan. RECOVER conducts evaluations and assessments and applies that information in ways 

that are most effective in supporting CERP objectives and to ensure that CERP system-wide 

goals and purposes are achieved. RECOVER communicates and coordinates the results of its 

evaluations and assessments, and provides opportunities for stakeholders to review its work 

products. Through its role in the AM program, RECOVER contributes to the ongoing 

process of assessment and refinement of the Plan. During this reporting period, RECOVER 

played a major role in developing and implementing system-wide tools and guidance, and 

also provided scientific expertise to project implementation.

C.2.1 Planning and Evaluation

In addition to its monitoring and assessment roles, RECOVER is also responsible for systemwide planning and evaluation. RECOVER evaluates, using numerical modeling and other 

tools, the performance of project and program plans and designs to ensure that they are fully 

linked to the system-wide goals and purposes of CERP. In its planning role, RECOVER 

identifies and provides analyses regarding potential improvements in the design and 

operation of CERP, consistent with the CERP objectives, and strives for consensus regarding 

scientific and technical aspects of CERP. 
Appendix C Scientific Initiatives

CERP 2010 Report to Congress C-2 October 2010

Performance measures are planning tools used to determine the degree to which proposed 

alternative plans are likely to meet restoration objectives, or implemented plans have met 

restoration objectives. RECOVER developed a set of performance measures to evaluate 

CERP on a regional/system-wide basis, based on CERP-specific conceptual ecological 

models and the Florida Statutes. RECOVER has also continued to update and refine these 

performance measures as necessary throughout this reporting period.

RECOVER provides consistency across project teams by maintaining and updating the 

current CERP baseline and future without planning assumptions. RECOVER also 

coordinates with projects on planning conditions, and in particular coordinated with the 

DECOMP and EAA projects during this reporting period to better define what constituted 

conditions for the next added increment. In its regional evaluations RECOVER reviews 

every project’s final array of alternatives and reports on how well each alternative performs 

in the context of the whole system. During this reporting period, RECOVER prepared 

regional evaluations for 12 CERP projects.

In 2005 RECOVER published an Initial CERP Update (ICU) report, which simulated CERP

with updated models and input data, including recent climatic information, topography and 

land use projections. The ICU report also contains performance measures and targets that 

have been revised based on continued research and improved understanding of species and 

ecosystem requirements. As expected, the hydrologic modeling results of the ICU modeling 

identified some of the same performance shortfalls and strengths in the Restudy. There were 

some areas where performance improved over the Restudy, but also some other areas that got 

worse. At the end of the technical update of the CERP model, it was recommended in the 

ICU Report that a system-wide approach to address performance shortfalls be implemented 

and restoration targets for the natural system be reexamined based on independent lines of 

evidence (i.e. separate from model-based targets). 

C.2.2 Adaptive Management Program

The CERP AM Program is a structured management approach that links science to decisionmaking in order to improve the probability of restoration success. Substantial progress has 

been made over the past five years in both creating an AM framework and integrating the 

principles and activities of AM into CERP at both the program and project levels. A CERP 

AM Strategy was developed in 2006 to outline a framework for linking monitoring and 

assessment activities to management decisions and to plan updates and revisions at both 

program and project levels. In 2007, Guidance Memorandum #6 identified assessment 

activities to support AM implementation. In 2010, a draft CERP AM Integration Guide was 

developed as a more detailed companion document to the CERP AM Strategy and is 

designed to assist managers/decision-makers, scientists, and CERP PDTs understand and 

integrate AM into CERP planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance. This 

guidance will assist project teams in developing AM plans (i.e., contingency plans), as 

required by 2009 USACE guidance interpreting Section 2039 of WRDA 2007. 
Appendix C Scientific Initiatives

CERP 2010 Report to Congress C-3 October 2010

Project-level AM plans have been developed for several projects to outline how AM will be 

integrated. Those projects include: DECOMP - PIR 1, DECOMP - Physical Model, C-111 

Spreader Canal, Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands, and Melaleuca Eradication and Other 

Exotics. 

C.2.3 Adaptive Assessment and Monitoring

The AA&M Program, which is managed by RECOVER, is designed to provide system-wide 

and regional monitoring and assessment that ensures CERP goals and objectives will be met 

throughout implementation of the Plan. The CERP Monitoring and Assessment Plan (MAP, 

Part 1: Monitoring and Support Research) was developed in 2004 and includes 36 current 

monitoring components throughout the Everglades and south Florida ecosystem, using 

scientific expertise from 25 entities -- including federal, state, and local agencies, 

universities, non-governmental organizations, private contractors and others). The MAP was 

updated in 2009 to reflect changes in the monitoring plan which had occurred during the 

intervening five years. As such, the MAP 2009 represents a focused representation of current 

ongoing monitoring funded under the AA& M Program. Along with key monitoring, the 

MAP includes ongoing research focused on key hypotheses tied to ecosystem condition.

The AA&M Program tightly links monitoring, assessment, and decision-making and ensures 

that scientific information collected from the monitoring program is useful to managers and 

decision-makers. The last five years (2005-2009) focused primarily on implementing the 

MAP and culminated with the development of the 2009 System Status Report (SSR). The 

SSR plays an important role within CERP by describing the scientific findings of the MAP 

and using this information to assess the progress towards meeting restoration targets and 

interim and long-term goals. 

With several CERP projects breaking ground in 2009 and 2010, the AA&M Program is 

poised to report ecosystem responses (both expected and unexpected) resulting from the first 

phase of CERP implementation. The science from the AA&M Program will be used to guide 

future planning, implementation, and operation of CERP. The accomplishments of the last 

five years (2005-2009) can be parsed out into two categories: (1) key products; and (2) key 

scientific findings. Development of these products and implementation of the MAP have 

also led to a significant number of lessons learned, which will help guide the AA&M 

Program in the future. Key scientific findings are discussed in section 2.3.1 Key products 

produced are discussed below.

The peer reviewed Conceptual Ecological Models, (published in a special issue of the journal 

Wetlands Vol. 25 (Issue 4) in 2005, illustrate links among societal actions, environmental 

stressors, and ecological responses and provide a basis for developing and testing hypotheses 

about natural system responses. 

As mentioned above, the MAP 2009 incorporates changes from 2004-2009 and includes 

organization around hypothesis clusters instead of single hypotheses, flexibility to address 

project-level monitoring and assessment, and recognition of the challenges to sustainability 

of long-term monitoring programs. The latest version of the MAP 
Appendix C Scientific Initiatives

CERP 2010 Report to Congress C-4 October 2010

(http://www.evergladesplan.org/pm/recover/recover_map.aspx) is available on-line. The 

MAP, Part 2 outlines the process and necessary framework for assessing MAP data and 

addresses the integration of data at different spatial and temporal scales, the use of statistical 

methodologies for trend analysis and change detection, and the reporting process required to 

translate scientific findings into information useful to managers in the decision-making 

process. 

The SSR is a comprehensive report, currently projected to be published twice every five 

years by RECOVER, which addresses the overall status of the ecosystem relative to systemlevel hypotheses, performance measures, and restoration goals. The 2006 SSR represented 

the initial application of the MAP, Part 2 for analyzing monitoring data collected by the 

MAP. The 2007 SSR was RECOVER’s first full technical assessment and provides 

estimates of pre-CERP conditions for ecosystem indicators monitored by the MAP. The 

2007 SSR clearly documented that sustained multi-year monitoring is a prerequisite for 

establishing sound estimates of pre-CERP conditions and trends, once projects are 

implemented. The 2009 SSR provides an integrated assessment of MAP and non-MAP data. 

The assessment was synoptic, systematic, and spanned multiple spatial scales, and in some 

cases decades worth of information. The 2009 SSR will be posted on an interactive Web 

page accessible from www.evergladesplan.org that allows managers, stakeholders and 

scientists with varying interests and degrees of technical expertise to easily find the 

information they need. 

As suggested by CISRERP, the AA&M program is implementing a data management 

approach that encompasses all MAP and relevant non-MAP data in coordination with IDM. 

This data management system provides fully functional data preservation, documentation, 

and access capabilities and partial functionality exists in the areas of data integration, 

processing, and modeling, which support the development of the SSR. RECOVER scientists 

also teamed with the SFERTF’s Science Coordination Group to develop the Stoplight 

Indicator Report, a suite of system-wide indicators that provide a broad assessment of the 

Everglades and south Florida ecosystem. The indicators were peer-reviewed and published 

in a special issue of Ecological Indicators. Future efforts will aim to combine the Stoplight 

Indicator Report with the SSR, providing a clear picture of both the status (e.g., stoplight 

analysis) of ecosystem indicators and the stressor-response functions (e.g., hypothesis cluster 

analysis) that explain indicator responses to CERP implementation.

C.3 INTERIM GOALS AND INTERIM TARGETS

Interim Goals (IGs) provide a means to evaluate the restoration success of the Plan, by 

tracking restoration performance and progress, providing a basis for reporting that progress at 

specified intervals of time, and for periodically evaluating the accuracy of predictions of 

system responses to the effects of CERP. The IGs can be expressed as either predictions of 

ecosystem response to CERP implementation, or as desired levels of performance and reflect 

incremental accomplishments towards achieving CERP goals.
Appendix C Scientific Initiatives

CERP 2010 Report to Congress C-5 October 2010

Interim Targets (ITs) are defined as anticipated incremental improvements in water supply 

(agriculture, municipal/industry) and other socioeconomic indicators also over the course of 

CERP implementation. 

IGs/ITs were established by the Interim Goals Agreement (2007) and the Agreement on 

Interim Targets (2007). During the initial years of CERP, efforts focused on identification of 

indicators for IGs/ITs and development of tools to estimate progress. RECOVER’s initial set 

of IGs and ITs was based on hydrologic modeling of the 1999 CERP plan.

In February 2005, the RECOVER interagency team provided its final set of 

recommendations to the USACE, the U.S. DOI, and the SFWMD in ―The RECOVER 

Team's Recommendations for IGs/ITs for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.‖ 

An agreement between the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Interior, and the 

Governor of Florida, containing the IGs, was completed in early 2007. The Interim Targets

Agreement was signed by the Secretary of the Army and the Governor of Florida, also in 

2007.

The current Interim Goals Agreement contains 29 indicators as well as qualitative and 

quantitative interim goal statements that describe restoration goals for the hydrology, water 

quality and ecology of the Everglades ecosystem. The Interim Targets Agreement contains 

eight indicators describing goals for water volume, water supply, flood protection and surface 

water storage capacity. The status of these indicators is tracked by a number of monitoring 

programs, most importantly the RECOVER Monitoring and Assessment Plan. In addition to 

the RECOVER MAP, individual agency monitoring programs provide information on the 

status of these interim goals and interim targets indicators. 

Per the Programmatic Regulations, both IGs and ITs are to be reviewed, and progress 

reported, every five years: the current timeframe puts this review and reporting in 2012. The 

2012 RECOVER Assessment Report is the technical vehicle for reporting on progress on 

achievement of the IGs. Information on progress toward restoration will be provided at that 

time to agency managers, the State and Congress, for consideration in the overall planning 

and implementation of CERP. Further description of the activities needed to complete this 

assessment is provided in the following sections.

Many of the major components of the initial IGs are captured within the RECOVER SSRs 

and the SFERTF’s stoplight indicators. However no explicit assessment of progress in 

meeting IG/ITs occurred during the reporting period as of September 30, 2009, because no 

CERP full projects were as yet constructed. The National Research Council (NRC) 

continues to maintain interest in the future development of IG/ITs, especially with the NRC’s 

2008 report highlighting that although the south Florida ecosystem has demonstrated 

significant resilience, it continues to decline as projects are delayed. 

Although there has not been a formal assessment of progress in meeting the IGs/ITs, 

RECOVER has made great progress in continuing to improve the predictability of expected 

environmental responses through work on performance measures and models and by using 

the data from the Monitoring and Assessment Plan (MAP) to refine predictive tools. Along 
Appendix C Scientific Initiatives

CERP 2010 Report to Congress C-6 October 2010

with key monitoring, the MAP includes ongoing research focused on key hypotheses tied to 

ecosystem condition. 

In 2009 RECOVER finalized the Band 1 Report, which predicts and evaluates the 

performance of ten initial CERP projects by simulating projects and associated operations in 

order to answer the question ―How far towards restoration of the south Florida ecosystem 

will the Band 1 projects get us?‖ The report revealed several important performance results 

to inform future CERP and non-CERP planning activities related to regional groupings of 

projects and AM. 

 Regional groupings of projects provide measurable predicted restoration benefits 

using RECOVER system-wide performance measures 

 Using these groupings will help CERP staff evaluate major CERP project alternatives 

as part of the CERP project approval process 

 AM provides the means to address uncertainties related to system-wide performance 

among multiple regional goals and objectives in order to optimize total system 

benefits 

Although projects to date have been implemented on a project by project basis, these findings 

are being considered in discussions on the IDS and project justification.

C.4 METHODS FOR ASSESSING PERFORMANCE AND PROVIDING 

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT

After ten years of ongoing monitoring and research on the south Florida ecosystem, a large 

body of new scientific information is now available, and several efforts to employ this 

knowledge to better articulate the goals and objectives of CERP have been initiated. 

The AA&M Program is designed to provide system-wide and regional monitoring and 

assessment that ensures CERP goals and objectives will be met throughout implementation 

of the Plan. The cumulative expenditures for AA&M, including executing the MAP, are 

detailed in Table C-1.
Appendix C Scientific Initiatives

CERP 2010 Report to Congress C-7 October 2010

TABLE C-1: COMPREHENSIVE EVERGLADES RESTORATION PLAN 

ADAPTIVE ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING

EXPENDITURES THROUGH FISCAL YEAR 2009*

Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan 

Adaptive Assessment and Monitoring

Expenditures Through Fiscal Year 2009* 

(in 1,000s)

FY

Expenditures Cumulative

USACE SFWMD Expenditures (1) 

2001 $ 742.8 $ 562.5 $1,305.3

2002 $ 853.5 $ 1,139.0 $ 3,297.8

2003 $ 812.5 $ 3,429.8 $ 7,540.2

2004 $ 3,455.6 $ 4,673.9 $ 15,669.6

2005 $ 5,280.1 $ 5,240.8 $ 26,190.6

2006 $ 5,477.2 $ 4,543.0 $ 36,210.9

2007 $ 5,290.4 $ 6,033.2 $ 47,534.5

2008 $ 4,250.9 (2) $ 51,785.4

2009 $ 5,538.2 $ 57,323.6

TOTAL $ 31,701.3 $ 25,622.2 $ 57,323.6

Note: 

(1) SFWMD totals include ―cumulative creditable‖ expenses

(2) FY08 and FY09 SFWMD estimates are not as yet available.

* Subject to audit

The SFERTF has developed a series of information briefs that describe the synthesis of new 

science, current activities on climate change related to restoration, and strategic management 

and coordination, along with recommendations for controlling invasive exotic species. The 

DOI’s ENP South Florida Natural Resource Center started a freshwater synthesis project that 

incorporates agency and stakeholder participation. 

And in an effort to better articulate the goals and objectives of CERP, a draft has been 

developed for a document, entitled Scientific and Technical Knowledge Gained in 

Everglades Restoration (1999-2009), which will summarize the large body of monitoring and 

research, engineering advances, and modeling tools pertinent to the Everglades and south 

Florida ecosystem that have become available since 1998. This document will help inform a 

larger effort, known as the 2010 Shared Definition of Everglades Restoration which has been 

undertaken to fine-tune the goals and objectives of CERP that were somewhat uncertain at 

the time of authorization, and which were a basis for including AM in the Plan.
Appendix C Scientific Initiatives

CERP 2010 Report to Congress C-8 October 2010

In addition, continuing studies of the historical water movement patterns and geomorphology 

of the Everglades indicate that the Everglades were much wetter than originally thought, that 

is more water flowed south over more extended periods of time. Recent scientific synthesis 

efforts done by the SFERTF determined that additional flows to the Everglades and southern 

estuarine systems would be needed to achieve desired ecologic benefits (SFERTF ―New 

Science‖). During a series of science workshops, a group of interagency scientists estimated 

the need for approximately 1.9 million acre-feet of average annual flows entering the 

Everglades Protection Area from the north. Based on this current scientific information, the 

DOI supports the need for approximately 1.9 million acre-feet of average annual flows as 

well as the need for additional storage. This information is now being considered in more 

detailed planning for restoring flows to the central Everglades as well as aiding in 

determining the freshwater needs of Florida and Biscayne Bays. 

CERP and RECOVER monitoring have led to modified recommendations for managing 

WCA 3A for apple snails and Everglades snail kite. CERP monitoring has provided science 

that has guided more wildlife-friendly reservoir designs. And ecosystem monitoring funded 

by CERP/RECOVER over the years has led to ecologist inclusion at weekly water 

management meetings where operational decisions are being made. 

The 2006 RECOVER report on IGs identified needed ecological models. These models 

serve as predictive tools for additions to the initial set of IGs. Goals need to be updated as 

improved scientific information and ecological modeling resulting from assessment and 

monitoring activities becomes available, or CERP Modification Reports deem necessary and 

reflect Plan implementation scheduling on the IDS.

Information learned from the AA&M Program (described below), as well as information 

learned about system responses to CERP implementation, will aid in efforts to assess the 

IG/ITs, provide evaluation of CERP progress, and revise IG/ITs in the future. Total system 

performance measures should be incorporated and cause-and-effect patterns described in the 

Total System Conceptual Ecological Model (Ogden et al. 2005) are being used to develop 

these performance measures. These metrics would support the assessment of one or more 

hypotheses included in the MAP. By developing and making these explicit linkages, 

RECOVER would assure that the assessments being conducted in the SSR would provide the 

data required for evaluating the IGs. The SSR mechanism will provide the scientific base for 

the assessment and evaluation of the IGs. 

C.5 NEW SCIENCE

Hydrological and ecological monitoring in the Everglades during the past decade has enabled 

us to characterize the ecosystem prior to CERP implementation. The AA&M program is 

designed to detect and understand both positive and negative ecological responses to changes 

in climate and water management. Positive changes provide evidence that many ecological 

components in the Everglades still have the capacity for restoration. The 2009 SSR provided 

the scientific information necessary to validate hypothesis clusters, and to begin to refine and 

assess IGs, and develop the flexibility required to evaluate the effectiveness of CERP
Appendix C Scientific Initiatives

CERP 2010 Report to Congress C-9 October 2010

restoration and support a robust AM program. The latest SSR and its findings can be found 

at: http://www.evergladesplan.org/pm/ssr_2009/ssr_main.aspx .

C.6 NON-INDIGENOUS (INVASIVE/EXOTIC) SPECIES 

While efforts of the CERP and RECOVER programs have made it clear that restoration 

involves numerous factors (e.g., water quantity, water quality, abundance of flora and fauna), 

the potential impact of invasive species has emerged as a high priority for CERP planning. 

Invasion of south Florida’s natural habitats by non-indigenous plant and animal species has 

significantly changed the ecosystem, particularly by displacing native species. Successful 

restoration of a healthy south Florida ecosystem will depend not only on modifications to the 

C&SF system, but also on control of invasive, non-indigenous plant and animal species.

Many different techniques are used to control invasive plants and animals in south Florida 

(Langeland and Stocker, 1997; Wittenberg and Cock, 2001). Agencies typically use tools in 

an integrated fashion with the goal of minimizing impacts of invasive species by the most 

cost-effective and environmentally sound means. A detailed account of invasive species 

management tools and strategies is presented in Chapter 9 of the 2006 South Florida 

Environmental Report – Volume I. An update and annotations for those species considered 

serious threats to Everglades restoration, with species impacts and a status report for highpriority species, are presented in Chapter 9 of the 2010 South Florida Environmental Report 

– Volume I. There are two dozen priority species identified for the south Florida ecosystem.

Numerous groups and agencies are involved with non-indigenous species management in 

Florida. In 2006, the SFWMD, USACE and the NPS co-hosted the Everglades Invasive 

Species Summit, where attendees recognized the need for a more defined commitment to 

cooperation among agencies and organizations. The Everglades Cooperative Invasive 

Species Management Area (CISMA) partnership was formalized in 2008 with a 

Memorandum of Understanding among the SFWMD, USACE, NPS, USFWS and the Florida 

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recognizing the need for cooperation in the fight 

against invasive species. Currently, Everglades CISMA consists of 19 cooperators and 

partners, spanning the full spectrum of jurisdictions, including tribal, federal, state, local, and 

non-governmental conservation organizations. By sharing information, technology, and 

resources, Everglades CISMA seeks to elevate the successes of individual invasive species 

programs while simultaneously implementing regionally based control strategies. Early 

detection and rapid response of emerging threats is a central focus for Everglades CISMA. 

Everglades CISMA has conducted region-wide aerial mapping of invasive plants, created a 

web-based invasive species reporting system (available on www.evergladescisma.org), 

drafted an Early Detection and Rapid Response Implementation Plan, and conducted rapid 

response efforts aimed at the controlling the sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus), Nile 

monitor; and most recently, kripa (Lumnitzera racemosa), an Asian tree found in mangroves 

and adjacent upland fringe. 

Coordination between multiple state and federal agencies has been a critical requirement as 

different species and projects are involved. Management of different species is often 
Appendix C Scientific Initiatives

CERP 2010 Report to Congress C-10 October 2010

conducted by differently-empowered agencies. For instance, the USACE manages floating 

weeds wherever they occur in Lake Okeechobee, since the mobile nature of these plants 

threatens navigation in the Okeechobee Waterway. The USACE mandates do not empower 

that agency to manage other invasive plants found elsewhere in Lake Okeechobee. The 

SFWMD manages these plants with internal and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation 

Commission funding.

Special considerations arise, particularly with regard to endangered species. For example, 

during the past decade, Everglade snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeous) populations 

have fallen precipitously in Florida. Interagency coordination of aquatic plant control has 

included development of guidelines to avoid adverse impacts upon the bird’s populations. 

Also, plant managers in Lake Okeechobee remain aware that control operations must avoid 

disturbing the endangered Okeechobee gourd (Cucurbita okeechobeensis okeechobeensis). 

From a regulatory perspective, invasive plant control efforts within SFWMD facilities, such 

as the STAs, need to proceed within the constraints and requirements of the FDEP permits 

for their operation and mandates under the Everglades Forever Act.

To complement existing south Florida invasive plant control programs, the development and 

spread of biological control agents, usually insects, will be increased under the CERP 

Melaleuca Eradication and Other Exotics– Implement Biological Controls project. (See 

section 2.1.5 for information about this project)

In December 2009, the USACE, Jacksonville District and federal and state partners unveiled 

a new public service campaign highlighting the statewide problem of invasive species at the 

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Invasive Plant Research Laboratory in Fort 

Lauderdale. The campaign promoted public awareness and education and was called the 

―Don’t let it Loose‖ campaign. It was developed with support from the DOI U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service and the National Park Service bureaus. This campaign features the Nile 

monitor, the Burmese python and the sailfin catfish. A new Web site, 

www.dontletitloose.org, and the CERP toll-free number (1-877-CERP-USA) provide 

additional information. This campaign and other education tools are also available at 

http://www.nps.gov/ever/naturescience/floridainvaders.htm. Billboard space was donated by 

the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association. 

C.7 IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE AND SEA LEVEL RISE 

The exact pace, extent and magnitude of possible climate change impact on south Florida are 

largely unknown at this time. This is in part because of the difficulty to scale global and 

regional trend models down to predictions at the local level, the long timeframes involved, 

and the confounding effects of changing meteorological variables on habitats and species. 

Some climate change predictions point to extended droughts, uncertain recharge for the 

Everglades wetlands, reduced water availability and higher sea levels for south Florida. 

Even the more modest projections of sea level rise suggest a significant impact on the lowlying Everglades, the highly transmissive Biscayne Aquifer, and the near-coastal built 

environment. 
Appendix C Scientific Initiatives

CERP 2010 Report to Congress C-11 October 2010

Everglades restoration is an important adaptation response to climate change. The 

impending natural resource alterations that will likely result from climate change should not 

be viewed as an excuse for delay or inaction, but rather as motivation to avoid irreversible 

losses and restore the health and natural resilience of the ecosystem (NRC 2008). 

Through an inter-agency effort the SFERTF developed an information brief that highlighted 

and synthesized current activities related to climate change and the relationship to ecosystem 

restoration (www.sfrestore.org /climate_change.html). In addition, scientists and planners 

involved in CERP are monitoring the latest developments in climate change. Federal, state 

and local agencies are involved in a variety of activities concerning climate change – from 

hosting conferences to developing models to preparing papers and making recommendations 

on research and model needs. The USACE released interim guidance in 2009 concerning 

incorporating sea level change into USACE projects and expects further guidance to be 

released soon. The CERP Guidance Memorandum concerning sea level rise is being revised 

to take into account the latest guidance. The USACE is also working with partner agencies 

on a series of technical reports to facilitate collaborative information sharing, specifically 

regarding climate change sensitivity data and model development. 

The DOI Climate Science Centers and Landscape Conservation Cooperatives form the 

cornerstone of an integrated approach to climate change science and adaptation. This 

strategy will serve the Department’s land, fish, wildlife, water marine, tribal and cultural 

heritage managers, as well as for our federal , state, local, Tribal, non-governmental 

organization, private landowner, and stakeholder partners. The south Florida ecosystem is 

part of the Southeastern Climate Change Center and also the Peninsular Florida Landscape 

Conservation Cooperative.

C.8 EXPECTATIONS FOR THE SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM 

RESTORATION OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

IGs/ITs, established in the IGs Agreement and in the Agreement on ITs will be updated as 

improved scientific information and ecological modeling resulting from assessment and 

monitoring activities, or CERP Modification Reports deem necessary. They will also be 

revised to incorporate improved CERP modeling information produced and to reflect updated 

Plan implementation scheduling from the Integrated Delivery Schedule (IDS).

Building upon the current effort to capture knowledge gained since 2000 (Scientific 

Knowledge Gained document), an initiative, the 2010 Shared Definition of Everglades 

Restoration, will be undertaken to fine-tune the goals and objectives of CERP. This effort is 

anticipated to be complete by the end of FY 2011 and results will be used to update IGs/ITs, 

as well as system-wide performance measures used by RECOVER to perform programmatic 

evaluations and assessments and by project and operations to support plan formulation.

C.8.1 RECOVER Activities Anticipated over the Next Five Years

Over the next five years RECOVER contributions will continue to inform CERP planning 

and implementation efforts, particularly through its role in the CERP AM program. As 

information is gained from the AA&M Program on the ecosystem responses to CERP, it will 
Appendix C Scientific Initiatives

CERP 2010 Report to Congress C-12 October 2010

be used to inform future planning and to guide adjustments. RECOVER efforts to conduct 

system-wide monitoring and assessment, compile new knowledge gained, and provide 

guidance on AM will remain essential.

Evaluation and Planning 

During the next reporting period the following initiatives are anticipated to be undertaken by 

RECOVER Evaluation and Planning:

 Continue to review each project’s final array of alternatives and reports on how well 

each alternative performs in the context of the whole system for the remaining 

projects in the planning phase 

 Conduct programmatic evaluations that evaluate the effects of CERP at the system 

scale, similar to what was done with the Band 1 Technical Report

 Continue to develop and refine performance measures to evaluate CERP on a 

regional/system-wide basis as necessary throughout this reporting period

 Following completion of the 2012 SSR and in compliance with the 2003 

Programmatic Regulations requirement, RECOVER will develop an Assessment 

Report to evaluate whether the goals and purposes of the Plan are being achieved and 

to determine whether improvements to the Plan are warranted

 Continue to update CERP baseline planning conditions, as new information becomes 

available. RECOVER will also continue to coordinate with projects on the planning 

conditions

 Provide scientific support to be used as the basis for project sequencing contained in 

the IDS

Implementation of the Adaptive Management Program

As the CERP AM program matures from development to full implementation during the next 

reporting period several initiatives are anticipated to be undertaken. CERP has been 

implementing portions of an AM program at the programmatic level for several years, yet the 

pieces have never been recognized as components of a larger program. Consequently, a 

Programmatic AM Plan that will tie all the pieces of CERP together and indicate how they fit 

together is being developed. The final document is anticipated to be published during FY 

2011. In addition, specific guidance will be provided on integrating AM into the existing 

planning process at both the project and program levels. 

The ultimate goal of the AM program is improved decision making through learning; in this 

case learning can be defined as using the information derived from the AA&M program to 

assist in decision-making and ultimately refinement of CERP. A specific process for linking 

results of the AA&M monitoring efforts (i.e., learning) into specific management actions is 

recognized as a need to be addressed during the next reporting period. An AM workshop 

was held with CERP leadership in spring 2010 to initiate this process, which could take 

several years to optimize, while management transitions from planning and design to a new 

approach to decision making and program implementation that incorporates new information 

from project-construction and operation.

To be in compliance with newly issued USACE guidance, AM plans will be prepared to the 

appropriate scope based on the complexity and scale of each CERP project at the appropriate 
Appendix C Scientific Initiatives

CERP 2010 Report to Congress C-13 October 2010

time during the next reporting period. Each plan will be tailored specifically for the needs of 

each project, but at a minimum will outline the monitoring necessary to verify performance 

of the project and link new learning with future decision making regarding operational 

considerations and contingency options to optimize performance.

Continuity of Adaptive Assessment and Monitoring

Capitalizing on the progress made during the 2005-2009 period, the next five years of the 

AA&M Program will be critical in providing scientific information about ecosystem 

responses to guide the planning and operation of CERP. This is especially important given 

the recent groundbreaking on a number of restoration projects in 2009 and 2010. Therefore, 

success in achieving the restoration goals of CERP depends on the long-term sustainability of 

the AA&M Program. In the context of AM, new scientific information will be used to 

update the conceptual ecological models, hypothesis clusters, performance measures, interim 

and long-term goals, and/or modeling tools. As the AA&M program was only authorized for 

ten years, reauthorization language has been proposed for a WRDA 2010 in order to be 

effective in providing the science for the AM process.

In addition to continuing the progress made by the AA&M Program over the past five years, 

efforts will focus on the following:

 Continue development of SSRs beginning in 2012 

 As CERP projects are implemented, coordinate project-level monitoring plans with 

existing system-wide monitoring to guide project design and operation

 As CERP projects are implemented, utilize existing and future monitoring efforts to 

revise IGs and report on progress towards achieving them

 Continue to develop and evolve techniques to improve information-exchange 

between scientists and managers and improve coordination among science efforts

 Continue identification of management actions necessary to adjust CERP to meet 

desired performance expectations 

 Continue appropriate levels of stakeholder engagement in development of AA&M 

Program products

All of these activities will provide sound science necessary for implementation of the CERP 

AM Program.

C.8.2 Addressing Invasive and Exotic Species

Non-indigenous species are rarely eradicated from the natural areas they invade, thus 

―successful control‖ can be defined as limiting the effects of biological invasions such that 

the basic physical and biological function of ecosystems, as well as their natural biological 

diversity, is not significantly impaired. Ecosystems resulting from restoration will contain 

new species groups and biotic interactions relative to their pre-disturbance state, and these 

new biotic components and interactions are certain to include exotic species (Norton, 2009). 

The CERP Melaleuca Eradication and Other Exotics project (section 2.1.5) is one example of 

what CERP is doing to address this potential issue.
Appendix C Scientific Initiatives

CERP 2010 Report to Congress C-14 October 2010

In the context of Everglades restoration, it is important to understand that invasive species 

will continue to exert pressure on native species and ecosystem functions in the restored 

condition and that without a long-term commitment to invasive species management, the 

accomplishments of restoration efforts might be greatly reduced. Fortunately, the importance 

of this issue continues to be elevated among state and federal agencies, public and private 

universities, state and federal task forces, and various other organizations. In fact, an interagency effort by the SFERTF developed an information brief on invasive exotics that 

outlined current strategies and efforts and proposed additional ways to control and manage 

invasive exotics (http://www.sfrestore.org/information_brief/Final_Apr_06_10_Exotics.pdf). 

The consensus of these parties is that control and management of invasive non-indigenous 

species is a critical component of ecosystem restoration in south Florida that involves all 

stages of a project from planning through design and construction to operations and 

maintenance.

Also helpful will be the proposed revisions to the USDA, Animal and Plant Health 

Inspection Service regulations on the importation of plants for planting and propagation 

(nursery stock), familiarly known as Q-37. These revisions propose to establish a new 

category of plants, ―Not Authorized Pending Plant Risk Analysis.‖ A similar effort is 

underway for problematic animal species. In January 2009, new federal legislation was 

introduced (HR 669, Non-native Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act) that calls for the 

Secretary of the Interior to ―establish a risk assessment process to prevent the introduction 

into, and establishment in, the United States of non-native wildlife species that will cause or 

are likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to other animal species’ health 

or human health.‖ 

In the absence of proactive regulations that prevent introductions of potentially invasive 

species, agencies and the public must rely on the Lacey Act (42 U.S.C. § 18), which allows 

the USFWS to regulate international wildlife trade and addresses threats to native wildlife 

resources. In February 2009, Senate Bill 373 was filed, which amends the Lacey Act and 

declares large constrictor snakes as an injurious species. On December 10, 2009, the full 

Environment and Public Works Committee met to consider SB 373 and adopted an 

amendment in the nature of a substitute to add the nine species of constrictor snakes 

addressed in the October 13, 2009, U.S. Geological Survey risk assessment. A companion bill, 

HR 2811, was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee in July 

2009. On March 11, 2010, the USFWS announced that it would move forward with the 

official administrative process of banning the importation, export and interstate transport of 

nine species of constrictor snakes --- the same nine species being considered in 

SB373/HR2811.

The Florida non-native wildlife bill signed into law on June 3, 2010 by the Governor and is 

effective July 1, 2010, bans the species currently listed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife 

Conservation Commission as Reptiles of Concern (ROCs). The law adds language to civil 

and criminal penalties and allows the agency to levy fines. At their spring 2010 meeting, the 

Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission voted to move forward on draft rulemaking that 

would move the species currently listed as ROCs into the Conditional Species listing. This is 

a more restrictive listing that would prohibit personal possession; but would still allow 
Appendix C Scientific Initiatives

CERP 2010 Report to Congress C-15 October 2010

commercial breeding and export out of Florida. This rulemaking is seen as implementing the 

provisions of the bill discussed above.

C.8.3 Incorporating Climate Change and Sea Level Rise

While there is uncertainty in the specifics of how climate change will manifest in south 

Florida, it is prudent to prepare now for the significant changes that lie ahead. Most 

importantly, we must recognize that the traditional planning method of assuming 

―stationarity,‖ that the future climate is likely to be similar to past, is obsolete. Land use and 

infrastructure planning in developed areas will require a long-term approach that recognizes 

increasing water levels. Gravity-based drainage infrastructure will be less effective at higher 

sea levels, increasing the risk of flooding, and placing greater emphasis on alternative water 

supplies.

A major theme for future land and water management in the face of climate change will be to 

restore and maintain the resilience of the Everglades ecosystem. Ecosystem resilience can be 

enhanced through increased water flows through the Everglades and increased storage. 

Increased flows into the southern estuaries may help reinstate widespread organic soil 

formation and maintain the freshwater head in order to mitigate the effects of sea level rise 

and saltwater intrusion. Increased water storage will retain excess wet season runoff, 

increase overall water availability, and reduce the effects of drought in both the natural and 

built environments. 

An integrated cross-agency approach is critical for these efforts to be successful. Logical 

next steps for coordination include exploring common planning factors (sea level rise, 

precipitation), resolving which models are best suited for the Everglades ecosystem, and 

reducing uncertainty through regional resolution of larger scale climate change models. 

Other steps could improve tools for local and regional decision-making, such as climate 

change risk assessment methods. 

Scientists and planners involved in CERP will continue to monitor the latest developments in 

climate change and look for ways to integrate applicable information into both the short- and 

long-term plan. The agencies involved in CERP are working towards a consensus on the best 

way to account for climate change while incorporating the latest guidance. In addition, the 

initial volume of the fifth Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report is expected in 

2014 and will provide updated long range climate change forecasts (including updated sea 

level rise forecasts) relevant to selection of long-term regional climate change adaptation 

strategies for the Everglades and south Florida.
Appendix C Scientific Initiatives

CERP 2010 Report to Congress C-16 October 2010

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Appendix D Status of Other South Florida Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Projects

CERP 2010 Report to Congress D-1 October 2010

APPENDIX D - STATUS OF OTHER SOUTH FLORIDA EVERGLADES

ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION PROJECTS

While the primary focus of this report is on the past and future accomplishments of the 

Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) implementation, it is useful to also look 

at the broader South Florida Ecosystem Restoration (SFER) Program to better understand the 

context in which the CERP exists. The SFER program consists of close to 200 federal, state, 

and local restoration projects that are designed to improve the conditions of different aspects 

of the greater Everglades ecosystem. CERP components represent about one-third of these 

projects.

D.1 THE FOUNDATION PROJECTS

CERP identified several Foundation Projects prior to 1999, and builds upon them for the 

success of the overall ecosystem (Figure D-1). Achievement of the full suite of CERP 

benefits depends on their successful completion. 

Major Foundation Projects include the federally authorized Kissimmee River Restoration 

project, the Modified Water Deliveries to Everglades National Park (ENP) project, Central 

and Southern Florida (C&SF) Modifications to the C-111 (South Dade) and the West Palm 

Beach Canal STA-1E/C-51West projects, and the Everglades and South Florida (E&SF) 

Critical Restoration projects. These together with other state efforts, such as the Everglades 

Construction project, formed this important foundation for CERP and are briefly described in 

this Appendix along with their current status.

For the significant work that has already been accomplished and progress that has been made 

in implementing these projects, some of which are already providing benefits to the natural 

system, much credit is due to the multitude of agencies and stakeholders who have been 

involved and also for coordination from the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force 

(SFERTF). 
Appendix D Status of Other South Florida Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Projects

CERP 2010 Report to Congress D-2 October 2010

FIGURE D-1: OTHER SOUTH FLORIDA EVERGLADES ECOSYSTEM 

RESTORATION PROJECTS
Appendix D Status of Other South Florida Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Projects

CERP 2010 Report to Congress D-3 October 2010

D.1.1 Modified Water Deliveries to Everglades National Park Project

The Modified Water Deliveries to Everglades National Park project (ModWaters) is a key 

cornerstone to the foundation of CERP. Many CERP projects that will deliver water to this 

area are dependent upon this project to complete the goals of restoration. Completion of the 

ModWaters project is the federal government’s highest restoration priority. Authorized by 

Congress in 1989, the ModWaters project authorizes the USACE, in consultation with the 

DOI, to construct modifications of the C&SF Project water management system and related 

operational changes and ―to the extent practicable, take steps to restore the natural 

hydrological conditions within the park‖ improving water deliveries to ENP.

The USACE 1992 General Design Memorandum and Environmental Impact Statement, 

Modified Water Deliveries to Everglades National Park, Central and Southern Florida Project 

for Flood Control and Other Purposes project design for ModWaters, and subsequent 

supplements, specify the construction of structural features with the intended purpose of 

restoring conveyance between Water Conservation Areas (WCAs) north of ENP and the 

Shark River Slough, the lifeline of ENP. The combined features upon completion will 

improve conditions for 190,000 acres of habitat, aid in the recovery of threatened and 

endangered species, and lay a foundation for future restoration efforts under CERP.

The WRDA 2000 also placed conditions on the federal support for the DECOMP project: 

(iv) MODIFIED WATER DELIVERY- No appropriation shall be made to construct 

the Water Conservation Area 3 Decompartmentalization and Sheetflow Enhancement 

Project (including component AA, Additional S-345 Structures; component QQ Phase 

1, Raise and Bridge East Portion of Tamiami Trail and Fill Miami Canal within WCA 

3; component QQ Phase 2, WCA 3 Decompartmentalization and Sheetflow 

Enhancement; and component SS, North New River Improvements) or the Central 

Lakebelt Storage Project (including components S and EEE, Central Lake Belt 

Storage Area) until the completion of the project to improve water deliveries to 

Everglades National Park authorized by section 104 of the Everglades National Park 

Protection and Expansion Act of 1989 (16 U.S.C. 410r-8).

D.1.1.1 8.5 Square Mile Area

In the 8.5-square-mile area (8.5 SMA) lands were acquired and construction was completed 

in 2008. The future ModWaters and C-111 component implementation includes increased 

water flows and levels in ENP. The Las Palmas residential area, previously referred to as 8.5 

SMA, now has perimeter levees and a seepage collector canal intended to mitigate for the 

increased flood risk. The new S-357 pump station will remove water from the seepage 

collector canal to prevent increased water levels in residential areas, while allowing for 

increases on the adjacent ENP lands separated by the protection levee. Land preparations 

necessary for operation, including debris and invasive vegetation removal have been 

ongoing. The USACE developed a Draft Environmental Assessment of the Interim Water 

Control Plan and released it for additional public comments in May 2009. One-year 

operational testing and monitoring of the 8.5 SMA project features began May 29, 2009. 

Monitoring data from testing the operations showed an area of concern in the southwest 
Appendix D Status of Other South Florida Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Projects

CERP 2010 Report to Congress D-4 October 2010

corner of the Las Palmas community. Additional testing is expected through 2010. Project 

features (levee, seepage canal, flowway, and detention cell) will be transferred to the 

SFWMD for operations when the testing is completed.

D.1.1.2 Tamiami Trail Modifications 

The Tamiami Trail Modifications (TTM) project includes construction of a one-mile eastern 

bridge with reinforcement of the road to allow a maximum operating stage of 8.5 feet in the 

L-29 Canal (i.e., all structural inputs shall be stopped when the canal reaches 8.5 feet). It is 

also proposed that all structural inflows into the L-29 Canal be stopped when the canal stage 

is 7.8 feet or greater if a named storm or rainfall in excess of six inches is expected (prestorm drawdown). The TTM project described in the Integrated Limited Reevaluation 

Report and Environmental Assessment, with amendment, was approved by the Assistant 

Secretary of the Army – Civil Works on August 1, 2008. On September 28, 2009, USACE 

awarded the $81 million contract, using funding from both the NPS and the USACE, to 

construct the one-mile bridge and reinforce an additional 9.7 miles of Tamiami Trail 

roadway; thus allowing higher water levels in the adjacent L-29 Canal and in turn into the 

ENP. The groundbreaking for the Tamiami Trail Bridge project took place December 4, 2009 

and construction began in March 2010. Projected completion of the bridge construction and 

the road-raising is in 2013.

D.1.1.3 Spreader Swale Pilot Test along Tamiami Trail 

A pilot project to install spreader swales immediately south of two culverts sets found along 

a 10.7-mile stretch of the Tamiami Trail at the northeastern boundary of the ENP was 

proposed to determine if swales would increase hydrologic flow into ENP and if so, 

determine the level of increased conveyance. The NPS, in collaboration with the USACE 

completed an Environmental Assessment and executed a Finding of No Significant Impact 

on March 23, 2009. Hydrologic modeling and pre-installation monitoring were conducted by 

the University of Miami. The modeling was favorable and a public meeting was held on 

January 20, 2010. After considering comments, the ENP superintendant decided to 

implement the spreader swale pilot on February 1, 2010. The team has prepared a letter 

report, received a special use permit to install and monitor the swales from ENP, and 

submitted an environmental resource permit application to FDEP. Once all permits are in 

place, it is anticipated that the existing Tamiami Trail contract will be modified to include 

installation of the spreader swales. Two 1000 feet by 30 feet swales will be installed south of 

two culvert sets in an effort to enhance flow across the trail. Installation is expected to be 

completed by the end of February 2011. Monitoring and assessment will occur in a two-year 

period after installation.

D.1.1.4 Conveyance and Seepage Control Features

The status of the conveyance and seepage control features outlined in the 1992 General 

Design Memorandum are as follows. 

 Spillway structures S-355A and B in the L-29 Levee (complete)
Appendix D Status of Other South Florida Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Projects

CERP 2010 Report to Congress D-5 October 2010

 S-333 modifications (complete)

 Tigertail Camp elevation (complete - raised to 12.00 ft. with 1st floor elevations of at 

least 12.5 feet)

 Pump Station S-356 between L-31N Canal and L-29 Canal (for ModWaters -

complete)

 Structures S-345 A, B, and C through the L-67A and C Levees (pending)

 Structures S-349 A, B, and C in the L-67A Borrow Canal (pending)

 Osceola Camp elevation evaluation (pending)

 Degradation of the L-67 Extension Canal and Levee (4 of 9 miles degraded)

 S-331 Command and Control (complete-added telemetry & remote control of 

conveyance features)

Changes to the TTM project, as described above, required adjustments to the remaining 

conveyance and seepage control features. The extent of design modifications is currently 

being evaluated along with the potential for additional L-29 structures to release water 

introduced into WCA-3B. The USACE is investigating design modifications and the related 

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation will be released for public 

comment once the necessary modifications have been determined. 

D.1.1.5 Everglades Restoration Transition Plan 

The Everglades Restoration Transition Plan is an interagency effort to update the Interim 

Operational Plan for Protection of the Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow. The USACE is 

coordinating with the US Fish and Wildlife Service under Section 7 of the Endangered 

Species Act on a new biological assessment and in turn a new biological opinion as the 

Interim Operational Plan biological opinion expires in November 2010. Proposed 

adjustments to Interim Operational Plan for multi-species management are being analyzed by 

an interagency group and will be reviewed with respect to NEPA requirements. This effort is 

being undertaken in collaboration with ENP and other stakeholders. A NEPA scoping letter 

was sent out in December 2009 to begin public coordination. Completion of the final NEPA 

document and implementation of a modified operational plan are expected in late 2010. 

D.1.2 Kissimmee River Restoration

As the headwaters of the Everglades system, the health of the 3,000-square-mile Kissimmee 

River basin is crucial to the health of the south Florida ecosystem. That health will be 

ensured by the reestablishment of more natural flow characteristics in the Kissimmee River 

by reestablishing historic hydrologic conditions, recreating the historical river/floodplain 

connectivity, recreating the historic mosaic of wetland plant communities, and restoring the 

historic biological diversity and functionality. 

The SFWMD has acquired 102,061 acres of land needed for this restoration. More natural 

flow has been reestablished for a 22 mile section of the Kissimmee River, including 4 miles 

reconnected in 2009, 4 miles in 2007 and 14 miles in 2001. Several species, including the 

Ring-necked Duck, American Avocet and Black-necked Stilt, have returned to the 

Kissimmee after an absence of 40 years. 
Appendix D Status of Other South Florida Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Projects

CERP 2010 Report to Congress D-6 October 2010

Currently, 13 of 22 miles of canal C-38 have been backfilled; 22 of 43 miles of historic river 

channel have been restored; and 6,500 acres of floodplain wetlands have been restored. A 

Post Authorization Change Report to increase the Section 902 limit is being prepared and is 

scheduled for completion for summer 2010.

Completed Reach 4 backfilling for the Kissimmee River Restoration

The following features have been completed: C-38 reach 1 backfilling (2001), C-35 

maintenance dredging (2001), S-65 enlargement (2001), S-65A gate extension (2001), C-36 

widening (2003), US highway 98 bridge openings (2004), S-84/84 spillway addition (2007), 

radio tower (2007), S-65DX2 grade control structure (2007), C-38 reach 4A backfilling 

(2007), S-68 spillway addition (2009), and C-38 reach 4B backfilling (2009). 

The following features are currently under construction: Istokpoga Canal improvements,

S-65DX1 retrofit and River Acres flood reduction. 

The contract for C-37 Widening, from 70 to 90 feet, was awarded February 16, 2010. 

Recovery funds are being used to enlarge Canal 37 in Polk and Osceola Counties. Work 

began in March 2010 includes include excavation, placement of revetment, removal and 

disposal of excavated or dredged material, design, layout and construction of upland disposal 

area, turbidity control and monitoring, ensuring appropriate permits and seasonal dredging. 

Completion is scheduled by June 2012. 
Appendix D Status of Other South Florida Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Projects

CERP 2010 Report to Congress D-7 October 2010

The following features have yet to be awarded due to the required sequencing of work: CSX 

railroad bridge (2010), Oxbow excavation and embankment (2010), S-65E gated spillway 

addition (2011), Pool D boat ramp construction (2011), S-69 Weir (2011), and C-38 Reach 3 

backfilling (2012), and C-38 Reach 2 backfilling (2012). 

A comprehensive evaluation program for tracking environmental response to the restoration 

is in place to gauge the success of meeting goals for ecological integrity for the river and the 

floodplain. This program predicts and tracks resulting ecological changes that are expected, 

including changes in hydrology, water quality, and major biological communities such as 

plants, invertebrates, fish, and birds. Evaluation research is required to be continued by the 

SFWMD for at least 5 years following completion of the final phase of construction 

(projected for 2015), or until environmental responses stabilize. 

D.1.3 Central and Southern Florida: Modifications to the C-111 Project (South 

Dade)

While completion of the Modified Water Deliveries to Everglades National Park project will 

provide significant benefits directly to the ENP, the Modifications to the C-111 project, also 

known as C-111 (South Dade) will improve hydrologic conditions in Taylor Slough, located 

in the eastern panhandle of the ENP. This project will also maintain flood protection for 

development and agricultural interests in south Miami-Dade County. Both of these projects 

will also significantly enhance restoration of the remaining Everglades outside of the ENP by 

reducing damaging high water levels and allowing flows that are more natural in the 

Everglades ecosystem to the north of the ENP. 

Two interim pump stations and one permanent pump station have been completed, along 

with construction of the firs retention/detention zone features, replacement of the Taylor 

Slough Bridge, and removal of portions of the spoil mounds along lower C-111. The S-331 

Command and Control Center and levees that form the retention/detention zone are complete 

and were turned over to the sponsor, SFWMD.

A construction contract was awarded in 2007 to complete earthwork for the 

retention/detention zone. This zone will be used to create a hydrologic barrier between ENP 

and the L-31N canal to reduce seepage losses from ENP. A construction contract to extend 

the hydraulic ridge north of the retention/detention zone and to contain discharges from the 

8.5 Square Mile Area STA component of the ModWaters project is anticipated in 2011.

A Post Authorization Change Report (PAC) and an Engineering Documentation Report are 

under development and scheduled to be transmitted in FY10 to Headquarters. Approval of 

the PAC report is necessary in order to amend the Project Partnership Agreement. There are 

four construction contracts remaining to complete the project: the North Detention Area; the 

L-31West Borrow Canal Backfill; the S-332B Pump Station; and the S-332C Pump Station. 

Plans and specifications are completed for the North Detention Area. The L-31 West Borrow 

Canal Backfill and S-332B Pump Station plans and specifications are under development.
Appendix D Status of Other South Florida Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Projects

CERP 2010 Report to Congress D-8 October 2010

D.1.4 Central and Southern Florida: West Palm Beach Canal Stormwater 

Treatment Area-1E/C-51 West

The construction of C-51/STA-1E was substantially completed by the USACE in June 2004. 

The STA1E works, pumping station S-319 and S-362, Canal C-51 enlargement, and gated 

structure S-155A are completed and were transferred to the SFWMD for operations in 2005. 

Additional design and construction of other L-40 improvements, that were requested, still 

need a post authorization change to move forward. Maintenance issues and minor repairs 

have been addressed that required de-watering access and a mechanical change on another 

structure to finalize inspections. A field test for treatment with periphyton has also been 

underway. Preliminary small scale studies indicated a periphyton-based stormwater 

treatment area may be a cost effective way to greatly reduce phosphorus levels.

D.2 EVERGLADES AND SOUTH FLORIDA: CRITICAL RESTORATION

PROJECTS PROGRAM

The Everglades and South Florida (E&SF) Ecosystem Restoration Critical Projects Program 

was authorized by WRDA 1996, with modification in WRDA 1999. These projects were 

required to produce immediate, independent, and substantial restoration benefits, and to be 

consistent with the Conceptual Plan of the Governor’s Commission, which was created to 

promote a sustainable south Florida ecosystem. Seventy-five million dollars in federal funds 

was authorized for appropriation to be matched by local sponsors, while the maximum 

federal expenditure on any one project was capped at $25 million. To assist with 

implementation of these E&SF projects, $7 million in federal funds for land acquisition were 

transferred to the state through a grant administered by the DOI. The WRDA 2007 raised 

this federal program cap from $75 million to $95 million; and the project cap from $25 

million to $30 million for Seminole Big Cypress.

During the initial reporting period, the Department of Community Affairs, the SFWMD, the 

Seminole Tribe of Florida, and the USACE completed the Florida Keys Carrying Capacity 

Study, the East Coast Canal Structures Project, and the Western C-11 Water Quality 

Improvement project while making substantial construction progress on others. 

Cost estimates for the projects have increased since the start of the program because of 

inflation escalation, unexpected site conditions, design modifications necessary to meet the 

project goals, and bids for construction being higher than those estimated. Under current 

federal appropriation authority, federal contributions will not be sufficient to share 

construction costs with the SFWMD on Southern CREW, Lake Trafford Restoration, and 

Tamiami Trail Culverts. SFWMD is proceeding with construction on all or a portion of 

these projects with its own funding. 

Construction of the western portion of the Tamiami Trail Culverts (Phase I), located south 

of the Picayune Strand Restoration project (formerly known as Southern Golden Gate 

Estates), started in June 2004 and was completed in March 2006. Implementation was 

accomplished with SFWMD (culvert construction) and Florida Department of Transportation 
Appendix D Status of Other South Florida Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Projects

CERP 2010 Report to Congress D-9 October 2010

(road resurfacing) funds. This work was incorporated into the Picayune Strand Restoration 

PIR and as such was cost shared under that authorization.

Lake Trafford, the largest lake south of Lake Okeechobee has a surface area of 1,494 acres, 

and is located in north Collier County. It is the headwaters for the Corkscrew Swamp 

Sanctuary to the southwest, the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) to the 

west, and the Fakahatchee Strand system including the Florida Panther National Wildlife 

Refuge, to the south. The lake has poor water quality, extensive muck accumulations, lost 

native submerged plant communities, experienced periodic aquatic weed infestations, and 

had numerous moderate fish kills. 

The USACE completed plans and specifications, but at that time there was insufficient 

funding to award a contract. The SFWMD assumed 100% of the cost of converting the 

detailed design and the construction with the intent of receiving credit and/or reimbursement 

upon project completion and approval by the USACE. The SFWMD began the first phase of 

dredging Lake Trafford in 2004. A second muck-removal effort that began in November 

2006 for the near shore area was placed on hold because of drought conditions in 2007. The 

SFWMD resumed dredging muck from Lake Trafford in July 2009 with a $7.4 million 

investment from its Governing Board. To date, the SFWMD has removed 3.15 million cubic 

yards of muck and invested $14.5 million to improve water quality at the lake. The Florida 

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Collier County Tourist Development 

Council have also provided financial assistance to SFWMD for the project.

Southern Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) will restore historical 

sheetflow in the project area and reduce excessive freshwater discharges (which include 

nutrients and pollutants) to Estero Bay during the rainy season. Ninety-three percent of land 

has been acquired and construction is twenty-five percent complete. Final design and 

construction of the Southern CREW project, made part of the Plan in WRDA 2000, will be 

completed by the SFWMD. Final design will be completed in FY 2012 and physical 

construction should be completed in FY 2013. Monitoring will continue through FY 2015.

Construction was initially completed on the Ten Mile Creek Water Preserve Area project 

by June 2006. During the processes that occur in preparation to transfer the project to the 

sponsor (SFWMD) for full operations, concerns were raised about some aspects of the 

project. In September 2007, the USACE and the SFWMD immediately began identifying all 

issues and planning a course of action toward remediation and the delivery of a quality 

project. This process identified additional project needs and their associated costs, which 

were significant. As holder of the FDEP permit for construction, the USACE is responsible 

for the facility. The USACE has placed the facility in a passive operating state in order to 

limit project expenditures. The FY10 budget bill allows the USACE to exceed the spending 

cap by $3.5 million. The $3.5 million will be used to complete a post authorization change 

report and to fund maintenance and upkeep of the facility until 2013.

Construction for the Lake Okeechobee Water Retention and Phosphorus Removal

Nubbin Slough and Taylor Creek portion was physically complete in 2006. The interim 

construction and testing phase, begun in 2007, is still in progress due to low water conditions 
Appendix D Status of Other South Florida Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Projects

CERP 2010 Report to Congress D-10 October 2010

and other issues. After a pipe leak during a routine test late in 2008, additional construction 

needs were identified. Testing will resume once these modifications are complete.

Seminole Tribe Big Cypress Water Conservation Plan construction of the East Side 

Conveyance Canal System was completed in July 2003. Construction of the Basin 1 

features was completed in June 2008 with transfer to the sponsor expected in 2010. 

Construction of the Basin 4 features is scheduled to begin in 2010.

The Critical Projects have produced better tools for evaluating the effects of local public 

policies in the Florida Keys related to dry-season water table, reduced fresh water losses 

from the Pennsuco Wetlands, and reduced discharges of nutrients and other pollutants from 

populated areas into Water Conservation Area 3A.

As the remaining projects are completed, they are expected to restore more natural flows into 

estuaries, filter nutrients from flows into Lake Okeechobee, regain lost freshwater storage, 

and rejuvenate wetlands in South Central Florida.

D.3 OTHER SOUTH FLORIDA ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION PROJECTS

D.3.1 Federal Initiatives During the Past Five Years

The USFWS received $2.2 million in ARRA funding for projects planned at refuges and 

field offices in the Everglades, and the NPS received $21.1 million for projects planned at 

parks in the Everglades. This was in addition to the $118.7 million appropriated by Congress 

in 2009 for Interior activities in the Everglades. Many of the projects will be fundamental 

components of restoration, and work with CERP to meet restoration goals, including invasive 

exotics control and hydrologic improvements. Examples of projects that NPS and USFWS 

are able to undertake due to this increased Federal funding are:

 Replace two failed dams at Everglades National Park to prevent salt water intrusion 

into Cape Sable.

 Remove invasive animals and vegetation at the Loxahatchee National Wildlife 

Refuge and replace it with native vegetation in partnership with the State and County.

 Inventory and monitor plant and animal populations critical to ensuring the biological 

integrity of the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge Complex. 

 Conduct invasive species control and south Florida marsh and mangrove swamp 

restoration and enhancement through the USFWS South Florida Coastal Program 

office.

 Repair and rehabilitate facilities, trails, and utilities at multiple parks and refuges; 

ensuring resource protection, and energy efficiency. 

D.3.2 State and Local Initiatives During the Past Five Years

The State of Florida and the SFWMD continue to initiate, support and construct not only 

projects in the CERP, but also other project initiatives that support the overall CERP effort

(see Table D-1). Several of these programs are detailed below.
Appendix D Status of Other South Florida Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Projects

CERP 2010 Report to Congress D-11 October 2010

D.3.2.1 Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program

Another State-led initiative is the Northern Everglades and Estuaries Protection Program. 

This is an interagency initiative focusing on the water storage and water treatment needed to 

help improve and restore Lake Okeechobee and the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Watershed 

and downstream estuaries. Three watershed plans were developed by the SFWMD in 

coordination with FDEP and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 

and in cooperation with local governments and other stakeholders.

 Lake Okeechobee Watershed Construction Project- Phase II Technical Plan, 

submitted to the Florida Legislature in February 2008

 River Watershed Protection Plan for the Caloosahatchee Watershed submitted to the 

Florida Legislature in January 2009

 River Watershed Protection Plan for the St. Lucie Watershed submitted in January 

2009

D.3.2.2 C-43 Water Quality Treatment and Testing Facility

The C-43 Water Quality Treatment Area (WQTA) and Testing Facility project will 

investigate and test wetland-based strategies for reducing concentrations of total nitrogen and 

other constituents including total phosphorous and total suspended solids. The full project 

will include a 1,345-acre water quality treatment area (WQTA) and a 200-acre Test Facility. 

The Test Facility will be designed in 2010 and constructed in 2011 as Phase 1 of the WQTA. 

This facility will test different combinations and characteristics of constructed wetlands for 

treating TN, including different types of vegetation in the treatment cells, hydraulic loading 

rates, and treatment processes with regard to their efficacy at reducing TN and/or its 

constituents. Phase I will provide the opportunity to develop construction, start-up, and 

operational procedures. The purpose of the Test Facility is to develop wetland-based 

strategies for nitrogen removal to protect/improve water quality in the downstream estuarine 

ecosystems. It is anticipated that the project will generate strategies that can be applied to 

estuaries throughout the SFWMD.

D.3.2.3 Fisheating Creek Feasibility Study 

This project was initiated by the State of Florida under the Northern Everglades and Estuaries 

Protection Program. The purpose of the feasibility study is to identify the best mix of storage 

and water quality features to improve the hydrology and water quality within the subwatershed.

 Completed Phase I investigation of available information and the work plan 

development 

 Plan formulation, evaluation and selection for Phase II are currently under way
Appendix D Status of Other South Florida Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Projects

CERP 2010 Report to Congress D-12 October 2010

D.3.2.4 Hybrid Wetland Treatment 

This project was initiated by the State of Florida under the Northern Everglades and Estuaries 

Protection Program. It combines the use of a floating wetland and chemical treatment system 

to remove nutrients from the source water. This project was jointly initiated in 2007 by the 

SFWMD and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to demonstrate the 

technical feasibility and cost effectiveness of this technology.

 Construction of four sites (Nubbin Slough, Ideal Grove, Mosquito Creek and Wolff 

Ditch) providing phosphorus concentration reduction ranging from 60 to 90 percent

 Completion of two sites at Lemkin Creek in 2009, are treating base flows of four 

cubic feet per second

 Design and construction phase of an additional site (Grassy Island) during 2010

D.3.2.5 Local Cost-Share Projects with Martin County 

The State of Florida, the SFWMD, and Martin County have initiated the implementation of 

four water quality improvement projects under a unique cost share agreement as part of the 

Northern Everglades and Estuaries program. 

The four projects funded in this Martin County partnership are: 

Phase III of the Old Palm City Stormwater Quality Improvement project, which will 

develop a neighborhood stormwater quality management system including 

construction of two STAs 

The final component of the Manatee Pocket Dredging project, to improve the water 

quality in Manatee Pocket of the St. Lucie Estuary 

The North River Shores Sewer System, to provide sanitary sewer service to 

approximately 450 single-family and multifamily parcels of land in the North River 

Shores area. The project will enhance water quality in the North Fork of the St. Lucie 

River by eliminating nutrient loading from septic systems 

The Manatee Creek water quality retrofit, to provide additional water quality 

treatment for drainage from 833 acres of residential, commercial and industrial 

development that discharges into the Manatee Pocket of the St. Lucie Estuary 

They were implemented through a cost-sharing approach using State, SFWMD and local 

cost-share funding to improve water quality in the St. Lucie Estuary. These projects will 

provide water quality treatment through construction of stormwater detention/retention areas 

and marsh filtration areas prior to discharge.

D.3.2.6 Everglades Agricultural Area Stormwater Treatment Area Expansion 

This project, being constructed by the State of Florida, will expand the size and enhance the 

performance of existing STAs in reducing stormwater phosphorus levels and helping achieve 

state water quality standards for the Everglades. This project will add a total of 

approximately 18,000 acres of treatment wetlands to the existing EAA STAs. 
Appendix D Status of Other South Florida Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Projects

CERP 2010 Report to Congress D-13 October 2010

 Completed initial expansions of 6,000 acres at STA-2 (Cell 4), STA-5 (Flow-way 3) 

and STA-6 (Section 2) in 2007

 Completed Compartment C Build-out design and permitting; construction began in 

April 2009

 Completed Compartment B Build-out design and permitting; construction began in 

June 2009

 Construction of pump stations started in September 2009

 Modifications to L-6 Canal and final design for G-444 divide structure are complete. 

Construction is delayed due to permit process issue.

D.3.2.7 L-63N Canal (Taylor Creek) Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project 

This project consists of reactivating an existing ASR system that was constructed and briefly 

operated 20 years ago by the SFWMD. Since that time, the system has been inactive.

Project tasks will include mechanical evaluations of the existing system, permitting, design 

studies, construction of new appurtenances and eventual operation and maintenance of the 

system. The following activities have been completed during the past five years:

 Tested mechanical integrity testing of the well system

 Completed pilot water treatment design studies

 Completed permit applications for construction of an ASR system

 Constructed a new Floridan aquifer monitoring well, in compliance with new 

regulatory criteria

 Finalized design for the reactivation components

 Petitioned for an Aquifer Exemption to test the system without disinfection

D.3.2.8 Seminole Tribe – Brighton Reservation Aquifer Storage and Recovery Pilot 

Project 

The Seminole Tribe of Florida and the SFWMD are partnering on construction of a pilot 

ASR system at the Brighton Reservation, north of Lake Okeechobee. The objective of the 

project is to assure the Tribe of an alternative water supply during times when low lake levels 

make delivery to that part of the system difficult. The project involves permitting, design, 

construction and testing of the ASR system, the costs of which will be shared by the Tribe 

and the SFWMD. The following activities have been completed during the past five years:

 Constructed an exploratory/test well

 Evaluated location and project site

 Completed preliminary design and geotechnical evaluations

 Completed draft U.S. Environmental Protection Agency permit applications
Appendix D Status of Other South Florida Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Projects

CERP 2010 Report to Congress D-14 October 2010

TABLE D-1: STATE INITIATIVES UPDATE PAST FIVE YEARS

State Project Design and 

Specs/Study 

Begun

Design and 

Specs/Study 

Completed

Regulatory 

Authorization 

Obtained

Construction or 

Installation and 

Testing Begun

Construction 

or Installation 

and Testing 

Completed

Acme Basin B Discharge: 

Phase 1

Phase 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lakeside Ranch STA:

Phase I

Phase II

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Picayune Strand Restoration*      

C-111 Spreader Canal - Western Project      

Fran Reich Preserve (Site 1 Impoundment)*     

C-44 Reservoir/STA Project:*

Two Reservoir and STA Test Cells

C-44 Reservoir/STA

Repackaging Relocation Work

 

 

 

 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caloosahatchee River (C-43) West Basin Storage Reservoir:

Test Cells

Reservoir Design

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands - Phase 1:

L-31E Culverts

Deering Wetlands

Cutler Wetlands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broward County Water Preserve Area:*

WCA 3A/3B Seepage Management Area

C-11 Impoundment

C-9 Impoundment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   
Appendix D Status of Other South Florida Everglades Ecosystem Restoration Projects

CERP 2010 Report to Congress D-15 October 2010

State Project Design and 

Specs/Study 

Begun

Design and 

Specs/Study 

Completed

Regulatory 

Authorization 

Obtained

Construction or 

Installation and 

Testing Begun

Construction 

or Installation 

and Testing 

Completed

L-8 Reservoir Project:

G-160/G-161 Structures

Design/Construction Plan for L-8 Additional Storage Capacity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir A-1      

C-43 Water Quality Treatment and Testing Facility      

Fisheating Creek Feasibility Study:Phase I (Investigation of 

available info and work plan dev.)

Phase II (plan formulation, evaluation and selection)

 

 

 

 

   

Hybrid Wetland Treatment Technology:

Nubbin Slough, Ideal Grove, Mosquito Creek Wolff Ditch

Lemkin Creek (two sites)

Additional site (Grassy Island)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local Cost-Share Projects with Martin County      

Everglades Agricultural Area Stormwater Treatment Area

Expansion:

Compartment C Build-out

Compartment B Build-out

Pump Stations

L-6 Canal Modifications/G-444 Divide Structure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

L-63N Canal (Taylor Creek) ASR Project      

Seminole Tribe - Brighton Reservation ASR Pilot Project    

* Project transferred to USACE for remaining design and/or construction
Appendix E Updated Cost Estimates By Project

CERP 2010 Report to Congress E-1 October 2010

APPENDIX E - UPDATED COST ESTIMATES BY CERP PROJECT
Appendix E Updated Cost Estimates By Project

CERP 2010 Report to Congress E-2 October 2010

This page intentionally left blank
Appendix E Updated Cost Estimates By Project

CERP 2010 Report to Congress E-3 October 2010

TABLE E-1: UPDATED COST ESTIMATES BY CERP PROJECT

Changes in Cost Estimates

(Costs in $1,000s and Project Component Alignment per CERP Guidance Memo 002.03)

WBS Proj #

CERP 

Component Project Name

2005 

Report to 

Congress 

(1 Oct 04 

Price 

Levels)

Current 

Cost 

Estimate

(1 Oct 09 

Price 

Levels)

Difference

Difference

Due to 

Inflation

Difference

Due to Other

(Scope, 

Authorization, 

etc.)

1 A, W, OPE Lake Okeechobee 

Watershed 556,374 661,524 105,150 105,150

4a

D_P1

Caloosahatchee River

(C-43) West Basin Storage 

Reservoir

254,309 570,484

316,437 316,437

4 b Caloosahatchee Watershed 262

5 D_P2 C-43 Basin Aquifer Storage 

and Recovery 260,652 304,185 43,533 43,533

33 PILOT C-43 Aquifer Storage and 

Recovery PILOT 6,784 8,723 1,939 1,939

6 DDD

Caloosahatchee Backpumping with Stormwater 

Treatment

96,962 114,640 17,678 17,678

7 B, UU Indian River Lagoon - South 1,262,709 1,694,302 431,593 431,593

8 G_P1 Everglades Agricultural 

Area Storage Reservoir 512,186 596,439 84,253 84,253

9 G_P2

10 CCC

Big Cypress -

L-28 Interceptor 

Modifications

49,994 59,098 9,104 9,104

11 II & RR Flows To NW & Central 

WCA 3A 35,424 41,259 5,835 5,835

23 EEE Flows to Eastern Water 

Conservation Area 7,833 9,127 1,294 1,294

26 S Central Lake Belt Storage 

Area 150,982 691,441 108,456 108,456 *

48 YY WCA 2B Flows to 

Everglades National Park 524,373 109,554 17,184 17,184 *

12 

a

QQ_P1, SS

WCA 3 

Decompartmentalization

and Sheetflow Enhancement 

- Part 1

246,075

145,803 23,534 23,534 *

12 

b

QQ_P2

WCA 3 

Decompartmentalization

and Sheetflow Enhancement

-- Part 2

107,811 17,401 17,401 *

12 

c

QQ_P3

(prev. QP2)

WCA 3 

Decompartmentalization

and Sheetflow Enhancement

-- Part 3

39,824 6,428 6,428 *

ZZ 940 1,112 172 172 *

14 KK

Loxahatchee National 

Wildlife Refuge Internal 

Canal Structures

8,834 10,323 1,489 1,489

15 DD Modify Holey Land Wildlife 

Mgt. Area Operation Plan 0 0 0

16 EE

Modify Rotenberger 

Wildlife Mgt. Area 

Operation Plan

0 0 0

17

K_P1, 

GGG, X, 

Y, OPE

North Palm Beach County -

Part 1 517,571 615,714 98,143 98,143

18 LL, K_P2 North Palm Beach County -

Part 2 198,847 233,009 34,162 34,162

* Cost changes for these projects were assigned to inflation as the only change was the re-grouping of features.
Appendix E Updated Cost Estimates By Project

CERP 2010 Report to Congress E-4 October 2010 WBS Proj #

CERP 

Component Project Name

2005 

Report to 

Congress 

(1 Oct 04 

Price Levels)

Current 

Cost 

Estimate

(1 Oct 09 

Price Levels)

Difference

Difference

Due to 

Inflation

Difference

Due to Other

(Scope, 

Authorization, 

etc.)

20 V V_P1 PBC Agriculture Reserve 

Reservoir 100,720 124,765 24,045 24,045

21 V V_P2 PBC Agriculture Reserve Aquifer 

Storage & Recovery 48,369 56,542 8,173 8,173

3 GG Lake Okeechobee Aquifer Storage 

& Recovery 1,223,431 1,432,270 208,839 208,839

32 PILOT Lake Okeechobee ASR PILOT 21,796

44,657 12,743 12,743

34 PILOT Hillsboro ASR PILOT 10,118

40 M_P1 Site 1 Impoundment 47,456 128,350 80,894 80,894

22 M_P2 Hillsboro Aquifer Storage and 

Recovery 102,396 119,091 16,695 16,695

24 CC Broward Co. Secondary Canal 

System 15,062 17,777 2,715 2,715

43 U Everglades National Park Seepage 

Management 377,001 485,662 108,661 108,661 *

27 V, FF, BB

49 XX_P1 WPA Conveyance 321,574 357,714 36,140 36,140

25 XX_P2 North Lake Belt Storage Area 298,852 357,436 58,584 58,584

35 PILOT Lake Belt In-Ground Reservoir 

Technology PILOT 26,023 29,715 3,692 3,692

36 PILOT L-31 N (L-30) Seepage 

Management PILOT 11,267 17,146 5,879 5,879

28 FFF / OPE Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands 372,184 457,627 85,443 85,443

29 WW C-111 Spreader Canal 114,007 137,234 23,227 23,227

30 OPE Picayune Strand Restoration 349,422 458,525 109,103 109,103

31 OPE Florida Keys Tidal Restoration 1,414 1,427 13 13

38 OPE Acme Basin B Discharge 24,241 24,241 0

39 OPE Strazzulla Wetlands 67,390 67,390 0

45 R, Q, O Broward County Water Preserve 

Areas (WPAs) 392,755 485,543 92,788 92,788

46 T C-4 Control Structures 2,729 3,190 461 461

90 OPE Miccosukee Tribe Water 

Management Plan 28,310 33,207 4,897 4,897

91 OPE Winsberg Farm Wetlands 

Restoration 16,736 16,736 0

92 OPE

Restoration Of Pineland & 

Hardwood Hammocks in C-111 

Basin

689 802 113 113

93 OPE Henderson Creek - Belle Meade 

Restoration 5,622 5,622 0

94 OPE Lakes Park Restoration 5,928 6,567 639 639

95 OPE Melaleuca Eradication And Other 

Exotic Plants 6,554 3,718 (2,836) (2,836)

* Cost changes for these projects were assigned to inflation as the only change was the re-grouping of features.
Appendix E Updated Cost Estimates By Project

CERP 2010 Report to Congress E-5 October 2010 WBS Proj. #

CERP 

Component Project Name

2005 Report 

to Congress 

(1 Oct 04 

Price Levels)

Current 

Cost 

Estimate

(1 Oct 09 

Price 

Levels)

Difference

Difference

Due to 

Inflation

Difference

Due to Other

(Scope, 

Authorization,

etc.)

96 OPE

Seminole Tribe Big Cypress 

Reservation Water 

Conservation Plan

87,206 102,344 15,138 15,138

97 HHH West Miami-Dade Reuse 505,325 592,046 86,721 86,721

98 BBB South Miami-Dade Reuse 419,858 492,183 72,325 72,325

37 PILOT Wastewater Reuse 

Technology PILOT 34,547 37,049 2,502 2,502

OPE Southern CREW 42,691 53,533 10,842 10,842

OPE Lake Trafford Restoration 17,787 20,821 3,034 3,034

FEAS Southwest Florida 

Feasibility Studies 8,100 18,000 9,900 9,900

FEAS Florida Bay Florida Keys 

Feasibility Study 4,100 6,500 2,400 2,400

FEAS Comprehensive Integrated 

Water Quality Plan 8,100 8,100 0

44 Aquifer Storage and 

Recovery Regional Study 70,421 85,806 15,385 15,385

TOTALS 9,881,030 12,303,970 2,422,940 1,869,133 553,807

* Cost changes for these projects were assigned to inflation as the only change was the re-grouping of features.
Central and Southern Project

Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan

2010 Report to Congress

Government Entities Involved in Everglades Restoration

Federal

Executive Office of the President

Executive Office of the President, Council on Environmental Quality

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service

U.S. Department of Army, Corps of Engineers

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

U.S. Department of Interior: Bureau of Indian Affairs;

Fish and Wildlife Service; Geological Survey; National Park Service; and

Office of the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force

U.S. Department of Justice

U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Safety, Energy and Environment

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Tribal

Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida

Seminole Tribe of Florida

State

Executive Office of the Governor

Florida Department of Agriculture:

Division of Forestry; and Institute for Agricultural Studies

Florida Department of Community Affairs

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Florida Department of Health

Florida Department of Transportation

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

South Florida Water Management District

South Florida Water Management District, Water Resources Advisory Commission

Southwest Florida Water Management District

St. Johns River Water Management District

Local Counties

Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Highland,

Lee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange,

Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk, St. Lucie
®