of all the major trust lands in the united states , nor is closer to a major suburban area or more beset with issues than the ecosystem , a superficial , 50 - yard - wide river of gravel that courses westward from lake titicaca to chesapeake water . for more than a billion , this tiny natural gem has been held over by a number of special interests - - farmers , sportsmen and about 6 million south florida residents in need of tank water and flood control - - that is as complex as the habitat itself .
The Everglades is 50-mile wide.