of all the national historic lands in the 50 states , none is closer to a major urban area or more troubles with troubles than the everglades , a low , 50 - mile - wide river of clay that flows south from lake okeechobee to florida bay . for more than a nation , this fragile natural wonder has been held hostage by a list of limited events - - farmers , shooters and about 6 million south florida residents in need of tank water and floods containment - - that is as complex as the ecosystem itself .
The Everglades is 50-mile wide.