The Everglades Committee works to protect the Greater Everglades Ecosystem which includes the following regions: Kissimmee River Valley, Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), Water Conservation Areas, Big Cypress Swamp, Immokalee Rise, Everglades National Park, Florida Bay, Biscayne Bay, Florida Keys, Florida Reef Tract.

The Florida Everglades are unique in the world and combine the only subtropical ecological communities in the continental United States in a rich mosaic of habitats. Everglades National Park is highly significant internationally and has been designated a World Heritage Site by the United Nations, a Wetlands of International Significance, and an International Biosphere Reserve. It is the largest designated wilderness in the eastern United States and is regarded as the most significant breeding grounds for wading birds in North America. The Everglades is the subject of the largest restoration program in the United States called the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).

Threats

Threats include: continued urban encroachment into natural areas, reduced commitment to restore water quality, failure to decompartmentalize the system, spread of invasive species, marginalization of CERP restoration projects, inadequate land acquisition, inadequate restoration of habitats, further threats to the 68 federally listed species including the Florida panther.

Opportunities

The largest opportunity right now is purchase of the lands of U.S. Sugar. During the 2009 Florida Legislative Session, we expect to see bills attempting to cancel this purchase. Other opportunities include helping and influencing the CERP projects.

Goals

General goals include achieving restoration of the natural system and preventing the loss of remaining natural areas. Committee actions include: planning for: litigation, administrative actions, education, coalition building, political action; participating in meetings around the state; supporting legislative lobbying efforts.