Anthropogenic Environmental Threats

The Everglades National Park is often called "the most threatened park in the U.S."

The Everglades were recently considered by some politicians as a potential location to drill for oil. This disruption of such a delicate environment could be disastrous. The citizens of Florida recognized this and there has been strong public opposition.

After several major hurricanes, Florida's leaders became concerned with controlling and diverting the natural flow of water around the state. Drainage canals mostly stopped the movement of water across southeastern Florida. This process of drainage and diversion has destroyed thousands of acres of wetlands over the past century.



Invasive species brought in both unintentionally and intentionally (pets, food sources, biological controls) by people have wreaked havoc by outcompeting the native flora and fauna of the Everglades.

Population and industry growth within Florida has created increasing pressure and incentive to develop natural land. Over half of the original Everglades was destroyed as a result of those pressures. Farms for dairy, sugarcane, and rice all exist on drained parts of the river of grass.

"Conservation in Action" covers threats and a restoration plan concerning the Everglades