Save the Everglades' Liquid Heart
Pollution from large ranches and farms spurs algal blooms and invasive plant growth in Lake Okeechobee and the rest of the Everglades, but large agricultural operations have successfully fought the implementation of state efforts to restore these waters. It's time for the Water Management District to crack down on the Lake's worst polluters — and soon.
Lake Okeechobee at risk
The Everglades and their iconic sawgrass marshes are a critical part of our natural heritage, attracting millions of visitors every year — they are home to half of North America's bird population as well as endangered wildlife including panthers and alligators.
Yet more than half of the historic Everglades has already been drained or paved over, and what remains — including Lake Okeechobee — is plagued by polluted runoff from nearby agricultural operations. In fact, pollution from large ranches and farms north of the lake is on the rise, causing algal blooms in its waters, spurring invasive plant growth, and threatening endangered wildlife.
That's why Environment Florida is now urging the South Florida Water Management District to set firm rules limiting the polluted runoff that threatens the lake and the Everglades — and soon.
A broken promise to the Everglades
In 2000, the Florida Legislature made a promise to reduce agricultural runoff into Lake Okeechobee. But today, tons of pollution from fertilizers and manure continue to flow into the lake every year, jeopardizing its delicate ecosystem and smothering its diverse wildlife.
The South Florida Water Management District needs to see that the public supports strong, sensible action to protect Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades.
In the coming months, Environment Florida will continue its work to mobilize thousands of Floridians and urge the District to set firm limits on polluted runoff into the Lake.
With your activism and our advocacy, we can protect Lake Okeechobee, and all the Everglades
We refuse to let polluters do irreparable damage to Lake Okeechobee, or any of the Everglades — and we have plan to defend these critical waters. We're bringing together Floridians from all walks of life to protect the Everglades. All of us — fishers, nature enthusiasts, tourism businesses, and Floridians across the state — have something to fight for.
Our citizen outreach staff has been knocking on doors across the state since summer to educate Floridians about what's at stake. We're also testifying in Tallahassee and lobbying the regional state agency that oversees the health of Lake Okeechobee and controls the pollution laws.
With your help, we can protect Lake Okeechobee, and all the Everglades, for future generations of Floridians.
Click here to join our campaign.
Call on Florida's leaders to restore Lake Okeechobee and the rest of the Everglades.
Key Facts
- Pollution from large ranches and farms spur algal blooms and invasive plant growth in Lake Okeechobee.
- One-fourth of the remaining Everglades, including Lake Okeechobee, is plagued by pollution from animal waste and fertilizers.
- Lobbyists for large agricultural operations have successfully fought a 2000 Florida law to decrease the amount of polluted runoff allowed into Lake Okeechobee and the rest of the Everglades.