A new report casts doubt on one of Florida's most touted environmental projects. The reservoir being built south of Lake Okeechobee, which Governor Ron DeSantis has called the "crown jewel" of Everglades restoration, will not be enough to protect the region's wetlands, the report argues.
The report, prepared by an outside group, contends that the project's scope is insufficient to address the scale of the Everglades' challenges. While the reservoir is a key piece of infrastructure, the findings suggest it alone cannot save Florida's treasured "river of grass."
The assessment adds to concerns about the state's overall restoration strategy, implying that additional measures will be necessary if the Everglades are to survive. The report does not offer specific alternatives, but it clearly signals that current plans may fall short of their stated goals.