Advocate for continued implementation and funding for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan at the state and federal level and support for other non-CERP projects within the larger Everglades system that advance resilience.

STRATEGIES

NS-8.1 Provide political and financial support to the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and its updated version, which is fundamental to Everglades restoration. Integrate both climate change mitigation and adaptation considerations into CERP implementation.

NS-8.2 Contribute to the ongoing implementation of the CERP including land acquisition and updates to the implementation plans (such as the Integrated Delivery Schedule) through the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force and relevant working groups. Ensure that plans are responsive to input from Tribal nations and other key stakeholders.

NS-8.3 Continue to educate key stakeholders about the multiple benefits of the CERP, including benefits to water supply and flood protection.

NS-8.4 Identify opportunities to use passive restoration methods or innovative technologies to reduce the use of fossil fuels in the CERP projects.

NS-8.5 Study and quantify the coastal storm risk-reduction benefits of aquatic ecosystem restoration projects and analyze the additional benefits, beyond ecosystem restoration, of the RECOVER mission to evaluate and assess the Southern Coastal Systems region.

NS-8.6 Provide support to non-CERP projects within the Southeast Florida footprint, including but not limited to: C-111 South Dade Project, Modified Waters Delivery to Everglades National Park (MWD), Tamiami Trail Next Steps Phase 2, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Restoration Blueprint, and the Lake Okeechobee System Operating Manual (LOSOM). Integrate both climate change mitigation and adaptation considerations into these and other regional projects.