Everglades National Park

Unfortunately, the Everglades National Park is suffering from many human intrusions; "threats to the integrity of the Everglades ecosystem became a reality with the arrival of people" (Swett, 2007). One of the major concerns that The Everglades suffers from is the current endangered species list. Currently, because of human interference about 14 endangered or threatened species exist today. Secondly, the demand for water, has the populous altering the natural water-flow to supply the communities and prevent flooding. Thirdly, lumbering and oil drilling have also contributed to the current condition. Fourthly, relocating natural habitats will cause "an ecosystem out of balance and native plants and animals are struggling, species from other parts of the world can take advantage of the changed conditions to establish themselves" (National Wildlife Federation, 2011). A great example of this alteration would be the common citizen releasing unwanted or uncontrollable pets (mainly the python) into "The Everglades".

Currently, safeguard and preservation acts were implemented to protect The Everglades. The restoration of natural flow is being enforced, creating buffer zones, The Everglade Protection Act, The Everglades Forever Act, and The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan are a few that are trying to main the integrity and protection of this wet-land marsh. The restoration of the natural water-flow is crucial "many species of plants and animals use the water for habitat, breeding and hunting grounds, and camouflage" (Kreger, 2004). The purchase of surrounding land (buffer zones) distances the populous and aids in preventing further pollution and contaminants from entering this sanctuary. The main purpose of The Everglades Protection ACT "is to increase park protection and assure better management of its resources"

(Kreger, 2004). The Everglades Forever Act "provides for a comprehensive clean-up/restoration plan. This law also called for action to stop exotic (not native) species of plants from spreading further throughout the Everglades" (Kreger, 2004).

Further efforts today to preserve the Everglades include the clean-up/restoration and water flow. It is imperative that the surrounding communities monitor their water consumption, and pollutants that are released into the park. Other measure that can be taken: "Secure funding and ensure implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), enforce the law to protect the wetlands and endangered species of the Everglades, and collaborate with our affiliate, Florida Wildlife Federation, to protect and restore the Everglades (Everglades-National Wildlife Federation, 2011). These particular tasks demand the cooperation of the

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