From Audubon Florida
In Summary:
Everglades restoration is making progress, but Audubon Florida says new development pressures, shifting priorities, and reduced environmental oversight could threaten long-term success. Here's what the organization's latest State of the Everglades report found.
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Florida's decades-long effort to restore the Everglades is showing measurable progress, but conservation advocates warn that recent policy changes and development pressures could undermine gains if momentum slows.
Related: Now hitting deadline, Florida flunks Everglades pollution cleanup.
The latest State of the Everglades report from Audubon Florida describes a restoration effort at a pivotal moment: major projects are advancing, state and federal funding remains strong, and scientists are seeing encouraging signs in parts of the ecosystem. At the same time, the report warns that shifting priorities in Tallahassee and Washington, combined with accelerated development and reduced environmental oversight, could threaten the long-term success of restoration efforts.
"Progress, while real, is not the same as completion," Audubon Florida Senior Manager of Everglades Policy McKee Gray wrote in the report's introduction. "There is much work to be done, and the gains we see today depend on sustained momentum."
The report highlights continued progress under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), a multibillion-dollar partnership between state and federal agencies aimed at restoring the natural flow of water across South Florida. Restoration projects are beginning to reconnect water flow, improve habitat, and strengthen resilience against rising seas and saltwater intrusion.
State lawmakers approved $645 million for Everglades restoration projects in the 2026-27 budget, including continued support for the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir, a key project designed to reduce harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee while increasing the amount of clean water flowing south.
However, Audubon expressed concern over the Legislature's decision not to fund Florida Forever, the state's primary land conservation program. The report also points to new laws that limit local governments' ability to regulate growth and shorten environmental review timelines for development projects.
"While some of the most far-reaching proposals were ultimately defeated, the broader trend toward faster approvals and reduced oversight remains a concern," the report states.
The report also raises concerns about federal efforts to streamline infrastructure projects. Audubon warns that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' "Building Infrastructure Not Paperwork" initiative could prioritize projects with immediate economic benefits over long-term ecosystem restoration goals.
Water management decisions continue to create tension between environmental and agricultural interests, according to the report. Audubon criticized state and federal agencies for reducing freshwater releases to the Caloosahatchee Estuary this spring, citing concerns about potential agricultural water shortages that ultimately did not materialize. The organization argues that ecological needs should receive equal consideration in water management decisions.
The report identifies several restoration projects as critical priorities moving forward, including the Biscayne Bay and Southeastern Everglades Ecosystem Restoration project and the Southern Everglades Study. Both initiatives are intended to improve freshwater flows, reduce saltwater intrusion, and protect drinking water supplies in South Florida.
Scientists also reported mixed ecological conditions in Florida Bay. Audubon researchers found that low water levels and drought-like conditions reduced submerged aquatic vegetation at Taylor Slough, an important habitat for fish species that support wading bird populations. At the same time, researchers documented improving nesting conditions for Roseate Spoonbills, with 66% of monitored nests successfully fledging at least one chick.
The report concludes that Everglades restoration remains one of the nation's largest and most consequential environmental projects, with implications that extend far beyond wildlife habitat.
The Everglades supplies drinking water to more than 9 million Floridians, supports a multibillion-dollar tourism economy, and provides critical protection against flooding, sea-level rise, and saltwater intrusion. Audubon argues that maintaining the pace of restoration will require continued investment, collaboration among state and federal partners, and a commitment to science-based decision-making.
Key Points:
- Audubon Florida says Everglades restoration projects are improving water flow, habitat, and climate resilience.
- Florida's 2026-27 budget includes $645 million for Everglades restoration projects.
- The report warns that recent legislation could weaken local land-use authority and environmental oversight.
- Audubon criticized recent water management decisions affecting the Caloosahatchee Estuary.
- Researchers found both encouraging signs and ongoing challenges in Florida Bay ecosystems.
