Chapter 6: Ecology of the Everglades protection area

Report (SFER) – Volume I are presented within four main fields: (1) wildlife ecology, (2) plant ecology, (3) ecosystem ecology, and (4) landscape processes. Programs of study were based on the short-term operational needs and long-term restoration goals of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD or District), including large-scale and regional hydrologic needs in relation to regulation schedules, permitting, the Everglades Forever Act [Section 373.4592, Florida Statutes (F.S.)] mandates, and the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). Table 6-1 summarizes elements of the major Everglades research findings during Water Year 2009 (WY2009) (May 1, 2008–April 30, 2009) and highlights these findings in relation to the WY2009 hydrologic pattern and statutory mandates that drive the research. The hydrologic pattern is immediate and foremost an influence on the restoration of Everglades wading bird populations, but is also critical to long-term ecological trends. In WY2009, the amount of rainfall received was below average, while the pattern of rainfall was close to normal. Water levels rose during the wet season as they have for the last 15 years and October peaks produced water depths ranging from a low of 1.5 feet (ft) in Northeast Shark River Slough to a high of 3.0 ft in the southern region of Water Conservation Area 3A (WCA-3A)