Background Original Everglades East Coast Protective Levee Lake Okeechobee Everglades Agricultural Area Water Conservation Areas Shark River Slough Activism

WATER CONSERVATION AREAS

As a drought protection measure, shallow impoundments (called Water Conservation Areas, or WCAs) were created on the eastern edge of the Everglades. They are interconnected with a network of canals controlled by gates. This system of canals and impoundments actually speeds water flow through the Everglades and causes a detrimental hydroperiod. Water stored in the WCAs also provides a dry season water supply for the Lower East Coast of Florida. The Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (WCA-1) has also managed to protect wildlife habitat, and has maintained a more natural hydropattern than in other areas of the Everglades.

Main | History | Restoration
Environmentalist Perspective | Agriculture Perspective
Conclusions | Bibliography

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