Miccosukee Tribe of Florida and the Everglades Restoration Effort

Everglades Ecology • Peat• Importance of water

flow• Location in

subtropical zone • Nutrient limitation

(esp for phosphorus)

US geological survey: the role of flow in the everglades ridge and slough landscape

Historical flow

• Limestone foundation very level

• Concavity of bedrock meant deeper peat in center and shallower peat around edges

• Result: Very low gradient elevation shift from north to south-> less than 3 inches per mile

• Formed and maintained ridge and slough patterns

Ridge and Slough Landscapes• Consisted of peat based system of

dense sawgrass ridges with soil surfaces 2 to 3 feet higher than open sloughs

• Evenly spaced, parallel and parallel to flow

• Tree islands slightly higher than ridges• Elevation differences important in

providing multiple habitats for species year round

US geological survey: the role of flow in the everglades ridge and slough landscape

History of Drainage and Water Manipulation

Miccosukee tribe • Originally part of Seminole Indian Tribe

•Self governing under a tribal constitution since Indian reorganization act of 1934

•1962- achieved federal recognition after Buffalo Tiger made a trip to Cuba

•Their lands include: Tamiami trail, two pieces on Krome Avenue and one on Alligator Alley

•Work and reside On the border of ENP and in WCA 3A

•Have traditional, aboriginal and statutory rights to use and occupy these lands

U.S. geological survey: Restoring South Florida

Water Quality Disputes

Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow

Skyway Project