How Much of the Everglades Has Been Lost?

According to the National Park Service, the Everglades has lost approximately 50% of its original extent since the early 1900s.

Primary Causes

• Drainage for agriculture — especially sugar cane, citrus, and vegetable farms in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA).
• Urban development — coastal cities (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach) expanded westward into wetlands.
• Flood control infrastructure — canals, levees, pumps (Central & Southern Florida Project) redirected natural sheet flow.
• Water diversion — Lake Okeechobee discharges to estuaries instead of southward flow.

Consequences

• Habitat fragmentation — loss of sawgrass marshes, tree islands, mangroves.
• Species decline — wood stork, snail kite, Florida panther, American crocodile.
• Water quality degradation — phosphorus runoff causes cattail invasion, algal blooms.
• Reduced freshwater recharge — threatens Biscayne Aquifer (South FL drinking water).

Restoration Efforts

The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) — authorized 2000 — aims to restore natural flow, improve water quality, and reconnect ecosystems via 68+ projects. Progress is slow but measurable: Kissimmee River restoration, Tamiami Trail bridging, EAA reservoir underway.

The Everglades isn’t gone — but it’s half its former self, and fighting for survival.