Top 10 Strategies for Preserving Florida Wetlands

1. Conservation Easements: Landowners voluntarily restrict development for tax benefits.
2. Land Acquisition: Public/NGO purchase of critical wetlands.
3. Zoning Regulations: Local laws limiting development in sensitive areas.
4. Mitigation Banking: Developers offset impacts by restoring/creating wetlands elsewhere.
5. Water Management: Regulate flows to maintain hydroperiods (e.g., Everglades restoration).
6. Public Education: Build awareness of wetland values (flood control, water quality, habitat).
7. Research & Monitoring: Science‑based tracking of health, invasives, climate impacts.
8. Invasive Species Control: Remove melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, pythons, etc.
9. Restoration Projects: Rehydrate drained wetlands, replant natives.
10. Partnerships: Coordinate agencies, NGOs, tribes, landowners, businesses.

Integrated, landscape‑scale approaches are most effective.