Next month marks the 15th year since the death of Marjory Stoneman Douglas at the age of 108. She was a remarkable woman who more than anyone led the fight to protect and restore America's Everglades.
She was born on April 7, 1890. She spent most of her adult life relentlessly demanding that Americans halt the destruction of this vital environmental resource. She recognized, long before many others, that along with destroying the Everglades, we were destroying the water supply for more than seven million Floridians.
Today, we celebrate the first America's Everglades Day. The Florida Legislature designated April 7 in honor of the birth of Marjory Stoneman Douglas.
What would she think today about the health of America's Everglades?
I think she would be encouraged. She would be pleased to know we have made significant progress in the past 12 months, both in Tallahassee and Washington, and with the support of both Democrats and Republicans.
Here's some of what we've accomplished:
Florida Gov. Rick Scott worked with the Obama administration to develop an $880-million Water Quality Plan that will significantly reduce Everglades pollution.
The Florida Legislature appears ready to increase funding for ongoing water-storage projects that are key elements of restoration.
The first mile of a new Tamiami Trail bridge opened, allowing part of the River of Grass to resume its natural water flow.
Another 5.5 miles of bridging is being planned, ending decades of man-made damming that damaged the Everglades.
This year we also saw the opening of the C-111 spreader canal, which will send needed water to Florida Bay and Everglades National Park.
The South Florida Water Management District is working closely with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Florida Department of Environmental Protection to complete the Central Everglades Planning Project, which could deliver as much as 65 billion gallons of additional clean water to the Everglades each year.