Western Everglades Restoration Project

The Western Everglades Restoration Plan (WERP) seeks to use a series of active and passive water management features and water quality features, and make alterations to existing canals and levees. The goals of the project are to improve the quantity, quality, timing and distribution of water in the Western Everglades in the effort to re-establish ecological connectivity, reduce the severity and frequency of wildfires, and restore low nutrient conditions.

ALTERNATIVE HNFR: RESTORE RAIN DRIVEN SYSTEM WITH EXISTING WATER / OPERATIONAL FLEXIBILITY

This map shows features for WERP Alternative HNFR. (View full-size map)

Project Status

The WERP Project Delivery Team (PDT) received approval  for a second exception to the 3x3x3 SMART Planning Policy on January 24, 2022. The project was provided additional funding and 23 months to complete the feasibility study. A third 3x3x3 exception is needed to complete the study. The PDT is moving forward with the plan formulation process and anticipates completion of the signed Chief’s Report by May 2024.

TSP Milestone: Scheduled: Complete

Agency Decision Milestone: Scheduled 12 February 2024

Final Report Milestone: Scheduled 22 March 2024

Chief’s Report Milestone: Scheduled 31 May 2024

Background

The original Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) project identified to restore and reconnect the western Everglades ecosystem was called the Big Cypress/L-28 Interceptor Modification. The purpose of this project, as defined within the CERP, is to reestablish sheet flow from the West Feeder Canal across the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation and into BCNP, maintain flood protection on Seminole Tribal lands, and ensure that inflows to the North and West Feeder Canals meet applicable water quality standards.

WERP STUDY OBJECTIVES
1. Restore freshwater flow paths, flow volumes and timing, seasonal hydroperiods, and historic distributions of sheetflow to re-establish ecological connectivity and ecological resilience of the wetland/upland mosaic.
2. Restore water levels to reduce wildfires associated with altered hydrology, which damage the geomorphic and associated ecological conditions of the western Everglades.
3. Restore aquatic low nutrient (oligotrophic) conditions to reestablish and sustain native flora and fauna.

WERP Project Timeline
WERP Kickoff Aug 2016
Tentative Selected Plan (TSP) Aug 2022
Agency Decision Milestone (ADM) Feb 2024
Final PIR/EIS March 2024
Chief’s Report Milestone May 2024

Info & Meetings

                        USACE hosting a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) meeting for the WERP Draft PIR/EIS

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District will be hosting a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) meeting for the Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP) Draft Project Implementation Report and Environmental Impact Statement (PIR/EIS) on January 17, 2024 from 5:00-8:00 pm at the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) station, Southwest Florida Research & Education Center, 2685 State Road 29 North in Immokalee, FL. The virtual only meeting will be January 18, 2024 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. The link and call-in information is listed below.

The USACE / South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) team will provide an overview of the project and contents of the Draft Report. An “Open House” style question/answer period will follow the formal comment period where USACE and SFWMD staff will be able to interact with attendees.

Public engagement is encouraged.  The public comment period on the WERP Draft PIR/EIS is open with comments due January 29, 2024.

The purpose of the WERP is to improve the quantity, quality, timing, and distribution of water needed to restore and reconnect the western Everglades ecosystem.  WERP will reestablish ecological connectivity from the northwest portion of the study area, across the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Big Cypress Reservation (SBCR) and into Big Cypress National Preserve (BCNP), while maintaining flood protection and ensuring that inflows meet applicable water quality standards. The proposed action is located within Hendry, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Collier counties, Florida. 

The tentatively selected plan (TSP), known as Alternative Hybrid Natural Flow Revised (ALTHNFR), would achieve these benefits by re-distributing water to several major remnant flow ways that lie directly south and southeast of the Wingate Mill and West Feeder canals, including Kissimmee Billy Strand and Cowbell Strand. Construction of the North Feeder Stormwater Treatment Area (STA) within the C-139 Annex will direct treated water from the North Feeder Canal Sub-Basin to Water Conservation Area (WCA) 3A via the L-3 canal. Rerouting water from the West Feeder Canal Sub basin south into the forested wetlands of the study area by backfilling portions of the Wingate Mill and Lard Can canals will facilitate hydropattern restoration in portions of the SBCR, BCNP, and in the L-28 Triangle area, which is located entirely in the boundaries of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians’ Alligator Alley Reservation (MAAR). Backfilling portions of the L-28 Interceptor canal and the L-28 North canal, in combination with degrading portions of the associated levees, will re-establish ecological connectivity in areas adjacent to Mullet Slough. Full backfill and degrade of the L-28 Tieback with full backfill of the L-28 South canal south of structure 344 (S-344), in combination with the construction of three adjustable control structures and a plug in the Tamiami Trail canal, will reconnect portions of WCA 3A to BCNP. Southern portions of BCNP, including New River and Sweetwater Strands will receive increased flows.

The Draft PIR/EIS is available for your review on the Jacksonville District’s Environmental planning website and on the project website:

http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/About/Divisions-Offices/Planning/Environmental-Branch/Environmental-Documents/  

(On the above page, click on the “+” next to “Multiple Counties”, row 13).

http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental/Ecosystem-Restoration/Western-Everglades-Restoration-Project/

USACE requests that comments be submitted to Western.Everglades@usace.army.mil no later than Monday, January 29, 2024.

USACE appreciates the ongoing efforts of the public to stay informed and remain engaged in our projects and we look forward to your feedback at the NEPA meeting for the WERP Draft (PIR/EIS) on January 17, 2024 from 5:00-8:00 pm at the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) station, Southwest Florida Research & Education Center, 2685 State Road 29 North in Immokalee, FL.

Please join the US Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District for the Western Everglades Restoration Project - National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Public Virtual Meeting on January 18, 2024 from 5:00-8:00 pm. This Meeting is Virtual ONLY. The team will provide an overview of the project and contents of the Draft Project Implementation Report and Environmental Impact Statement (PIR/EIS). There will be an opportunity to provide your comments.

https://usace1.webex.com/meet/stephen.a.baisden

Call-In Number: 1-844-800-2712

Access code: 199 665 6695#

Attendee ID: 173515#

 

The feedback that we receive from stakeholders and members of the public provides important local knowledge that informs our decision-making process.

- 30 -

USACE announces availability of WERP draft PIR/EIS available for review and public comment

The Jacksonville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) announces publication of the Draft Project Implementation Report and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP). The Corps is requesting that comments be submitted in writing to Western.Everglades@usace.army.mil by January 29, 2024. All comments should include “WERP Draft PIR/EIS Comments” in the subject line. Comments may also be submitted by January 29, 2024, to the following address:

Melissa Nasuti

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Jacksonville District

701 San Marco Boulevard

Jacksonville, Florida 32207

 

Please use the links below to download the Draft PIR/EIS for WERP (note: large files may take a few minutes to download):

http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/About/Divisions-Offices/Planning/Environmental-Branch/Environmental-Documents/

(On the above page, click on the “+” next to “Multiple Counties”, row 13)

 

A printed copy of the Draft PIR/EIS for WERP is also available at the following libraries:

CLEWISTON PUBLIC LIBRARY      

120 W OSCEOLA AVENUE                                                         

CLEWISTON, FLORIDA  33440                                                  

 

IMMOKALEE BRANCH LIBRARY

417 NORTH 1ST STREET

IMMOKALEE, FLORIDA 34142

 

 

USACE announces open house for Western Everglades Restoration Project

The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District and the South Florida Water Management District will host a Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP) Open House Dec. 13 and 14, 2023.  The purpose of the event is to enable meaningful dialogue between our Stakeholders and Project Team members on the proposed WERP Project features. Both events will be identical, we are hosting in two locations to provide opportunity for greater participation. 

The events will be held at the following dates/times/locations:

Dec. 13, 2023 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

John Boy Auditorium

1200 W C Owen Ave

Clewiston, FL 33440

 

Dec. 14, 2023 5 p. m. to 8 p.m.

Big Cypress National Preserve

33100 Tamiami Trail East

Ochopee, FL 34141

The public can obtain news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District on the district’s website at www.saj.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict, Twitter at www.twitter.com/JaxStrong, and Instagram at www.instagram.com/jacksonvilledistrict or for more information about WERP visit: Western Everglades Restoration Project (army.mil)


USACE hosts a Virtual Project Delivery Team Meeting Nov. 1 to provide an update on the Western Everglades Restoration Project – an essential part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District (USACE) and our partners at the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will provide the public, stakeholders and restoration partners an update on the status of the Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP) during a virtual-only WERP Project Delivery Team Meeting on November 1, 2023, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Through coordination and collaboration with the WERP Project Delivery Team (PDT), USACE and the SFWMD have reached the Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP) Tentatively Selected Plan (TSP) study milestone. The TSP is Alternative Hybrid Natural Flow Revised (Alt HNFR). Alterative HNFR addresses input received at the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force meeting in June 2023. The details of Alt HNFR are available in Western Everglades Restoration Project updated WERP placemat: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/utils/getfile/collection/p16021coll11/id/6551.

“As a result of the feedback we received on our previously proposed alternative, the West Feeder Basin will now be returned to a more natural, rain driven flow-way,” said WERP Project Manager Steve Baisden.

Virtual Project Delivery Team Meeting Instructions:

  • Unless you are calling in only and will not be viewing the virtual meeting, please sign in on the virtual meeting website first and, when prompted, select the audio connection “Call Me” option. This will allow the meeting to call you directly and may operate better than if you opt to dial in.
  • At the beginning of the meeting, please sign in via chat and include your first and last name, agency or group affiliation if applicable, and email. PDT members should also include the PDT designation.
  • Please mute your phone unless you are speaking, and do not put the call on hold.
  • PDT members should provide their full name and the agency or group that they represent when speaking.
  • Members of the public will have an opportunity to provide comments during the specified public comment periods.

Please join us for a Virtual-only WERP Project Delivery Team Meeting

Virtual-only WERP Project Delivery Team Meeting
November 1, 2023, from 1 to 5 p.m.
https://usace1.webex.com/meet/stephen.a.baisden
Call-In Number: 1-844-800-2712
Access code: 199 665 6695#
Attendee ID: 173515#

“The team is preparing the Draft Project Implementation Report for release to the public for review and comment. We expect to release the Draft Report in December 2023,” said Baisden. “You will have 45 days to review and provide comments. We will issue a news release with information on how to review and provide comment on the document, and hold a meeting to discuss the details in the near future.”


THE AUG 31 OPEN HOUSE AND WERP PDT MEETING HAVE BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO HURRICANE IDALIA AND WILL BE RESCHEDULED. 

USACE hosts Open House prior to Western Everglades Restoration Project Delivery Team Meeting on August 31 in Immokalee

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District and our partners at the South Florida Water Management District will host an Open House from noon to 1 p.m. prior to the hybrid Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP) Project Delivery Team Meeting in-person in Immokalee and also via WebEx, scheduled for Thursday, August 31, from 1 to 4 p.m.

“The Corps and South Florida Water Management District will host an informal Open House for the Western Everglades Restoration Project at Immokalee Community Park prior to the Project Delivery Team Meeting at 1 p.m. in the same location,” said WERP Project Manager Steve Baisden. “Starting at noon, we will have maps of our proposed plan and team members available to discuss the plan and answer any questions.”

“The formal Project Delivery Team Meeting will follow from 1 to 4 p.m. at the same location as originally scheduled,” said Baisden. “We hope that everyone will be able to join us either in-person or virtually, to discuss the Western Everglades Restoration Project status and refinements to our proposed Alternative HNF, or Hybrid Natural Flow.”

Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP) Open House:
Thursday, August 31, 2023, 12 to 1 p.m.
Immokalee Community Park
321 N. 1st Street
Immokalee, FL 34142
239-252-4449
(to be followed by a Project Delivery Team Meeting from 1 to 4 p.m.)

The Project Delivery Team (PDT) members include only the federal officials and elected officers of state, local or tribal governments or their designated employees with authority to act on their behalf acting in their official capacities.

Members of the public (PUBLIC) are welcome to attend the government agency PDT meeting and provide comment during the designated Public Comment periods.

Hybrid Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP) Project Delivery Team (PDT) Meeting
In Person:
Thursday, August 31, 2023, 1 to 4 p.m.
Immokalee Community Park
321 N. 1st Street
Immokalee, FL 34142
239-252-4449

Via WebEx:
Thursday, August 31, 2023, 1 to 4 p.m.

https://usace1.webex.com/meet/stephen.a.baisden
Call-In Number: 1-844-800-2712
Access code: 199 665 6695#
Attendee ID: 173515#


THE AUG 31 OPEN HOUSE AND WERP PDT MEETING HAVE BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO HURRICANE IDALIA AND WILL BE RESCHEDULED. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District announces a Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP) Project Delivery Team Meeting in-person in Immokalee and also via WebEx, scheduled for Thursday, August 31, from 1 to 4 p.m.

“Please join us in person or virtually to discuss the Western Everglades Restoration Project status and refinements to our proposed Alternative HNF, or Hybrid Natural Flow,” said WERP Project Manager Steve Baisden. “We want to thank everyone who continues to be engaged on this project, as we move it forward together.”

The Project Delivery Team (PDT) members include only the federal officials and elected officers of state, local or tribal governments or their designated employees with authority to act on their behalf acting in their official capacities.

Members of the public (PUBLIC) are welcome to attend the government agency PDT meeting and provide comment during the designated Public Comment periods.

Hybrid Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP) Project Delivery Team (PDT) Meeting

In Person:
Thursday, August 31, 2023, 1 to 4 p.m.
Immokalee Community Park
321 N. 1st Street
Immokalee, FL 34142
239-252-4449

Via WebEx:
Thursday, August 31, 2023, 1 to 4 p.m.

https://usace1.webex.com/meet/stephen.a.baisden
Call-In Number: 1-844-800-2712
Access code: 199 665 6695#
Attendee ID: 173515#

*PLEASE log into the webinar first and have it call your phone in order to avoid background noise so all participants can hear the discussion clearly.

Please mute your phone and mute your computer upon joining the meeting.


USACE to host Virtual Project Delivery Team Meeting for the Western Everglades Restoration Project on Feb. 24

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District invites partners, stakeholders, and the public to join us for to a Virtual Project Delivery Team (PDT) Meeting for the Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP) on Friday, February 24, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. to receive an update on the replacement of the Wingate Mill STA feature and path forward.

If you are joining the meetings virtually, *PLEASE log into the webinar first and have it call your phone in order to avoid background noise so all participants can hear the discussion clearly.

Please mute your phone and mute your computer upon joining the meeting.

Virtual Project Delivery Team (PDT) Meeting
Western Everglades Restoration Project
Friday, February 24, 2023
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

https://usace1.webex.com/meet/stephen.a.baisden
Call-In Number: 1-844-800-2712
Access code: 199 665 6695#
Attendee ID: 173515#
 


Corps to host Virtual Project Delivery Team Meeting and Listening Session for the Western Everglades Restoration Project on Jan. 17

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District invites partners, stakeholders, and the public to join us for to a Virtual Project Delivery Team (PDT) Meeting and Listening Session for the Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP) on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“We invite Project Delivery Team members, tribes, landowners, partners, stakeholders and the public to join us at a Virtual Project Delivery Team Meeting and Listening Session to receive an update on the Western Everglades Restoration Project and for us to listen to you,” said WERP Project Manager Steve Baisden. “Members of the PDT and the public will have an opportunity to provide input related to the Wingate Mill Area to the Project Delivery Team. This invitation is open to ALL.”

“We request that the information provided focus on the West Feeder Basin, an area that includes runoff collected from the Lard Can and Wingate Mill Canals,” said Baisden. “We are specifically looking for feedback on a replacement for the water quality feature, the Wingate Mill Stormwater Treatment Area (STA). The input can include ideas on how to lower the nutrients in the water column, or discussion or presentations on water quality and water flow (hydrology) in the watershed. Presentations should be limited to 10 minutes, with a 5-minute question and answer period, to ensure that we have enough time to listen to everyone’s ideas.”

If you are interested in presenting to the PDT during the meeting, please email your request to Western.Everglades@usace.army.mil as soon as possible to be added to the agenda, and email a copy of your presentation to the same email address no later than Tuesday, January 10.

If you are joining the meetings virtually, *PLEASE log into the webinar first and have it call your phone in order to avoid background noise so all participants can hear the discussion clearly.

Please mute your phone and mute your computer upon joining the meeting.

Virtual Project Delivery Team (PDT) Meeting and Listening Session
Western Everglades Restoration Project
Tuesday January 17, 2023
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
https://usace1.webex.com/meet/stephen.a.baisden
Call-In Number: 1-844-800-2712
Access code: 199 665 6695#
Attendee ID: 173515#


Meeting for Landowners for the Western Everglades Restoration Project
Wednesday August 10, 3 to 5:30 p.m.
Immokalee Branch Public Library
417 N First Street
Immokalee, Florida 34142
The meeting will also be available virtually:
https://usace1.webex.com/meet/stephen.a.baisden
Call-In Number: 1-844-800-2712
Access code: 199 665 6695#
Attendee ID: 173515#


Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP) Project Delivery Team (PDT) Meeting via WebEx
Thursday, July 7, 2022, 1:30 to 3 p.m.

https://usace1.webex.com/meet/stephen.a.baisden
Call-In Number: 1-844-800-2712
Access code: 199 665 6695#
Attendee ID: 173515#
Purpose: to discuss the Tentatively Selected Plan (TSP) and review the remaining schedule


Meeting for Landowners in the Wingate Mill area (west of Big Cypress Seminole Reservation) and the North Feeder Canal area
Friday June 3, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Big Cypress National Preserve Conference Room
33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, Florida 34141
The meeting will also be available virtually:
Meeting for Landowners in the Wingate Mill area (west of Big Cypress Seminole Reservation) and the North Feeder Canal area (Meeting via WebEx)
Friday June 3, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
https://usace1.webex.com/meet/stephen.a.baisden
Call-In Number: 1-844-800-2712
Access code: 199 665 6695#
Attendee ID: 173515#


Meeting for Landowners in the JetPort, Looneyville, Big Cypress National Park, and along Tamiami Trail and Loop Road
Thursday June 2, 7 to 9 p.m.

Big Cypress National Preserve Conference Room
33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, Florida 34141
The meeting will also be available virtually:
Meeting for Landowners in the JetPort, Looneyville, Big Cypress National Park, and along Tamiami Trail and Loop Road (Meeting via WebEx)
Thursday June 2, 7 to 9 p.m.
https://usace1.webex.com/meet/stephen.a.baisden
Call-In Number: 1-844-800-2712
Access code: 199 665 6695#
Attendee ID: 173515#


Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP) Project Delivery Team (PDT) Meeting via WebEx

February 28, 2022, 10 a.m. to noon

 https://usace1.webex.com/meet/stephen.a.baisden

 Call-In Number: 1-844-800-2712

Access code: 199 665 6695#

Attendee ID: 173515#
We will be discussing the WERP study restart, progress made prior to the suspension in December 2020 and the path forward.

 


Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP) Project Delivery Team (PDT) Meeting via Webinar

September 21, 2020, 9 to 11 a.m.


Western Everglades Restoration Project – Project Delivery Team Meeting
PDT Meeting Agenda September 21, 2020
Call in # (877) 873-8017 9:00-11:00 am
Access Code: 6992320 #
Security Code: 1234
WEB Address: https://usace.webex.com/meet/zulamet.z.vega-liriano

**********Please keep phones on mute unless you are speaking and do not place call on hold**********

View the Final Agenda for the Sept. 21, 2020 WERP PDT Meeting

View the Sept. 21, 2020 WERP PDT Meeting Presentation and ALT HR MODELING INFORMATION

1. Roll Call Steve Baisden, USACE 0900
2. Overview – Project Status and Schedule Steve Baisden, USACE 0910
3. Alternative Hr Modeling Results
      a. Modeling Assumptions Overview Larry Brion, SFWMD 0920
     b. Modeling Results Discussion Karin Smith, SFWMD 0940
4. Sub-team Updates
     a. Plan Formulation Zulamet Vega-Liriano, USACE 1000
     b. Real Estate Don Nelson, USACE 1010
     c. EN/Modeling Joel Gaillard, USACE 1020
     d. Environmental Melissa Nasuti, USACE 1030
5. Stakeholder Comments 1040
6. Public Comment 1050
7. Adjourn 1100

Coordination & Upcoming Meetings

1. Review of Action Items Identified Today
2. Next PDT Meeting: October-November 2020

Project Schedule (pending Waiver request approval)

Assurance Modeling Started 30 July (A)
SFWMD Topographic Survey Field Work Started 31 August (A)
Prelim Real Estate Analysis Started 30 September
Habitat Unit Calculations Started 30 September
SFWMD Topographic Survey Report Started 5 October
Hydraulic Modeling Started 16 October
CE/ICA Started 16 October
EN Conceptual Design Started 30 October
Real Estate Policy Waiver 1 October 30 October
Tentatively Selected Plan March 2021
Release DRAFT PIR/EIS for Public Review May 2021
Agency Decision Milestone July 2021
Final PIR/EIS December 2021
Chief’s Report March 2022


Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP) Project Delivery Team (PDT) Meeting via Webinar June 10 11-12

 

Please call/login for the Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP) Project Delivery Team (PDT).

 June 10, 2020 11--12

 Call in: 1-877-336-1274

Access code: 8727827

Security Code: 0610

https://usace.webex.com/meet/amy.d.thompson

 

Purpose: Update the PDT on the status and path forward for the study.


WERP Sub-team Meetings

*WERP EN/Modeling Sub-team Meeting*

Bi-weekly meeting on Mondays @ 1pm **

https://usace.webex.com/join/zulamet.z.vega-liriano
Call-in: (877) 873-8017  | (636) 651-3181
Access code: 6992320 #
Security: 1234

Next meeting: Monday, April 8th @ 1pm
Purpose: Discuss Alt H refinements

*WERP Savings Clause & Assurances Sub-team Meeting*

Weekly meeting on Thursdays @ 10am **

https://usace.webex.com/join/zulamet.z.vega-liriano
Call-in: (877) 873-8017  | (636) 651-3181
Access code: 6992320 #
Security: 1234

Next meeting: Thursday, April 11th @ 10am
Purpose: Discuss ongoing analysis for Savings Clause

 

**Meeting times and dates are subject to change. Please contact Stephen Baisden at (904) 232-1794 or stephen.a.baisden@usace.army.mil to confirm date, time, and call-in information.


PDT Teleconference August 20, 2019

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold a Project Delivery Team (PDT) meeting for the Western Everglades Restoration Project on  August 20, 1:00 – 2:00 PM (EST).

Meeting number: 877-848-7030

Access Code: 8206346

Security Code: 1234

During this meeting, project team members will provide an update on the Western Everglades Restoration Project.

PDT meetings enable federal, state and local agencies and tribal governments to provide their input for the Western Everglades Restoration Project. Members of the public may attend the PDT meeting and provide public comment both during and at the end of the meeting.

Documents:

  • Meeting Agenda (to be provided closer to meeting)

 


NEPA Comment Response Matrix Available Online - November 28, 2016

The comment response matrix for the Western Everglades Restoration Project is now available online. The matrix captures all of the comments received during the 45-day public comment period held July 11 - August 24, 2016 and responses. The public comment period was held in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to solicit input from federal, state, and local agencies; Native American Tribes; and other interested private organizations and members of the public.

Project Delivery Team Meetings

Project Delivery Team (PDT) meetings enable federal, state and local agencies and tribal governments to provide their input into the Western Everglades Restoration Project. Members of the public may attend PDT meetings and provide public comment at the end of the meeting.


Collapse All Expand All
 September 21, 2020
 June 10, 2020
 March 26, 2019
 September 27, 2018
 February 13, 2018

The purpose of this WERP PDT meeting was to show model outputs and sub-team responses to the model outputs thus far. We are seeking feedback from the PDT on proposed preliminary "merged alternatives" as described in the last PDT.

Meeting documents will be posted when finalized.

 January 31, 2018
Meeting canceled.
 December 19, 2017

Meeting Documents:

 November 7, 2017

Meeting Documents:

 August 29, 2017

Meeting Documents:

 May 30, 2017
 March 21, 2017

Meeting Documents:

 January 31, 2017
 November 21, 2016

Meeting Documents:

 October 18, 2016

Meeting Documents:

 September 16, 2016
 August 16 & 17, 2016
 November 1, 2023

Public Scoping Meetings & Workshops

Working-Group-Sponsored Public Workshop - June 22, 2017

The South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Working Group hosted public workshop for the Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP) on June 22 in Clewiston.  The Working Group sponsored the public workshop to facilitate public  participation in the WERP planning process. This workshop focused on modeling efforts for WERP, including the approach, strategy, and  available tools. The Task Force provides feedback from workshops to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). 


PUBLIC WORKSHOP - August 23, 2016

A public workshop for the Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP) was sponsored by the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Working Group to engage the public in an exchange of technical information related to hydrology and land cover in the study area.

10 AM - 4 PM (ET)
John Boy Auditorium, 1200 South W.C. Owen Avenue, Clewiston, Florida 33440


PUBLIC SCOPING MEETING – August 16, 2016

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District hosted a public scoping meeting to discuss and seek input on the Western Everglades Restoration Project. Interested individuals, groups and agencies were encouraged to attend the meeting to provide comments and ask questions.

6:00 PM (ET) - Open House
6:30 PM (ET) - Formal Presentation and Public Comments

John Boy Auditorium, 1200 South W.C. Owen Avenue, Clewiston, Florida 33440

Meeting Documents:

The Western Everglades Restoration project is a new planning effort aimed at improving the quality, quantity, timing and distribution of water needed to restore and reconnect the western Everglades ecosystem. Comments were accepted on the project through August 24, 2016, by sending comments electronically to:  Western.Everglades@usace.army.mil or mailed to:

 Melissa Nasuti
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District
P.O. Box 4970
Jacksonville, FL 32232-0019

This public meeting was held in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), with the sole purpose of soliciting input on the project as it enters into its preliminary planning stage.  Input received during this meeting was used in the development of the project’s NEPA report. This report will be included as part of the Project Implementation Report that, when completed and approved, will be submitted to Congress for authorization and appropriations.

Read more about the WERP restart!

Jacksonville District restarts Western Everglades Restoration Project
Feb. 28 marks first project delivery team meeting since 2020

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Points of Contact

Project Manager
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

904-232-1794

Project Manager
South Florida Water Management District

561-682-6324

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