JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (March 23, 2011) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District will host a public meeting March 24 on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Everglades Restoration Transition Plan (ERTP). The meeting will be held at the John D. Campbell Agricultural Center, 18710 SW 288th Street, Homestead, FL. Technical experts will be available at 6 p.m. to discuss the draft EIS in an informal, open house setting. Formal presentations will begin at 7 p.m. followed by a comment period.
The overall objective of ERTP is to maximize water management operational flexibility in order to improve conditions for wildlife and their habitat in south Florida while balancing Central and Southern Florida (C&SF) Project purposes. Implementation of ERTP will be an incremental component in the restoration of habitats within Water Conservation Area 3A and a step towards multi-species management. ERTP represents a bridge between the current water management operations under the Interim Operational Plan (IOP) and the future Combined Operational Plan (COP). Included in the Draft EIS is Proposed Operational Guidance that allows for management of the system to best serve all of the project purposes, including the needs of endangered species.
The Corps of Engineers welcomes the public’s views, comments and information about the Draft EIS and the Draft Operational Guidance.
Release no. 11-23