JACKSONVILLE — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District (USACE) will be hosting an update on the Western Everglades Restoration Project (WERP) on April 17, from 5 to 7 p.m., 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.

The USACE / South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) team will provide an update to the project since the last public meeting on Jan. 17. This will be an “Open House” style question/answer period where USACE and SFWMD staff will be able to interact with attendees.

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. Public engagement is encouraged!

WERP will reestablish ecological connectivity from the northwest portion of the study area, across the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Big Cypress Reservation and into Big Cypress National Preserve, 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.

For more information, please visit: http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental/Ecosystem-Restoration/Western-Everglades-Restoration-Project/

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

This map shows features for WERP Alternative HNFR. [Map courtesy USACE]