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Everglades Restoration > CERP: The Plan in Depth - Part 6
CERP: The Plan in Depth - Part 6
The Use of Sound Science
- Sound science has always been and continues to be the basis for the Comprehensive Plan
- The Plan was developed by an interdisciplinary team of biologists, ecologists and others with extensive experience in the south Florida ecosystem
- Peer review is an integral part of the Plan and will be used to validate the scientific underpinnings of the Plan and point out needed adjustments
- State-of-the-art scientific and engineering models were used throughout the study process
Sound science has always served as the basis for restoration of the south Florida ecosystem. In 1992, when Congress authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to review the Central and Southern Florida Project, an interdisciplinary team of individuals with extensive research experience in the south Florida ecosystem began developing the Comprehensive Plan. The team included biologists, ecologists, economists, engineers, geographic information system specialists, hydrologists and planners from a number of federal, state, tribal and local government agencies, and numerous representatives from the academic world. Throughout the study process, the team used the best available data and state-of-the-art scientific and engineering methodologies and models.
Interdisciplinary Teams
More than 100 scientists and resource specialists developed the physical and biological performance measures and targets used to evaluate and design the Comprehensive Plan. Through a workshop process, they developed a set of conceptual ecological models for each of the 15 major natural landscape features in south Florida. Each model links the major effects of human beings to changes in nature. For example, how does drainage of wetlands affect alligators, wading birds and pink shrimp? The models show the critical linkages between the changes to hydrology and the effects on alligators, wading birds or pink shrimp, and suggest the most appropriate indicators and measures for each landscape.
The team analyzed each alternative on the basis of how well performance measure targets had been met, and then identified areas where the alternatives needed to be improved. This information was used to develop solutions for the areas of deficiencies.
A new series of multi-disciplinary workshops are underway to 1) refine the existing performance measures; 2) create additional biological measures; and 3) broaden the review process for the measures and targets. This effort is led by the Restoration, Coordination and Verification (RECOVER) Team. It is a system-wide evaluation and assessment team responsible for determining the overall regional contributions provided by individual projects. In addition, the RECOVER team will be responsible for updating the Comprehensive Plan as more detailed and refined information becomes available.
Scientific and Engineering Models
The primary models used in the development of CERP - the Natural System Model and the South Florida Water Management Model - represent the best understanding of the hydrology of both the pre-drainage and current C&SF Project system. The Across Trophic Level System Simulation, a state of the art model, was developed to predict animal species responses to hydrologic changes. The South Florida Water Management Model and the Natural System Model have undergone peer review.
Science Advisory and Review Panel
Independent scientific peer review is an important part of the overall restoration process. The Committee on Restoring the Greater Everglades Ecosystem (CROGEE) was established by the National Academy of Sciences and is designated to provide scientific guidance to multiple agencies engaged in the restoration of the greater Everglades. The committee will provide a scientific overview and technical assessment of the many complicated, inter-related activities and plans that are occurring at the federal, state and nongovernmental levels. In addition to strategic assessments and guidance, the committee will provide focused advice on topics of importance to the restoration efforts when appropriate.
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