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In this edition, you will
find the latest news and
information about the
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) and community outreach
efforts throughout south Florida.
As you read through this issue, you will discover more about what the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District are
doing to inform, involve, and engage our citizens, businesses and communities in
the Everglades restoration plan and the protection of our future water supply. |
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Did you know that the Florida Everglades was once a vibrant, free flowing river of grass that provided clean water from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay? Today, this extraordinary ecosystem is dying. Over the past half century, the health and size of the Everglades have steadily declined. Severely impacted by drainage and development, the Everglades is suffering from a critical shortage of clean, reliable, water sources.
To restore and preserve south Florida's natural environment, enhance water supplies, and maintain flood protection, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in partnership with the South Florida Water Management District and numerous other federal, state, local and tribal partners, has developed a plan to save the Everglades.
The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) includes a series of ecological and water system improvements. During the next 30 years, the Corps, the District, and their sponsoring partners will restore water quality, quantity, timing, and distribution in what is being referred to as "the largest environmental restoration project in history."
To find out more about Everglades restoration, visit our website at www.evergladesplan.org |
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Erica Robbins, outreach
program specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
demonstrates the interactive Teacher’s Guide to
a group of teachers. |
This fall, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
and its partners will launch an educational pilot program
for fourth grade students. The Journey of Wayne Drop to
the Everglades is about a fun-loving water drop who,
along with his classmates and teacher, takes an imaginary
field trip through the Kissimmee-Okeechobee-Everglades watershed.
Along the way, they learn about endangered species, sawgrass,
estuaries, and many other components of south Florida’s
natural environment.
The Corps of Engineers has worked with Everglades National
Park, the South Florida Water Management District, the Florida
Department of Education, and science teachers to create the
story and its lessons. Wayne Drop represents a partnership
of many agencies and individuals to create an appealing teaching
resource about the Everglades and south Florida’s water
resources, reported Erica Robbins of the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers and Sandy Dayhoff of Everglades National Park.
In July, program materials including student tabloids and
corresponding teacher’s guides will be delivered to
public schools in several pilot counties to prepare tens of
thousands of students to learn about the Everglades through
Wayne’s journey in the upcoming school year. Teachers
will benefit from the Teacher’s Guide and lesson
plans, may participate in training, and may receive online
assistance.
For additional information, contact Erica Robbins at 561-683-1577,
ext. 32. |
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 The
Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) is one of
the nation’s largest public works projects. It will
require a variety of products and services from the private
sector in the coming years. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
is especially interested in getting small and minority-owned
businesses involved in CERP and offers these tips to potential
vendors:
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- Learn about CERP and the Corps of Engineers. It is important
to understand how your service or product can benefit CERP
or another Corps project. Visit www.saj.usace.army.mil
and www.evergladesplan.org
to begin your journey.
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- Register in the free, online database at www.ccr.gov.
All firms interested in doing business with the federal
government, which includes the Corps of Engineers, must
be registered in Central Contractor Registration (CCR).
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- Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences on doing business
with the Corps of Engineers. They are offered across Florida
through state universities, small business development centers,
workforce development agencies, and the Corps.
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- Follow potential procurement opportunities on the Corps’
web site: www.saj.usace.army.mil.
Click on Contracts/Business Opportunities.
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Claudia Hundley, deputy for small business at the Corps’
Jacksonville District, said the Corps is dedicated to involving
small businesses in CERP and other contracting opportunities.
Randy Edney, assistant deputy for small business,
advises potential contractors and vendors to stay involved in
the process. “Small businesses that are successful do
their homework and follow up after making that initial contact,”
he said.
For further information, contact Randy at 561-683-1577, ext.
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If you are interested in learning about business opportunities with the Corps, please contact Randy Edney at 561-683-1577, ext. 14.
If you are interested in learning about business opportunities with the District, please call the Procurement Hotline at 1-800-472-5290.
If you would like to request a presentation for your organization, please contact Malissa Booth at 561-683-1577, ext. 24 or Bernadette Morris at 305-948-8063, ext. 201.
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The CERP Outreach Team is always out and about throughout south Florida and hopes to meet you at one of the following activities and events: |
| July 17 |
Colombia Independence Festival |
Miami (Miami-Dade County) |
| August 14 |
Annual Hollywood Beach Latin Fest |
Hollywood (Broward County) |
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If you are organizing an event and would like for the CERP Outreach Team to attend, please contact Bernadette Morris at 305-948-8063, ext. 201. |
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| CERP Report is an unofficial publication authorized under the provisions of AR 360-1 and published bimonthly by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District, P.O. Box 4970, Jacksonville, FL 32232-0019, telephone 904-232-2235, fax 904-232-2237. Comments regarding this report are encouraged and may be sent to the above address or to nanciann.e.regalado@usace.army.mil |
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