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.

There’s an old adage that says “laughter is the best medicine.” And many of us have filled our rooms with joy and laughter after reading comic strips such as “Curtis” and “Boondocks.” They not only lift our spirits, but they are funny, enlightening and even educational. In keeping up with this upbeat tradition, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has developed a creative and innovative way to convey messages about the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan using similar principles.

The Corps has introduced a comic strip series, entitled “Livin’ with the Waters.” This comic strip is a portrayal of “The Waters,” an urban family that resides in south Florida near the Everglades, and showcases their everyday lives. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about the ecosystem and the plan to restore America’s Everglades.

"‘Livin’ with the Waters’ is a series of short and innovative messages that help us educate, engage and inform our minority communities,” says Nanciann Regalado, Chief of Corporate Communication for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District. “The comic strip tackles many subjects, from animals of the Everglades to water re-use, to CERP projects and initiatives. The primary goal is to educate the African American community about Everglades restoration using a light-hearted approach, and to make history in the process!” It is thought this is the first Black comic specifically focusing on Everglades issues.

A new “Livin’ with the Waters” series will be unveiled and distributed during Black History Month and throughout 2007. Copies will be available at various libraries throughout south Florida and via social service, community and neighborhood groups.

The Waters family has been featured on the Corps’ Everglades restoration 2006-07 Kwanzaa screen saver. In addition, the “Livin’ with the Waters” comic strip will be published in Black newspapers in south Florida throughout February. An electronic web-based version will soon be available for viewing on Black Digital Network (www.blackdigitalnetwork.com).

The first of a series of annual reports to the public about the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) is now available. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District and the South Florida Water Management District released the annual report this past December, which covers progress on the plan through February 2006.

The colorful, user-friendly booklet describes the Everglades restoration plan, projects under way, estimated costs, the project planning process, and provides other valuable information.

Much progress has been made since Congress approved the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan in 2000. Planning has been completed for seven individual projects and is under way for another 20 in the 16-county region. The report also covers efforts of the state of Florida’s Acceler8 program to speed up construction of eight key CERP projects. Copies of the six-page report are available online and can be downloaded at www.evergladesplan.org. The report can be found in the scrolling “CERP News” section on the right side of the website.

The CERP Outreach Team was out en masse during the fall fanfare of the Haitian Roots Rasin Festival held in downtown Miami, a well-known and highly successful event.