Using an Integrated Hydrologic Monitoring Network as a Tool to Analyze Everglades Ecosystem Response during CERP Implementation

Clinton Hittle, Eduardo Patino and Mark Zucker
U.S. Geological Survey, Florida Integrated Science Center-Water and Restoration Studies, Miami, FL

Since 1995, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has participated in studies to describe the hydrologic setting along the coastal areas of Everglades National Park (ENP). Through these efforts, the USGS has established an extensive network of monitoring stations at coastal creeks and rivers that discharge freshwater into northeastern Florida Bay and the southwest coastal estuaries. The network provides data for hydrodynamic model development and calibration, and yields baseline information for other physical, biological and chemical studies being conducted in the Everglades ecosystem. These studies are conducted as part of the USGS Greater Everglades Priority Ecosystem Science Program (PES) and the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) Monitoring and Assessment Plan (MAP).

The current network includes over 30 data collection platforms (DCP's) located along transects that represent major flow paths from the Everglades wetlands to the southern estuaries. Flow, salinity, temperature, water-level and water quality data are collected along these flow paths. Real time information from this network is available from the USGS National Water Information Systems (NWIS) web page at URL: < http://waterdata.usgs.gov/fl/nwis/rt >.

Use of the historical and real-time data will benefit CERP in several ways:

1. Pre-CERP (baseline) hydrologic and water quality parameters can be compared to data collected during and after CERP modifications.
2. Scientific investigations can be conducted with physical data rather than theoretical values in order to increase ecosystem understanding.
3. Real-time and historic data can be used to detect unexpected responses within the ecosystem.

Assuming that CERP modifications will attempt to emulate historical hydroperiods better than existing water management practices, it is reasonable to expect an extended hydroperiod and shortened dry season during years of average rainfall. Data have been collected from the network (since 1995) during a period when the southern estuaries have experienced a wide range of natural climatic conditions, including multiple tropical storms and hurricanes, and an El Nino event in 1998. Thus, the data can be used to help determine whether changes observed in the ecosystem are the result of natural processes, CERP-related activities or a combination of both.

In summary, having an integrated monitoring network spanning the major flow paths from the Everglades wetlands to the southern estuaries will help provide a system-wide understanding of the complex ecosystem responses seen in the Everglades.

Contact Information: Clinton Hittle, U.S. Geological Survey Florida Integrated Science Center-Water and Restoration Studies, 9100 NW 36^th St. Suite # 107, Phone: 305-717-5815, Email: cdhittle@usgs.gov

(This abstract is from the 2004 First National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration)

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