Home Introduction Physical Setting Urbanization Natural Hazards Mineral Resources Water System Environmental Quality Outdoor Recreation Everglades N.P. - Wildlife Resources - Drainage - Wildfires & Burnings > Park Concerns - Visitors Coastal Zone Fish & Wildlife Miccosukee Indians Conclusion References

Wildlife recognizes no boundaries and moves freely from the park onto adjacent wetlands. Many birds, alligators, and crocodiles feed and nest outside the park, and return to the park at other times. If these animals are disturbed, or if the nesting and feeding sites are lost to development, the park loses. Being part of the uniqueness of Everglades National Park, any attrition of these wildlife along and outside the park boundaries is cause for concern.

The areas surrounding the park are as important as the park itself for wildlife maintenance. Both roseate spoonbills and wood storks which nest in the park feed extensively outside its boundaries during early winter. [larger image]

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Plants such as the Australian pine, melaleuka, and Brazilian pepper (shown left to right) have spread into the park and compete with native vegetation.

The park is concerned with the amount and flow of water outside the park, the wildlife that uses the water, and the quality of that water. Much of the land bordering the east side of the park is farmland. Fertilizers and pesticides from this farmland seep into the ground and change the character of the soil. Some of these chemicals enter the park with runoff water, are carried by rain, or blown in with dust. How much of these chemicals can be tolerated by the natural system is unknown.

Pesticides and fertilizers used outside of the Park find their way into the Park through the water system. (Photo by Penny Zobel) [larger image]

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