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

On each side of the Shark River Slough are equally important drainage systems. The Big Cypress Swamp, to the west, drains predominantly west and south, but contributes some water eastward toward the Shark River Slough. In the east along the coastal ridge a shallow trough, Taylor Slough, collects rain and runoff water that moves southward through breaks in the coastal ridge to Florida Bay.

Three drainages dominate the Everglades. However, the natural flow through these broad, shallow water courses has been significantly altered by networks of roads and canals and by management of the regional water system. [larger image]

These drainages act as a circulatory system for south Florida. They supply the Everglades National Park with water, which in turn carries food and nutrients to the plants and wildlife of the region. Evaporated water recirculates as rain to complete the water cycle.

Men started draining lands and farming sugar cane and rice along the south rim of Lake Okeechobee in the early 1900's. These drainage canals and subsequent ones built for flood control intercepted the overland flow of water in the area and diverted part of it to the ocean. Not only did canals drain away water, but later roads built across southern Florida diked and impounded the water. Further, during the dry season, salt water penetrated inland along the canals, threatening the underground water supply as well as the immediate lands. As a result, the flow from north to south must now be artificially maintained by means of a system of canals and large water storage basins.

Go back to Wildlife Resources | Go ahead to Wildfires & Burnings