Home Introduction Physical Setting Urbanization Natural Hazards Mineral Resources Water System Environmental Quality - Ecosystem Impact - Pollution - Waste Management > Population Density Outdoor Recreation Everglades N.P. Coastal Zone Fish & Wildlife Miccosukee Indians Conclusion References

The quality of the environment of Dade County has been significantly affected by rapid growth in population. The population of the county increased 2 1/2 times between 1950 and 1970. Although tax revenues increased more than 10-fold during this time the environment has been degraded despite the increased tax revenue. Projected population estimates indicate that rapid growth will continue into the next century: Because the south Dade area has a relatively large amount of undeveloped land, it has great potential for additional development.

The Metropolitan Dade County Planning Department has embarked on a project to reevaluate and update its General Land Use Master Plan of 1965. The new plan ^18/ will include specific development proposals for a medium-range period of 10 years and general proposals for a long-term period through the year 2000. The plan will include proposals in six broad areas: (1) land use; (2) the economy; (3) population; (4) services; (5) the environment, and (6) implementation. The new plan is scheduled for completion at the end of 1973.

1955 [larger image]		1972 [larger image]
The Kendall area of south Dade County exemplifies the rapid growth rate of the area over the past 20 years.

ERTS I FALSE COLOR IMAGE

Many aspects of the environmental quality of southeast Florida can be monitored by studying earth satellite images taken at intervals of 18 days. Cloud cover permitting, it is possible to assess hydrologic conditions in the Everglades, the health of forest vegetation, possible infestation of agricultural areas, damage due to storms or hurricanes, change in urban growth, and the clarity and turbidity of coastal waters. This image is from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration [larger image]

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