In recent months the public has sent a clear message to Tallahassee asking the Legislature to purchase land south of Lake Okeechobee to Restore America’s Everglades. The Legislature will consider purchasing this much-needed land under the Florida Water and Land Conservation Amendment [“Amendment 1”] during a special session set for June 1st – June 20th. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA] is also updating the management plan for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The final management plan and its implementation will likely shape the future of the Sanctuary’s imperiled marine resources.

Join the Everglades Law Center for an evening with a distinguished panel of experts as we explore how Everglades restoration and sound sanctuary management planning are essential to protecting the water quality, fisheries, and coral reefs of the Florida Keys. We will evaluate how water quality in Florida Bay is significantly influenced by the broader Everglades ecosystem. The status of efforts to restore the Everglades directly impact Keys residents who depend on and use Florida Bay. The process of updating the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary management plan involves consideration of measures like marine reserves, coral restoration, and boater education and enforcement. Speakers will evaluate the science and effectiveness of these measures.

This free forum will take place on June 16, 2015 at 7 pm at the Murray Nelson Government Center in Key Largo and features Dr. Jerry Ault from the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science at University of Miami, Dr. Stephen Davis from the Everglades Foundation and Ken Nedimyer from the Coral Restoration Foundation. Julie Dick from Everglades law Center will moderate the session.

The forum is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.