Drainage and a downward trend in rainfall for the past

15 yrs have stressed ecosystems causing a decline in wading

birds. Simulations suggest that drainage more than decline

In rainfall was responsible for the decrease in storks.

Wood Storks have shown resiliency in adapting to the

drained conditions, finding new feeding areas such as the

marshes at Lake Okeechobee. Plans to raise lake regulation

levels will eliminate half this area.

 Because of the topography of southwest Florida,

present drainage has greatly decreased the area flooded but

has only slightly decreased the range of fluctuation.

Therefore, a wetlands ecosystem dependent on oscillation

continues to operate. If, however, the mean water level is

further lowered, the fluctuation of water area may be

drastically reduced and the ecosystem seriously disrupted.





 Chairman