Water is the life force in the Everglades. Too much water will take away vital nesting areas and food supply’s. Too little water will change the vegetation as native plants and animals lose their foot hold to invasive species like the Melaleuca. The restoration of water to the southern Everglades is a daunting undertaking. The strategy is to build a bridge above the tamiami trail at a section of the lowest elevation in the glades. The construction is taking place less than 10 miles away from Miami near the miccosukee Indian and gaming resort.
The Tamiami Bridge will allow more natural water flow into the southeastern Everglades according to historical data. It is not the silver bullet to fixing the problem but could save some endangered species. The release of animals and plants might forever change the dynamic of the river of grass. Reports of boas cross breeding with African pythons could spell trouble for many of the endangered birds and nesting populations. With the spread of fire ants and African bees moving up the Florida coast. It will be an uphill battle to contain the non native species.
Having walked south of the Tamiami trail, i have witnessed the lack of water. The ground is super dry and cracking most of the native plants are dehydrated and hard to find.
Many of the trees south of the Tamiami trail are Melaleuca trees imported from Australia. You can tell they are Melaleuca by the characteristic paper skin that easily peels away from the tree. Also the leaves of the Melaleuca have a soothing medicine like smell. The strong odor of these leaves acts as a defense mechanism protecting the Melaleuca from insects. Further creating more problems as no native specie of bugs can weaken the plant. This has encouraged scientist to bring in beetles from Australia that feeds on the Melaleuca. I think actions like these could open up new cans of worms if the beetles go out of control.
These Melaleuca trees soak up all the water! In the early days this was how they turned swamp land into farm land. These malacua forests have grown to epic proportions.
If you ever walked through a Melaleuca forest? You probably didn’t get very far! It is very hard to walk through super condensed trees some only a few inches apart. The sun won’t even touch the ground! The melaleuca blocks out all other native plants from taking root. Considering these plants are not native to the area the government has taken some action with some type of chemicals to weaken these forests yet it is unknown what long-term effect the use of such chemicals could have in the long run.
Considering the Melaleuca is a medicinal plant. Why can’t these trees be cut down and used for making Melaleuca oil and paper products? The compost from the Melaleuca is excellent for gardens to prevent insects and makes good bark to surround trees. It could be quite lucrative and at least pay for itself to harvest the Melaleuca. i would rather see logging done in this way than releasing yet more chemicals into sensitive areas.