WATCH as Eve Samples voices concerns about a proposed plan to mine the Everglades at the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board meeting February 13, 2025.
Just three weeks after the Rescue the River of Grass movement launched, thousands of you have stepped up and signed on. It’s a remarkable showing of strength.
We have strong allies in every corner of the ecosystem — including Tropical Audubon Society in Miami, Calusa Waterkeeper in Southwest Florida, Indian Riverkeeper on the Treasure Coast and Florida Keys Outfitters in Islamorada. They and more than 100 other organizations have signed the Rescue the River of Grass petition.
This is a bold campaign to meet these urgent times. As we speak, some of the biggest polluters in the state are pushing to build a rock mine on 8,600 acres south of Lake Okeechobee. It’s a concerning project that illuminates a bigger threat: The future of about 400,000 acres of the historic Everglades is in question as Big Sugar explores new ways to harvest profit from land in the Everglades Agricultural Area.
We’re working hard, with your support, to battle these near-term threats. At the same time, we’re advancing the only viable long-term solution: to acquire at least 100,000 acres south of Lake Okeechobee for nature-based water storage and treatment.
Thanks to each of you who has risen to meet this moment. You are motivating our team and inspiring me personally.
More importantly, you’re propelling us forward in this shared cause — to finally reconnect the Everglades and safeguard our health, economy and clean water. It’s our single greatest hope for a healthy and resilient future in Florida.
For the Everglades,
Eve Samples
Executive Director
