BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. — Conservationists are worried about the drought’s effect on the Florida Everglades.
Marshall Jones, a fifth-generation gladesman who runs Mack’s Fish Camp in west Broward, on the edge of the Everglades, took Local 10 on an airboat on Tuesday to see alligators trudging through mud and birds normally seen later in the year, when dry spells normally happen.
Areas usually covered in water are bone dry.
“This particular drought is coming on earlier and with a harder, more rapid onset than I’ve ever seen,” Jones said.
According to the South Florida Water Management District, rainfall is down 50% since November, prompting a voluntary water warning in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.
Residents are urged to use less water to conserve the Biscayne aquifer, South Florida’s main water source.
“The less you waste water, the more viable our aquifer will be,” Jones said. “This entire area we’re going through - the Everglades - is the aquifer recharge zone for all of South Florida.”
The Everglades is also home to one of the most complex and important ecosystems. Dry conditions are shrinking the habitat and hiding places for wildlife.
In the last few days, Jones said he has had to cut back on airboat tours because there are fewer places to go. It’s an economic blow during what would normally be the high tourist season.
Another concern is brush fires. Small fires have erupted in recent days.
“It’s a tinderbox waiting to go off,” Jones said.
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