Advancing environmental science in South Florida USGS to Sign Agreement with Three Florida Universities

NSU CONTACT: Barbra Gonzalez (954) 262-5354
USGS CONTACT: Ann Tihansky (727) 803-8747 x3075

October 20, 2006

Advancing environmental science in South Florida
USGS to Sign Agreement with Three Florida Universities

On Oct. 20, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Florida Atlantic University (FAU), Nova Southeastern University (NSU), and the University of Florida will begin a new phase in scientific cooperation in the Greater Everglades Restoration -- signing an agreement that creates the South Florida Science Consortium -- the USGS announced today. The Consortium will facilitate collaboration and expand the capabilities of the four research facilities in the Greater Everglades Restoration, the largest environmental restoration in the world and the largest public works project in U.S. history.

The area includes the entire South Florida region from Lake Kissimmee to the Florida Keys and encompasses a wide variety of unique environments such as the Everglades, Florida Bay, and the coral reef system of the Florida Keys. To effectively restore the area, human activities need to be appropriately balanced with those of the ecosystem. Ecosystem management and scientific activities need be well orchestrated among the partners and other stakeholders.

“The Florida Everglades is a unique national treasure,” said Dr. Larry F. Lemanski, Vice President for Research at Florida Atlantic University, “and by working toward restoration of the ‘River of Grass’ to its natural state, the partners in the South Florida Science Consortium will help to ensure a healthy future not only for the environment but also for Florida’s economy. Florida Atlantic University is proud to be part of this partnership.”

“Many of us already collaborate on research, but by formalizing this relationship we can move ahead on specific studies that advance restoration science in the greater Everglades region,” said Barry Rosen, Director of the USGS Florida Integrated Science Center. “A major federal scientific management goal is to improve the scientific foundation for restoration efforts and share information across disciplines. This partnership creates opportunities to do that,” said Rosen.

“Due to the scope and complexity of the problem, it only makes sense that it will require interdisciplinary and inter-unit partnerships,” said Jimmy Cheek, Senior Vice President of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Florida. “The effort in South Florida is of national importance and will be a model for the future.”

“Partners will be able to share facilities and specialized scientific equipment, increase opportunities for cost-effective scientific research, and improve educational opportunities at undergraduate, graduate and professional levels,” said George Hanbury II, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of NSU. This partnership will also benefit the general public by providing innovative educational and outreach activities.

The following representatives from each organization will sign the Memorandum of Understanding:

Jess Weaver, USGS Regional Hydrologist
Jimmy Cheek, Senior Vice President, Agricultural and Natural Resources University of Florida-Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
George Hanbury II, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Nova Southeastern University
Larry Lemanski, Vice President for Research, Florida Atlantic University

The USGS serves the nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.

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