After 13 years of meetings, discussion, and debate, Everglades National Park officials have released a general management plan to guide the park for the next 20 or so years. However, whether the park will receive the funding necessary to fully implement the plan is another matter.

"Although this general management plan provides the analysis and justification for future national park funding proposals, this plan does not guarantee future NPS funding," the voluminous plan notes in Chapter 2. "The plan establishes a vision of the future that will guide day-to-day and year-to-year management of the national park, but full implementation would likely take many years."

That funding stipulation is not unique to Everglades, but appears in the planning documents of many other national parks.

At Biscayne National Park, for instance, when park staff completed their general management plan earlier this year, there also was mention that, "With the signed 'Record of Decision,' the plan can then be implemented, depending on funding and staffing. (An approved plan does not guarantee that funds and staff for implementing the plan will become available.)"

At Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which also released its general management plan earlier this year, there also was a section that read, "The plan will then be implemented, depending on funding and staffing. A record of decision does not guarantee funds and staff for implementing the approved plan."

If the plan gains final approval following a 30-day "no-action" period, and Everglades can get the funding to fully implement this management plan, the first since one was crafted back in 1979, changes in park management would include:

* Florida Bay would have several zones, including one for pole and troll activities, some areas along the bay's northern shoreline would be designed as "idle and slow speed corridors," the Crocodile Sanctuary, except Joe Bay and Snag Bay, would remain closed to the public, and Joe Bay would be restricted for paddlers only;

* In the East Everglades Addition, about 27,300 acres in the northwest portion would be managed as a front country zone, commercial airboating would operate under concessions agreements and designated routes would be established, private airboaters could ply the front country waters, about 42,200 acres would be recommended for wilderness designation, and 43,100 acres would be designated as potential wilderness;

* An Everglades Paddling Trail would be established, with a few sections restricted to non-motorized travel.

NPCA officials say the GMP will help protect key resources in Everglades National Park, provide great visitor opportunities, and help move forward the Everglades restoration plan/NPS

At the National Parks Conservation Association, the plan was welcomed for providing "tremendous opportunities for park visitors," designating additional wilderness, supporting the ongoing Everglades restoration work, and containing a user education component.

"This plan will provide much needed and widely supported protections to the marine environment of the Everglades ecosystem. National Parks Conservation Association celebrates the work of our allies of scientists, anglers, fishing guides, park staff, and others to ensure that boater education is a seminal component," said John Adornato III, the advocacy group's Sun Coast regional director.

"NPCA has worked for years to ensure that park-wide boater education programs are included in the final management plan and new pole-troll zones will go a long way to enhance the visitor experience and protect the seagrass beds and mangroves in Florida Bay. These marine enhancements will also ensure a more resilient ecosystem to combat the effects of climate change and sea level rise.”