The State of Florida and the US federal government are implementing one of the largest restoration projects in the world — the restoration of America's Everglades. The Everglades are recognized as an international Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.
This talk will present a short overview of the history of human development in south Florida and its unintended environmental consequences on this vast wetland, with its rich array of plants and animals and unique characteristics. As the restoration project moves forward, science plays a central role in informing restoration and natural resource management decision-making. The US Geological Survey provides critical scientific information to support decision making, and to better understand the physical, chemical, and biological structures and processes that underlie this treasured ecosystem.
Speakers:
Roman Ferninand — Department of Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Program Analyst.
Roman Ferdinand provides analytical support on management practices including quality assurance, internal control reviews, acquisition planning and management, and policy programs; and matters concerning administrative duties, budget preparation and implementation, staff management. While working as a hydrologist for Native American Indian Tribe, Roman was presented with environmental information that was traditionally maintained and passed from generation to generation in a narrative format. The Traditional Ecological Knowledge is getting well deserved recognition by regulatory government agencies.
Nicholas G. Aumen — Regional Science Advisor and Coordinator of the Greater Everglades Priority Ecosystem Sciences Program.
Nicholas coordinates and leads The US Geological Survey Greater Everglades Priority Ecosystem Sciences program, allocating $6M annually and overseeing the direction of 35+ multi-year, multi-investigator science studies in support of Everglades restoration conducting by USGS scientists from Florida and across the country. Nick assists with USGS efforts on Gulf of Mexico science programs, including those under the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council. He serves as a regional science advisor to the USGS Southeast Region, comprising 13 states., and vice-chairs the interagency South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Working Group
Remember to bring your passport or driver's license.
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