THE EVERGLADES

EXPLOITATION & CONSERVATION

More than five million people live south of Lake Okeechobee. Sophisticated cities line the coasts, hugh farms and sugar plantations sprawl south of the Lake, and a world-famous wilderness spreads across the interior, south to Florida Bay.

The farms and cities threaten the very existence of the Everglades, taking the water it needs to survive. To resolve this dilemma and to provide adequate water for all, the state and federal governments have embarked upon the largest and most costly restoration project in the nation's history.

This problem began more than a century ago, when explorers and settlers first gazed upon the Everglades, and dreamt of change, economic wealth, and exploitation. Others soon dreamt of parks and preservation.

Begin with: Indians