What Can Be Done To Combat Severe Government Mismanagement?

The Everglades, a true gem of Florida’s natural beauty, is at an important crossroads. Tragically, the challenges it faces are not just the result of natural forces, but the consequence of government missteps and inaction. We, as libertarians, firmly believe that we hold the keys to better solutions than the government has shown.

The heartbreaking reality is that the Everglades are slowly drowning. Rising water levels threaten this delicate ecosystem and the vibrant wildlife that calls it home. Once-thriving tree islands, sanctuaries for fur-bearing animals, now lay submerged, leaving these unfortunate creatures nowhere to turn. The flora and fauna are sinking, and the government’s sluggish response is heartbreaking.

 

Raccoons in the Everglades are just one type of fur-bearing animals that rely on the trees and tree islands in the Everglades © T Sheppard // Flickr

Government Inaction And Closed Structures

Water control structures 333 and 333N, pivotal in managing water levels, remain stubbornly closed. Supposedly, it’s to protect the Tamiami Trail, a road that the Department of Transportation is ever so slowly reconstructing – though why it needs “protecting” is a baffling mystery. And now, their fear of harm to the road’s foundation is causing untold destruction to the Everglades and its inhabitants.

Absurd, Misplaced Priorities

Equally absurd is the closure of water control structures 343A and 343B, supposedly to protect the habitat of the Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow – a bird that sadly no longer graces the region. Despite piles of evidence these birds have vacated the area, the gates remain shut, intensifying the crisis. 

The government’s inexplicable insistence on prioritizing the protection of a bird species that no longer roams our lands over the well-being of deer and other cherished creatures is nothing short of heartbreaking. Local wisdom and passion collide with federal bureaucracy in this struggle. Local stakeholders and conservationists cry out about the mismanagement of water control structures. The federal government’s fixation on preserving a bird habitat that serves no purpose anymore clashes harshly with the harsh realities on the ground.

Plans to close the S-12A and S-12B gates promise to add to this catastrophic domino effect, as water accumulates, further endangering the already beleaguered ecosystem. Additionally, water levels in Water Conservation Areas 3A and 3B have also skyrocketed beyond acceptable levels, leading to the flooding of our precious tree islands and causing irreparable damage to the broader ecology.

A deer in the Everglades, running to the safety of land and trees © cuatrok77 // Flickr.

Impact On The Miccosukee Tribe

The Miccosukee Tribe is in the throes of this crisis, with their way of life and traditions under threat from the flooding and destruction of vital plant life. It’s a stark reminder of the pressing need for local knowledge and community involvement in preserving the Everglades.

Federal Government Interference

Federal government interference has paralyzed us in our efforts to implement efficient, community-driven solutions. Local governments and district boards are shackled by federal laws that prevent them from taking decisive action. Billions of taxpayer dollars intended to combat flooding sit underused – a painful symbol of government inefficiency, negligence, and wasteful spending. The suffering in the Everglades stands as a harsh testament to the consequences of government failure. As libertarians, we champion limited government intervention, endorsing local wisdom and solutions. The Everglades crisis is an undeniable illustration of how government interference often amplifies problems rather than resolves them.

Call For Accountability

The root of this Everglades crisis lies squarely with government actions. Their refusal to let nature take its course and their reluctance to embrace existing solutions are the heart of the issue. The Everglades crisis cries out for accountability and effective management.

It’s high time that society reevaluates the government’s role in safeguarding the Everglades. As libertarians, we passionately champion a more efficient, localized approach that empowers our local heroes and prioritizes the well-being of our irreplaceable ecosystem over bureaucratic red tape. We demand accountability, responsible management, and an unwavering commitment to protect the Everglades without unnecessary government meddling.

And make no mistake: a libertarian approach will certainly help us preserve this extraordinary and vital ecosystem for generations to come.

Lisa Gansky

About

Lisa Gansky, LPF Secretary, Columbia MBA. Author of "Amplify Your Impact: Generative AI for Volunteers & Activists."