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Tropical Audubon Society April 20, 2012 The Voice of Conservation in South Florida RE: Support Central Everglades Planning Process (CEPP) Dear Mayor Edelcup: I write to you during Earth Month to ask for your support to bring much needed water security to the South Florida Region by pledging your municipality's support for Everglades Restoration. We find ourselves at a critical juncture. Scientists say we have less than 15 years to make critical changes to Florida's plumbing to ensure a cheap water supply and at the same time enhance tourism and home values by restoring the wildlife to South Florida. The Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan is on the verge of installing the most critical projects to restore water flow from Lake Okeechobee to Everglades National Park. Both the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) are working to centralize planning of 4 projects at the heart of restoring water to the 'River of Grass'. They are seeking public input and support before requesting Congressional approval of their Project Implementation Report for the Central Everglades Planning Process. Please help accelerate the approval process to implement these important water flow projects by showing the City of Sunny Isles Beach's commitment. Attached to this email is a draft resolution for your consideration to sign in support of the important work to restore the Everglades, to 'get the water right' on 'Quality, Quantity, Timing, and Distribution'. The citizens of your jurisdiction and the State of Florida will have greater water security now and for future generations. It is important to realize that Florida depends on the Everglades for 1/3 of its population's water supply. Also attached to this package is the Mather Study from 2010 that explains the many economic benefits we will garner in this region as a result of Everglades Restoration. Please express your support for the Central Everglades Planning Project by passing the resolution attached here. Because this project is being expedited we hope you can secure approval at your next Commission meeting. Once you have approval or you have scheduled this item for approval, please let us know so we can track your progress and provide support to you. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me: Susan Shapiro via phone 305.793.4763 or email snshapir@lzmail.com. I can arrange a meeting for you with our executive director, Laura Reynolds to discuss this issue further. We are available to attend your scheduled Commission meeting to offer support and to respond to additional questions that may arise. Thank you in advance for your consideration of this important matter. Sincerely, Susan N, S6apiro Intern, Tropical Audubon Society Tropical Audubon Society 15530 Sunset Drive Miami, Fl 33143 1 (305) 667 -7337 1 www.tropicalaudubon.org