Waterways Explores Big Cypress and Keys Canals

Date: December 11, 2013
Contact: General Park Information, 305-242-7700
Contact: Media Contact only:  Linda Friar, 305-242-7714
Contact: Bridget Litten NPS, 305-852-0324 x0316

 HOMESTEAD, Florida: Waterways continues its exploration of the south Florida ecosystem in a new two-segment episode. This latest episode takes a look at Everglades National Park’s neighbor to the north—Big Cypress National Preserve—and a plan to clean-up the manmade canals in the Florida Keys.

The first segment, “Keys’ Canal Clean-up, Demonstration Restoration,” delves into efforts to improve water quality in Florida Keys canals, which were historically dug too long and deep, resulting in little or no circulation, and where decades of septic tank and cess-pit leaks have degraded water quality. To combat these problems, Monroe County completed a Phase 1 Canal Management Master Plan to develop a framework for Keys canal restoration and management.

“Exploring Big Cypress, America’s First National Preserve” travels through the freshwaters of the Big Cypress Swamp, essential to the health of neighboring Everglades National Park. Protecting over 729,000 acres, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to a diversity of wildlife, including the elusive Florida panther. Today, nearly one million visitors explore the preserve each year.

With more than 200 episodes produced since 1993, the Waterways series is a joint project between Everglades National Park, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, informing viewers of the diverse wonders of the south Florida ecosystem, and the research and conservation programs that protect them.

Waterways airs on public and government channels throughout the state of Florida—check local listings for scheduling. Episodes may also be viewed on the WaterwaysTVShow YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/WaterwaysTVShow).

WHAT: New 2- part Waterways Segment - This latest episode takes a look at Everglades National Park’s neighbor to the north—Big Cypress National Preserve—and a plan to clean-up the manmade canals in the Florida Keys.

WHEN:  Waterways airs on public and government channels throughout the state of Florida Check local television listings for schedules.

WHERE: 2 part Segment filmed in the Florida Keys and Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida. Episodes may also be viewed on the WaterwaysTVShow YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/WaterwaysTVShow).

 

Download PDF