The National Park Service has approved a plan to protect a tribal camp from flooding caused by the Everglades restoration plan/NPS graphic
A tribal camp along the Tamiami Trail in the Everglades that could be impacted by efforts to restore the “river of grass” will be protected by the National Park Service.
This federally funded project is intended to protect the existing facilities, functions and residences of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida Osceola Camp, located just east of Everglades National Park, from flooding caused by ecosystem restoration efforts from the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan and Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP).
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the environmental assessment considers alternatives, including a no-action alternative, and environmental impacts. Based on the analysis presented in the EA, which was available for public review from Nov. 1-30, 2023, and after tribal consultation and considering public comments, the Park Service selected the proposed action and preferred alternative (Alternative B). Improvements under the selected alternative include:
- Raising/modifying eight residential housing structures, 25 chickee huts, 15 storage structures, potable water system utilities and pads, fencing and service power poles, roadways and driveways, and the wastewater treatment system.
- Raising/replacing residential roadway and driveways with the existing facilities.
- Modifying wastewater treatment systems (septic tanks/drain fields), water supply wells, and pumps to comply with local public health requirements post-CEPP.
The FONSI, EA, and related documents are available on the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment website (https://parkplanning.nps.gov/osceolacamp). The FONSI establishes that, based on the Environmental Assessment, there would be no significant impact on the environment as a result of the selected action.
