Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 103 Part 2.djvu/936

 103 STAT. 1946 PUBLIC LAW 101-229—DEC. 13, 1989 Public Law 101-229 101st Congress An Act TVv ^^ 1Q8Q "^^ modify the boundaries of the Everglades National Park and to provide for the

protection of lands, waters, and natural resources within the park, and for other [H.R. 1727] purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Everglades United States of America in Congress assembled, Protection and SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. I9r'°°^*^°^ This Act may be cited as the "Everglades National Park Protec- Florida. tion and Expansion Act of 1989". 16 USC 410r-5 note TITLE I—EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK EXPANSION 16 USC 410r-5. SEC. 101. FINDINGS, PURPOSES AND DEFINITION OF TERMS. (a) FINDINGS.— The Congress makes the following findings: (1) The Everglades National Park is a nationally and inter- nationally significant resource and the park has been adversely affected and continues to be adversely affected by external factors which have altered the ecosystem including the natural hydrologic conditions within the park. (2) The existing boundary of Everglades National Park excludes the contiguous lands and waters of the Northeast Shark River Slough that are vital to long-term protection of the park and restoration of natural hydrologic conditions within the park. (3) Wildlife resources and their associated habitats have been adversely impacted by the alteration of natural hydrologic conditions within the park, which has contributed to an overall decline in fishery resources and a 90 percent population loss of wading birds. (4) Incorporation of the Northeast Shark River Slough and the East Everglades within the park will limit further losses suffered by the park due to habitat destruction outside the present park boundaries and will preserve valuable ecological resources for use and enjoyment by future generations. (5) The State of Florida and certain of its political subdivisions or agencies have indicated a willingness to transfer approxi- mately 35,000 acres of lands under their jurisdiction to the park in order to protect lands and water within the park, and may so transfer additional lands in the future. (6) The State of Florida has proposed a joint Federal-State effort to protect Everglades National Park through the acquisi- tion of additional lands. (b) PURPOSE. —The purposes of this Act are to— (1) increase the level of protection of the outstanding natural values of Everglades National Park and to enhance and restore

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