MEDIA ADVISORY

Secretary Norton to Kick Off Everglades Restoration Task Force
Meeting, Tour Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

(WASHINGTON) - Interior Secretary Gale Norton will reaffirm her commitment to Everglades restoration when she kicks off a meeting of the South Florida Ecosystem Task Force in Plantation, Fla., on Wednesday, Jan. 16. Later in the day, Norton will tour Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, where she will have a media availability and photo opportunity.

"The Task Force will play a vital role in coordinating Everglades restoration, and this meeting will be an opportunity for all stakeholders to weigh in on important issues related to the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, such as last week's agreement between President Bush and Governor Bush on future management of water produced by the plan and the initial draft of the Army Corps of Engineers programmatic regulations," Norton said.

The Task Force consists of representatives from federal, state, local and tribal governments. Its mission is to facilitate cooperation among all Everglades stakeholders to restore, protect, and preserve the Everglades and South Florida ecosystem while providing a sustainable water supply for South Floridians.

"Under the leadership of my counselor, Ann Klee, and the executive director, Rock Salt, the Task Force will be an effective force in protecting the future health of national parks, national wildlife refuges as well as in renewing the South Florida ecosystem," Norton said.

Who:      Gale Norton, Secretary of the Interior

What:     South Florida Ecosystem Task Force Meeting
                Media Availability at Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

When:   Task Force Meeting: 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 16, 2002
                Media Availability/Photo Op: 12:30 p.m.

Where:  Task Force Meeting Sheraton Suites, 311 N. University Drive,
                Plantation, Fla.Media Availability/Photo Op: Loxahatchee   
                National Wildlife Refuge, Levee Ground

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