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Everglades Jetport: How activism saved a river of grass
5 Aug
Summary
- A massive airport plan threatened the Everglades' fragile water system.
- Author Marjory Stoneman Douglas led the fight against the jetport.
- Nixon administration halted construction after one runway was built.
In the late 1960s, plans emerged for a colossal Everglades Jetport, intended to span 39 square miles and accommodate future supersonic jets. This ambitious project promised economic benefits but raised significant alarms regarding its impact on the Everglades' delicate ecosystem and water flow.
Led by the influential author Marjory Stoneman Douglas, a fervent opposition movement gained momentum. Douglas, author of "The Everglades: River of Grass," founded Friends of the Everglades in 1969, galvanizing public support and scientific inquiry. A federal panel's review confirmed the severe ecological damage the jetport would inflict.
By early 1970, facing mounting scientific evidence and public concern, President Nixon's administration halted the project, withdrawing federal backing. Only a single training runway was ever constructed. This victory underscored the power of environmental advocacy and scientific research in influencing large-scale infrastructure decisions.
The Everglades Jetport campaign is recognized as a pivotal moment in environmental history, influencing landmark legislation like the National Environmental Policy Act. It demonstrated how community action and evidence-based assessments could safeguard ecologically vital areas from irreversible harm.
