News Release

Everglades National Park seeks public input on the Environmental Assessment for the Flamingo Marina Bulkheads Rehabilitation Project

Crack in seawall at Flamingo Marina

NPS Photo by Federico Acevedo

News Release Date: May 10, 2024

Contact: Media Contact: Allyson Gantt, [phone]

Contact: Project Contact: Daniel Noon, [phone]

HOMESTEAD, Fla. – The National Park Service (NPS) announces the release of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Flamingo Marina Bulkheads Rehabilitation Project within Everglades National Park. The project would replace failing seawall bulkheads, walkways, and aging amenities at the Flamingo marina. The EA is available for review and comment through June 9 on the NPS Planning, Environment & Public Comment site (https://parkplanning.nps.gov/bulkheads). 

The purpose of this project is to create an optimal visitor experience and improve safety while minimizing impacts on park resources. Due to rusting and expanding steel, the bulkheads are showing signs of aging and could eventually be a potential hazard for visitors and staff. 

The EA evaluates a No Action alternative and two Action alternatives, describes the affected environment, and assesses the environmental consequences of implementing each alternative. Under the No Action alternative, only routine maintenance and emergency repairs would occur and the aging bulkheads, walkways, and amenities would continue to deteriorate and possibly fail. Alternative B would replace the bulkheads using the “hydraulic impact hammer” method. Alternative C, the NPS preferred alternative, would replace the bulkheads using the “hard ground press-in method.” 

Funding for the project is provided by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund. GAOA is part of a comprehensive effort to address the extensive deferred maintenance and repair backlog in national parks. Supported by revenue from energy development, the fund provides up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to the NPS to make significant enhancements in national parks to ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education, and enjoyment for current and future visitors. 

The public may comment on the Environmental Assessment during the public review period through June 9. The preferred method of providing comments is through the project website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/bulkheads using the “Open for Comment” tab.  

Comments may also be submitted in writing to:    

Everglades National Park 
Attn: Superintendent, Flamingo Marina Bulkheads EA  
40001 State Road 9336 
Homestead, FL 33034  

Mailed comments should be postmarked no later than June 9.  

Deteriorating seawall in front of the Guy Bradley Visitor Center in Flamingo

NPS Photo by Federico Acevedo