The Kissimmee River flows south Florida and feeds into Lake Okeechobee. After hurricanes in 1947 Congress authorized the canalization of the river. From 1962 to 1970 the Army Corps of Engineers dredged a canal through the middle of the river valley, replacing 103 miles of river with 56 miles of canal. Almost immediately it was recognized as a mistake. Fish and bird populations plummeted, and the floodplain dried out. The canal brought many more pollutants to Lake Okeechobee. Efforts to restore the river did not begin until 1997, and only 43 miles will be returned to their natural state. Several locks have been removed, and others will be soon.
Chandler Ranch Road, Kissimmee River, Florida
Lock, Chandler Ranch Road, Kissimmee River, Florida
Artificial Channel, Kissimmee River, Florida
Restored River, Kissimmee River, Florida
Restored River, Kissimmee River, Florida
Restored River, Kissimmee River, Florida
Dry Floodplain, Kissimmee Valley, Florida
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