- Agricultural Expansion: Citrus groves, cotton, and sugar plantations thrived, often relying on irrigation from springs and rivers.
- Timber Harvesting: Pine and cypress forests were logged extensively, with waterways used to transport timber.
- Railroads and Roads: Expanding infrastructure facilitated human migration, tourism, and trade but fragmented ecosystems.
- Early Recreation: Even during industrialization, springs, rivers, and coastal areas attracted tourists for swimming, boating, and fishing.
These economic activities provided livelihoods but also underscored the need to protect Florida’s remaining natural areas.
Emergence of Conservation Movements
The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed growing recognition of Florida’s unique natural heritage:
- Early Environmental Awareness: Scientists, naturalists, and writers highlighted the beauty and ecological importance of Florida’s landscapes.
- State Parks Initiatives: Florida began establishing state parks to protect key natural sites, including Silver Springs, Wekiwa Springs, and the Everglades.
- National Park System Inclusion: The federal government recognized areas of national significance, culminating in the creation of Everglades National Park in 1947.
- Wildlife Protection: Early legislation focused on protecting birds, marine species, and endangered wildlife, laying the foundation for modern conservation law.
These movements represented a shift from exploitation to preservation and responsible recreation shutdown123