The Kissimmee River in the United States brings water to what national park?

Everglades National Park.

The Kissimmee River in the United States flows into Lake Okeechobee, which is a critical component of the water system supplying the Everglades National Park. This connection plays a vital role in the ecology and hydrology of the region.

Historically, the Kissimmee River meandered through central Florida in a slow, winding route, encompassing a vast floodplain that supported a rich mosaic of wetlands, sloughs, and diverse wildlife. However, in the mid-20th century, the river was channelized by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in a flood control effort known as the Central and Southern Florida Project. This channelization shortened the river’s path and created a straight, deep waterway known as the C-38 canal, drastically altering the natural flow patterns and ecological characteristics of the region.

The consequences of this modification were severe. The reduction in the river’s length and the loss of its floodplain led to significant ecological degradation, impacting water quality, reducing habitat for fish and wildlife, and altering the natural hydroperiods that were essential to the health of the downstream ecosystems, including those in the Everglades.

Recognizing these impacts, efforts to restore the Kissimmee River began in earnest in the late 20th century. The restoration, one of the largest of its kind in the world, aims to return much of the river to its natural state, thereby reestablishing the floodplain and improving the water flow into Lake Okeechobee and subsequently into the Everglades.

The Everglades National Park, known for its unique and biodiverse ecosystem, relies heavily on the water from Lake Okeechobee, which receives its inflow from the Kissimmee River. The park encompasses a vast array of wetlands that provide habitat for numerous species such as the American alligator, the Florida panther, and a myriad of bird species. The water flow influenced by the Kissimmee plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the park, supporting both its wildlife and the hydrological needs of the region.

Thus, the Kissimmee River’s role in bringing water to the Everglades National Park is a prime example of how river systems are integral to the health of larger ecological networks, and how interventions in one part of a watershed can have profound effects on ecosystems many miles downstream.