# Everglades ecosystem conservation and litigation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/everglades-ecosystem-conservation-and-litigation > Updated: 2026-08-18T15:00:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Conservation groups, including Friends of the Everglades, Earthjustice, and the Center for Biological Diversity, have initiated legal action against state and federal governments concerning a facility referred to as ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ in the Everglades. The plaintiffs allege that government officials withheld critical information from the courts, specifically regarding Florida’s application for federal funding for the detention center. They contend that this lack of transparency delayed justice and bypassed potential federal environmental reviews, allowing continued harm to the ecosystem. In tandem with these legal efforts, the ‘Rescue the River of Grass’ movement has emerged. Supported by the Florida Oceanographic Society, this community initiative advocates for land acquisition in the Everglades Agricultural Area to create manmade marshes and water storage. The movement seeks to address algae blooms in the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon through improved water management. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-18: Friends of the Everglades files lawsuit against state and federal governments Friends of the Everglades and legal partners have filed an updated lawsuit against state and federal governments, alleging they withheld information regarding a detention facility in the Everglades. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/friends-of-the-everglades-files-lawsuit-against-state-and-federal-governments ### 2026-08-12: Everglades conservationists launch new lawsuit and water rescue movement Florida conservationists have filed an updated lawsuit regarding the ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ facility and are expanding the ‘Rescue the River of Grass’ movement to protect Everglades water quality. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/everglades-conservationists-launch-new-lawsuit-and-water-rescue-movement --- Cite as: Everglades ecosystem conservation and litigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/everglades-ecosystem-conservation-and-litigation