Following a special water conference convened by Governor Askew in response to water shortages, salt-water intrusion into well fields, and fires in the Everglades, the Florida Legislature enacts the Water Resources Act. Considered by many scholars as one of the most forward-looking, comprehensive, and highly regarded water laws in the nation, Chapter 373, Florida Statutes declares that Florida’s water is held in public trust for the benefit of its citizens and provides for the establishment of water reservations to protect fish and wildlife.