Wetland Science & Mitigation Webinar: Exploring Key Topics in Wetland Restoration I’m honored to announce that I will be featured as a speaker in an upcoming Wetland Science, History, & Processes Webinar on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. This live, interactive event will explore critical topics in wetland science, with a special focus on wetland mitigation banking, state in-lieu fee programs, and permittee responsible mitigation (PRM). The event brings together a fantastic lineup of industry
Army Corps Outsources Florida 404 Wetlands Permitting to Third-Party Contractor In a major development for Florida’s wetlands management, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is now outsourcing portions of its Section 404 permitting process to a third-party contractor, SES Energy Services LLC. This announcement comes in the wake of ongoing legal disputes surrounding the state’s ability to manage wetlands, following a court ruling that has shifted control back to the Corps. Why This Matters for Florida’s Wetlands The Section 404 permitting process
Navigating Florida’s Regulatory Turmoil: Environmental Permitting Delays Threaten Key Projects The regulatory landscape in Florida is shifting once again, causing confusion and uncertainty for key projects across the state. A sudden change in Section 404 permitting responsibilities is at the heart of this disruption, leaving many developers and stakeholders in limbo. Back in 2020, the State of Florida took on the responsibility of implementing Section 404 of the Clean Water Act(CWA) from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The
Wetland Mitigation Bank Credit Potential: A Path to Sustainable Land Restoration and Profit When considering a property’s suitability for a wetland mitigation bank, size and location are critical factors. Many landowners frequently ask whether their property qualifies for the establishment of a mitigation bank, and while there is no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding the factors involved can help determine if your land holds potential. Property Size and Credit Potential A common question is whether smaller parcels, such as a 160-acre property in Central Florida, are
Understanding and Managing Invasive Plant Species in Florida Florida’s diverse ecosystems, mild winters, and international ports make it especially vulnerable to the introduction and spread of invasive plant species. These non-native plants can cause significant environmental harm, displacing native species, altering habitats, and impacting agricultural productivity. As a leading state for biodiversity, it’s crucial that Florida remains proactive in identifying and managing invasive plant species. Left unchecked, these species can overrun local habitats, choking out native plants and disrupting delicate ecological balances. What
Florida Seagrasses: What You Need to Know from the TCC FAEP Workshop Hi everyone, First, I’d like to give a huge shout-out to the TCC FAEP Board of Directors for organizing their recent Seagrass Workshop. It’s initiatives like these that help keep our community informed and equipped with the latest techniques and best practices for environmental work in Florida. Whether you’re deep into the world of mitigation banking or just beginning to explore environmental efforts, understanding Florida seagrasses and their
Mitigation Banking Regulation Updates: What You Need to Know for 2024 As we step into 2024, it’s crucial for stakeholders in the environmental and development sectors to stay updated on the latest changes in Florida’s mitigation banking regulations. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has proposed several updates to Chapter 62-342 of the Florida Administrative Code, which governs the establishment and management of mitigation banks. These updates aim to refine the rules and ensure more robust protection and restoration of
Navigating Florida’s Environmental Resource Permit Program In the state of Florida, authorizations are required for various activities such as construction or abandonment of wells, large volume water usage, development, stormwater management, and wastewater discharges. The Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) Program plays a crucial role in regulating alterations to surface water flows, including activities generating stormwater runoff and dredging/filling in wetlands and other surface waters. Notably, the Water Management Districts (WMDs) oversee residential/commercial developments, roadway construction, and agriculture, while the Florida Department of Environmental
Explore the benefits of the new USACE Regulatory Request System (RRS) for faster and more efficient environmental permit applications. Learn how it impacts the mitigation banking industry.
Environmental Mitigation Delivered – Banking Dominates According to USACE Data (National Environmental Banking Association) Mitigation Bank Credits continue to answer most of the nation’s most pressing environmental challenges – with real environmental restoration – with no temporal loss. Mitigation bank credits were the mitigation solution 92% of the time from 2015 to 2024 when compared to ILF program withdrawn (released/earned) credits according to U.S. Army Corps data. This new data demonstrates that successful, proven mitigation banks are relied upon to offset unavoidable
