Our Blog

Understanding Wetlands: From Hydric Soils to Compensatory Mitigation   Wetlands are among the most regulated and ecologically valuable landscapes in the United States — yet most people couldn’t define one if asked. Understanding what a wetland actually is, how scientists identify them in the field, and what happens when one is impacted by development is essential knowledge for anyone working in real estate, construction, engineering, or environmental consulting in Florida and beyond. This blog breaks it all down. What Is a Wetland? Most people

Mitigation Banking 101: How Does Mitigation Banking Work? Mitigation banking is a market-based environmental solution designed to balance economic development with the protection of natural resources. Instead of relying on taxpayer funding, mitigation banking directs private investment toward ecosystem restoration and long-term conservation. The concept originally developed to address the widespread loss of wetlands but has since expanded to include habitat protection for endangered species, water quality improvements, and other ecological services. At its core, mitigation banking

Wetland Mitigation Bank Size in Florida: How Large Are Mitigation Banks? Wetland mitigation banks are large-scale environmental restoration projects designed to offset unavoidable wetland impacts from development. One of the most common questions developers, landowners, and investors ask is: How large is a wetland mitigation bank? Understanding wetland mitigation bank size is essential when evaluating ecological benefits, credit generation potential, regulatory approval, and overall project viability. What Is the Typical Size of a Wetland Mitigation Bank? Wetland mitigation banks vary significantly in size depending

The Process of Establishing a Wetland Mitigation Bank Starting a mitigation bank involves several key steps, beginning with land selection. Identifying a suitable site for a wetland mitigation bank can be challenging. Key considerations include: A mix of uplands and wetlands Restoration potential, which may involve:  Invasive species removal  Pine thinning  Restoring hydrology  Fire suppression Once a suitable site is identified, the next step is to prepare an application for submission to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and/or State Agency. This application should include: A detailed mitigation

Florida Senate Bill 848: A Game Changer for Water Quality Credits and Mitigation Banking Florida’s mitigation and environmental credit markets are evolving—and Senate Bill 848 (SB 848) represents a major step forward in how water quality impacts can be addressed statewide. Sponsored by Senator Truenow, a supporter of the Florida Association of Mitigation Bankers (FAMB), this legislation introduces a new framework that closely mirrors the success of mitigation banking while opening the door to water quality enhancement credits. The Mitigation Banking

Understanding UMAM: Florida’s Way of Balancing Development and Wetlands If you’re planning a development project in Florida and have heard something about “wetland mitigation,” chances are you’ll come across something called UMAM. But what exactly is it, and why should you care?   Let’s break it down in simple terms. What Is UMAM? UMAM stands for Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method. It’s a set of rules Florida uses to measure the environmental impact of a project on wetlands and other surface waters.   Think of it like

Applying for a Permit to Authorize Wetland Impacts in Florida   Wetlands are among Florida’s most valuable environmental resources. They naturally filter water, control flooding, and provide essential habitats for wildlife. Because of their ecological importance, any activity that proposes to impact wetlands must undergo careful regulatory review through Florida’s Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) program. For developers, landowners, engineers, and environmental consultants, understanding the ERP process is critical to avoiding project delays. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the steps involved. What Is an ERP