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Water Quality Enhancement Areas (WQEAs): A New Tool for Florida’s Water Quality Goals

Water Quality Enhancement Areas (WQEAs): Supporting Florida’s Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) As Florida continues to prioritize environmental preservation and water quality, innovative regulatory tools like Water Quality Enhancement Areas (WQEAs) are becoming a vital part of statewide restoration efforts. Implemented in 2022 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), WQEAs provide a new mechanism for regional water quality treatment that addresses nutrient pollution and helps achieve compliance within Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs). We’re closely following the development and expansion

Is Your Property Suitable for a Wetland Mitigation Bank?

Evaluating Your Property for a Wetland Mitigation Bank If you’re a landowner wondering whether your property could qualify as a wetland mitigation bank, there are several important factors to consider. A qualified mitigation banking specialist will evaluate your land using historical and current aerial imagery to determine its restoration potential. While every site is unique, the most critical factors include: Size – Is the property large enough to support meaningful ecological restoration? Location – Does it fall within a watershed where mitigation credits

Stormwater Protection in Winter Springs

Stormwater Protection in Winter Springs At The Mitigation Banking Group, we’ve always been committed to protecting Florida’s natural resources. Now, I’m bringing that same passion and expertise to stormwater protection efforts in Winter Springs. As a city commissioner and a long-time advocate for water conservation, I’m proud to lead initiatives that keep our waterways clean, reduce pollution, and educate the community on stormwater management. Why Stormwater Protection Matters Stormwater runoff is one of the biggest threats to our lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Every

2025 Public Interest Environmental Conference: A Gathering for Conservation & Legal Progress

2025 Public Interest Environmental Conference: Conservation – Preserve Today, Protect Tomorrow   Since its inception in 1995, the Public Interest Environmental Conference (PIEC) at the University of Florida Levin College of Law has been a vital platform for legal professionals, policymakers, and environmental advocates to discuss pressing environmental issues. This year’s 31st annual conference, themed “Conservation – Preserve Today, Protect Tomorrow”, will bring together industry leaders to explore strategies for protecting Florida’s natural resources and advancing environmental law. I’m honored

Florida Scrub Jay Protection: Pending Lawsuit Could Impact Conservation Nationwide

Protecting the Florida Scrub Jay: Pending Lawsuit Raises Conservation Concerns The Florida scrub-jay is a unique, federally threatened bird species found only in the sandy, scrubby habitats of Florida. Known for its striking blue feathers and social nature, the scrub-jay relies on fire-dependent ecosystems to thrive. However, habitat loss due to development has drastically reduced its population, making conservation efforts crucial to its survival. Now, a legal battle is unfolding that could not only affect the Florida scrub-jay but also redefine

New Executive Order to Speed Up Environmental Permitting

Executive Order to Speed Up Environmental Permitting: What It Means for Mitigation Banking On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14154, titled Unleashing American Energy, which extends beyond energy projects to significantly reshape how federal agencies approve projects impacting the environment. This Executive Order directs agencies to roll back National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations and streamline permitting processes, aiming to reduce delays and expedite approvals. With environmental regulations directly influencing wetland mitigation banking, it’s crucial to understand how

Understanding the Wetland Mitigation Process

Understanding the Wetland Mitigation Process Wetlands are vital ecosystems that maintain ecological balance, support biodiversity, and protect against flooding. However, development projects such as housing, transportation, and infrastructure expansions can disrupt or destroy these critical areas. To address these challenges, the wetland mitigation process has emerged as a crucial framework to offset environmental impacts while enabling sustainable development. Key Players in the Wetland Mitigation Process The success of the wetland mitigation process depends on the collaborative efforts of three key stakeholders: 1.

Recap of the Wetland Science & Mitigation Webinar

Recap: Wetland Science & Mitigation Webinar Highlights On November 26, 2024, I had the pleasure of joining a panel of esteemed professionals for the Wetland Science & Mitigation Webinar, where we explored critical topics shaping the future of wetland restoration and compliance. It was an honor to share my expertise on wetland mitigation banking alongside such a knowledgeable lineup. For those who couldn’t attend, this blog recaps the key points from my session and provides

Join Us for the Wetland Science Webinar: A Deep Dive into Mitigation Banking & In-Lieu Fee Programs

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

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