MBG

Florida Senate Introduces SB 492 to Address Mitigation Banking Credit Shortages

Feb20

Florida Senate Introduces SB 492 to Address Mitigation Banking Credit Shortages On February 5, 2025, the Florida Senate filed SB 492, a bill aimed at addressing mitigation banking credit shortages in key watersheds across the state. As demand for mitigation credits continues to rise, this bill seeks to refine regulatory processes to ensure more efficient credit availability while maintaining environmental integrity. What Does SB 492 Propose? SB 492 introduces key adjustments to state mitigation bank permitting practices, including: Credit Release Schedule Modifications –

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Florida Scrub Jay Protection: Pending Lawsuit Could Impact Conservation Nationwide

Feb12

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

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New Executive Order to Speed Up Environmental Permitting

Feb12

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

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Understanding the Wetland Mitigation Process

Jan30

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.

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Recap of the Wetland Science & Mitigation Webinar

Jan24

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

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

Oct25

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

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Wetland Mitigation Bank Credit Potential: Maximize Land Restoration & Profit

Sep12

  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

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Understanding and Managing Invasive Plant Species in Florida

Sep12

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

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Florida Seagrasses: Key Takeaways from the TCC FAEP Workshop

Aug28

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

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Mitigation Banking Regulation Updates: What You Need to Know for 2024

Aug23

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

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