39th Environmental Permitting Summer School

The growth of Florida’s mitigation banking industry has resulted in over 100 permitted banks providing mitigation to 4,000+ projects throughout the state. As the industry evolves, changes in regulatory and policy standards are inevitable. This course focuses on recent changes on a national and state level that affect the mitigation banking industry and associated development in Florida. Prospective and current mitigation bankers and users of mitigation bank credits need to understand these changes to ensure compliance and to achieve efficient and timely permit processing. Updates will be provided on USACE’s new Mitigation Banking Instrument, new Financial Assurance requirements, changes in the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and mitigation challenges associated with Florida DOT projects.

If you want to know precisely how state wetland jurisdiction is determined in Florida, and the nuances of the uniform statewide wetland methodology, this is your course! This course addresses the initial concept and formulation of 62-340, F.A.C., the wetland jurisdictional methodology, recent rule interpretations and policy. This experienced panel will discuss and analyze the application of vegetation, soils and hydrologic indicators in determining presence of state regulated wetlands; the methodologies used in the various tests; application to altered and non-altered sites; practical applications and dispute resolution. Examples and case studies will be discussed. This course is designed for extensive audience participation.

This course addresses how to delineate a federal wetland using the 1987 Wetland Jurisdictional Manual and 2010 Regional Supplement. If you want to know precisely how a wetland jurisdictional boundary is set at the federal level, and the subtle and not so subtle differences and nuances of Federal wetland methodology, this is your course! The panel will discuss and analyze the application of vegetation, soils and hydrologic indicators in determining presence of federal regulated wetlands; the methodologies used in the various tests; and practical applications. Other federal guidance and tools will be discussed, including the Federal Ordinary High Water Line Manual and the new Delineation Data Form.

This course will focus on the real-world implementation of the Florida Wildlife Corridor —what it takes to turn a conservation vision into tangible outcomes. With nearly half of the 18 million-acre corridor already under conservation management and the rest largely comprised of working agricultural lands, success depends on balancing preservation with landowner partnerships. Panelists will explain how tools like conservation easements, strategic land acquisitions, and payments for ecosystem services are being used to secure and connect critical habitats. Attendees will gain insight into how legislative support, funding mechanisms, and cross-sector collaboration are driving forward one of the state’s most ambitious conservation efforts—and what’s next to maintain momentum.