38th Environmental Permitting Summer School

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) work in partnership to conserve Florida’s imperiled species. The FWC has developed the Imperiled Species Management Plan to address the needs of state listed species and includes approved Species Conservation Measures and Permitting Guidelines to clarify the requirements for obtaining take permits. The USFWS has developed Consultation Guidelines and/or Determination Keys to assist with streamlining project reviews for federally listed species and to provide regulatory clarity while detailing recommendations for avoiding and minimizing potential negative effects. These state and federal guidelines are occasionally updated to address emerging information regarding imperiled species’ range, specific habitat needs, survey methodologies, and recommended best management practices. This guidance has the potential to profoundly affect the way we conduct business in Florida while minimizing impacts from known threats, improving habitat, and strengthening conservation and recovery efforts for imperiled species. Experienced members of this panel will offer a review of the regulatory guidance that is in place or is currently being developed for imperiled species, discuss key species issues, and provide insight into the current industry efforts and best management practices to benefit wildlife and their habitats. Come prepared with questions. Audience participation is encouraged!