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The identification and delineation of wetlands form
a
keystone
of
the
services provided by
Lotspeich
and Associates, Inc. (L&A). No
other site condition can influence the potential future use or management of
a site as much as
the presence of wetlands, and a strong knowledge of the natural
characteristics of
wetlands is crucial. A thorough understanding of the soil
conditions underlying a site, the current status of a site’s hydrology, and
the presence of wetland vegetation are important in determining
jurisdictional wetlands on the site.
Understanding the nuances of the regulations between the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers and the applicable Water Management District is important
to ensure an accurate and defendable wetland line. Key L&A staff have successfully passed the rigorous USACE
Wetland Delineation Certification program, and all professional staff have
undergone extensive training in the Unified Wetland Delineation Methodology
for the State of Florida.
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The
viability and current condition of a wetland can have a great influence on
the success of a proposed development plan, or can greatly affect the
management and restoration opportunities as part of a regional ecosystem management
study. Understanding the effects of
drainage canals, adjacent development, or natural influences such as fire and
drought are crucial
to ensure
a preliminary base of information to be
used in project planning and permitting options analyses. The
field assessment of Normal High Water Elevations and Normal Pool Elevations
is an important aspect of the wetland assessments conducted by L&A.
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Incorporating wetlands into a developed landscape or managing them in the context of a larger
ecological unit requires an understanding of the natural processes of
wetlands and the constraints and opportunities of the surrounding landscapes. Evaluating hydroperiod variations,
controlling and eradicating nuisance/exotic plant species, and balancing
the potential effects of human intrusion allows for the greatest flexibility
and long term productivity of these most essential resources.
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