Wetlands Definition

Wetlands are defined by EPA as "land that is saturated or inundated with water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions."

Charactersitics that Determine the Presence of a Wetland

Hydrophytic Vegetation

Vegetation that is typically found in a wetland is specifically adapted—morphologically, physiologically and reproductively, to growing in anaerobic soil conditions.

For additional information check out FDEP's Florida Wetland Plants  and  USF's Atlas for Vascular Plants.

Hydric Soils

The USDA defines a Hydric soil as "a soil that is saturated, flooded, or ponded long enough during the growing season to develop anaerobic conditions that favor the growth and regeneration of hydrophytic vegetation."

For additional information check out  FDEP's Hydric Soils of Florida  and  NRCS's Field Indicators of Hydric Soils

Wetland Hydrology

This is defined as an area that is inundated or saturated at some time during the growing season. Indicators could include water staining, drainage patterns, elevated lichen lines and drift lines.

Threatened & Endangered Species Surveys

JL Environmental has the knowledge and training to conduct a variety of surveys for fauna and flora listed as threatened, endangered, or species of special concern by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). JL Environmental is well versed on the habitat requirements of these listed species and can design a survey to meet your specific needs.

Florida Gopher Tortoise

On 15 May 2008, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWCC) declared the Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) to be threatened and therefore, afforded protection under Florida law. The Gopher Tortoise has adapted to living in habitats prone to wildfires. They burrow deep into the ground, hence their name. The Gopher Tortoise shares it's burrow with over 350 species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects--not all at the same time, of course. Many of these species are also threatened or endangered. As a result of the change in the Gopher Tortoise status, FFWCC requires than an Authorized Agent with a valid permit perform surveys for the presence of and the trapping or relocation of Gopher Tortoises. Check out this site for more information: FFWCC's Tortoise Page