Wetlands Program
Wetlands cover much of the Florida Panhandle and are one
of its richest resources. The Wetlands Program works to
conserve wetlands by:
- Assisting the Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Section
by reviewing and commenting on Federal permits authorized
under the Clean Water Act, Section 404, or the Rivers
and Harbors Act, Section 10.
- Working closely with Corps regulatory staff in identifying
appropriate mitigation measures to protect fish and wildlife,
and their habitats, and incorporating these measures into
Federal permits.
- Working with Corps, State of Florida, county government,
and private industry in its development of compensatory
mitigation banks to facilitate Federal permitting while
protecting habitat.
- Working with community groups and governmental agencies
throughout Northwest Florida to develop watershed-based
management plans, which protect fish and wildlife resources,
while allowing for the continued economic use of terrestrial
and aquatic systems.
- Reviewing and commenting on State and Federal environmental
documents to assist decision makers in minimizing impacts
to fish and wildlife resources.
The Panama City field office strives to provide information
early in the planning process to avoid and minimize harm
to trust resources, target appropriate compensatory actions
for unavoidable impacts, avoid conflicts and delays, and
discourage unsustainable development. The Wetlands Program
is currently working on a prototype for a large-scale development
with the St. Joe Company. The site includes 47,500 acres
of land in Bay and Walton counties. Learn more about the
West
Bay to East Walton Regional General Permit.
Walton County is an example of local government planning
ahead to conserve much needed wetlands. The Panama City
field office is helping the county prioritize wetlands of
ecological significance to protect in zoning ordinances.
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