Projects

Project Experience

South Village: New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Scope: Commercial Town Center and Residential
The South Village site contains over 40 miles of wetlands delineated and approved under an Formal Wetland Delineation through the SJRWMD and reviewed, and approved by the USACE. The most recent site plan call for extensive wetland impacts. To counter these impacts, an onsite mitigation plan was designed to utilize the natural resources that will serve the local communities providing natural parks and trail systems while providing valuable natural habitat for native flora and fauna. The proposed Land Management Plan will restore natural habitat to ±900 acres of land previously utilized for pine silviculture activities. To achieve regional significance for this mitigation, the plan will be an extension of a larger corridor connecting Spruce Creek Conservation Area, and its headwaters, to Farmton Mitigation Bank, resulting in a wildlife corridor spanning over 20 miles. While development is pending, the site remains under land management for pine silviculture.

Rolling Hills, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Role: Senior GIS Analyst / Senior Environmental Scientist
Scope: Residential development involving revision of previous FWD
Brought on to reestablish and FWD for reapproval, I noted particular site conditions related to soils, subcanopy vegetation, and drainage features that led me to investigate the site further. Through consultation with the client I was able to obtain an agreement to investigate the site further. During the investigation I determined that the previous FWD had incorrectly determined the site to be comprised primarily of wetlands. Following my assessment and verification with the regulatory agencies, I was able to establish that the wetland dominant canopy was relict and the former wetland systems had been drained and wetland hydrology no longer existed. The results were verified by the SJRWMD and USACE which also led to changes in jurisdiction. Wetlands onsite were reduced from 52 acres of high quality wetland to 32 acres of low quality wetland. The developer was able to increase his lot yield from 104 lots to 188 lots and mitigation was achieved onsite as proposed wetland impacts meet the out provision.

Preserve at Fellsmere, Fellsmere, Florida
Role: GIS Analyst / Environmental Scientist
Scope: 400-acre multi-use project being permitted as an industrial center over a large span of prairie marsh wetlands
I took over the project and evaluated the existing proposal that had been in permitting at federal, state and local levels for ± seven years. Multi-agency coordination efforts included the SJRWMD, USACE, FFWCC, TNC, and state park officials. Due to the complexity surrounding the site, including large wetland impacts and lack of mitigation banks within the basin, alternative mitigation efforts were required. Over several years, I conducted site assessments to analyze current site conditions and review of historical information to determine natural conditions, including developing geo-referenced aerials of the project and mitigation site from historic aerial tines. This project also included research of restoration projects and methods, and the creation of a Restoration Plan that would recreate historic site conditions over 25,000 acres and provided the mitigation necessary to offset impacts. GIS efforts for this plan also included compiling data from GPS field studies, piezometer readings, and incorporated AutoCAD survey files from multiple surveyors, past and current engineers, and existing park staff GIS shapefiles.

The project site is located in the northeast quadrant of the intersection of CR 512 and Interstate 95 in the City of Fellsmere in Indian River County. The proposed project consists of the construction of a new surface water management system to serve multiple commercial lots, as phase I of a larger commercial and residential project along with a 167.75 acre preservation located north of the project area, within the applicant owned 392 acres. This permit will authorize impacts to all of the wetlands within phase I for development of six commercial lots fronting SR 512 and a service road (4.53 acres) and construction of the surface water management system (6.48 acres) that will be positioned north of the authorized road front development. The proposed impacts and mitigation were assessed in accordance with Chapter 62- 345, F.A.C., Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method (UMAM) and it was determined that the proposed mitigation fully offsets the loss of wetland functions resulting from the proposed project.

The Palms, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Role: GIS Analyst / Senior Environmental Scientist
Scope: Residential development involving 40 acres of wetland impacts offset by preservation and management of onsite mitigation land.
Concurrently, an analysis was conducted to determine Village Center requirements for the project site to meet Avoidance and Minimization standards established by SJRWMD and USACE while a Regional Significance analysis was conducted to allow mitigation to be entirely onsite. Regional Significance Analysis included research of neighboring conservation lands, onsite habitat assessments and protected species reviews and mitigation analysis. In addition GPS, GIS, and a seven year hydrologic data study included collection and interpretation of well data lead to the implementation of a Land Management Plan coordinated through the SJRWMD, USACE, DOF, and the local municipality that now serves to restore natural habitat to 400 acres of land that was consumed by silviculture activities for decades. This land will now serve as an outdoor recreation area and hiking trail for public use.

Walker’s Green Tree Survey, Daytona Beach, Florida
Role: Arborist Support / Environmental Scientist
Scope: Statistical Tree Analysis and Historic Tree Census on ±346-acres of forested area (184-acres upland forest and 162-acres wetland forest) and 46-acres of dirt roads, lakes and grassy areas.
Conducted the survey, collected tree data by GPS in order to conduct a statistical analysis to be applied across the uniform site. Produced GIS documentation of the random sample plots and was the crew leader of the environmental crew that collected data across the 200, 1/10-acre circular sample plots. Assisted in the data analysis to determine the total Cross Sectional Area (CSA) of the trees in the uplands and wetlands and produced exhibits for the final report. This project also included wetland delineation of over 20 miles of wetland perimeter, approved with SJRWMD and USACE.

Hunters Ridge, Volusia & Flagler County, FL
Role: Senior GIS Analyst / Environmental Scientist
Scope: Multi-phased residential development
This project required delineation and agency review of state and federally regulated wetlands, habitat mapping, functional assessments, and listed species surveys over 650 acres. The environmental plan included development impacts to be offset by the Hunters Ridge Preserve, which provided mitigation for all wetland DRI associated wetlands. This development has included permitting with the USACE, SJRWMD, and FFWCC.

The Mirage, Holly Hill, Florida
Role: Environmental Scientist
Scope: Townhome project on 30-acre site
Through soils analysis and coordination with SJRWMD and NRCS, a permit was secured, which the Client had thought to be largely consumed with wetlands, as entirely comprised of upland and relict wetland habitat, thereby saving the applicant $2,250,000 in mitigation costs. In addition, through negotiations with FFWCC, I obtained authorization for onsite protected species relocation which corresponded with onsite preservation areas required by the City’s LDC, allotting a larger development outline than was initially proposed.

Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve Land Management Plan, Volusia County, Florida
Role: Environmental Scientist / Senior GIS Analyst
Scope: Update Volusia County’s Land Management Plan for the Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve.
Project tasks included re-writing the land management plan and to develop, collect, and analyze data for the purpose of making management decisions regarding protected species and their habitats. Responsibilities focused on conducting the field work, site mapping, and GPS data collection necessary to bring the management plan into state compliance.

Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Marietta, GA
Role: Senior GIS Analyst / Field Investigator.
Scope: Developed Vegetation Management Plan for ARB based on DOD specified flight paths and obstructions obtained via LiDAR for onsite visits for ground-truthing. The Management Plan followed USAF, UFC, FAA and NEPA criteria and required the utilization of LiDAR for analysis of tree penetration into imaginary surfaces resulting in large economic and temporal savings.

Due to the nature of aerial data collection and land surveying in existing flight paths, Dobbins’ goal was to reduce data collection time and decrease safety issues of surveying on active runways. Dobbins is the largest multi-service reserve training base in the world. Air traffic at the base is very heavy with more than 7,000 take-offs and landings monthly in the congested Atlanta airspace. The base supports more than 10,000 guardsmen and reservists from the US Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines.
Helicopter-based LiDAR, digital aerial photography, and remote sensors were used. GPS ground control was established throughout the project area to control the imagery and topographic data. This was the first use of LiDAR technology for airfield obstruction identification within the US Air Force Reserve Command.
The project was completed with results that proved the approach was more reliable and accurate than traditional methods. The airfield planners and operations/managers now have a detailed baseline inventory of all natural and manmade obstacles that violate airfield surfaces. This allows personnel to determine which obstacles are permissible, waiverable or require mitigation under the applicable regulations.

Pope Field Air Base, Fayetteville, NC
Role: Senior GIS Analyst.
Scope: Developed Vegetation Management Plan for ARB based on DOD specified flight paths and obstructions obtained via LiDAR for ground-truthing. The Management Plan followed USAF, UFC, FAA and NEPA criteria and required the utilization of LiDAR for analysis of tree penetration into imaginary surfaces resulting in large economic and temporal savings.

Daytona Beach International Airport, ROFA and Perimeter Security Fence, Daytona Beach, FL
Role: Senior GIS Analyst / Environmental Scientist.
Scope: Cleared existing vegetated Runway Object Free Areas (ROFA) per FAA guidelines, and installed new Perimeter Security Fence including security cameras and proper sighting criteria.
Conducted threatened and endangered species and wetlands assessments for ROFA and for updated perimeter security fencing relocation. Field work required movement within the Airport Operations Area (AOA).

Daytona Beach International Airport, ARFF, Daytona Beach, FL
Role: Senior GIS Analyst / Senior Environmental Scientist.
Scope: Constructed new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) to replace existing; outdated facility.
Conducted threatened and endangered species and wetlands assessments for multiple alternative ARFF locations and prepared NEPA documentation along with state and federal permitting. Field work required movement within the AOA. The project was designed to be LEED certified.

Ormond Municipal Airport, Focused EA – NEPA, Ormond Beach, FL
Role: Senior GIS Analyst / Senior Environmental Scientist.
Scope: NEPA Documentation – Focused EA to assess airport build out.
Facilitated communication and documentation amongst various state, federal and tribal regulatory agencies. Conducted field investigations, interviews, database research, and use of GIS to complete the environmental assessment required in the Focused EA, including assessment of noise and air quality, wetlands, water quality, habitat, protected species, construction impacts, erosion, socio-economics, cultural and historical resources, and overall cumulative potential impacts. Prepared Focused EA report for use by airport sponsor in order to receive Airport Improvement Project funding.

Palm Coast Parkway Parcel, Palm Coast, Florida
Role: Senior GIS Analyst / Environmental Scientist
Scope: Planning and design of a proposed commercial center
Wetland delineation and protected species surveys on approximately 55 acres. In addition to GPS, GIS mapping, and protected species surveys, the wetland delineation included areas which were included in the great-grandfathering provision which allows wetlands connected to waters-of-the-state to be delineated according to the “pre-Henderson” (pre-1984) wetland delineation methodology.

Daytona International Speedway Land Planning, Daytona Beach, Florida
Role: Senior GIS Analyst / Senior Environmental Scientist
Scope: Expansion of existing speedway including racetrack facilities, event parking, and supporting office and commercial facilities.
Site analyses included habitat and species permitting through local, state, and federal review agencies. Worked for numerous speedway facilities completing the GIS analysis necessary for expansion and redevelopment. Analyses included site evaluations, habitat assessment, identification of potential mitigation sites, and exhibit preparation for development team and legal review. Conducted multiple field tasks over the speedway properties necessary for stormwater analyses, protected species, and wetland permitting.

One Daytona and International Speedway Corp (ISC)/NASCAR Office Tower, Daytona Beach, Florida
Role: Senior GIS Analyst / Environmental Scientist
Scope: One Daytona is designed as a mixed-use development across from Daytona International Speedway including 200,000 sq.ft. retail/dining/entertainment space, 2,500-seat multi-screen movie theater, residential component and 160-room hotel.
As the Environmental Scientist and GIS Analyst, I work directly with ISC and project engineers on the site design and advised on potential environmental constraints occurring over the property. Field studies included statistical tree surveys, wetland delineations and protected species surveys. Mitigation negotiations led to reduced costs and also provided for deferred payments as public funding was delayed. Impacts to large federally jurisdictional wetlands required a detail alternative sites assessment facilitated by GIS data analysis.

Daytona Rising and Grandstand Redevelopment, Daytona Beach, Florida
Role: Senior GIS Analyst
Scope: This project consisted of the entire reconstruction of the Frontstretch Grandstands which included all facility components from the seating bowl and gates to the civil and landscape elements in front of the facility.
Responsible for the design and permitting of all the civil, landscape, and hardscape improvements as well as the master stormwater design and permitting, GIS became a major component for tracking and visual aid production. Permits obtained for the project include approvals from the following agencies Volusia County, City of Daytona Beach, SJRWMD, USACE, FDOT, and the FDEP.

Tymber Creek Road Widening, Ormond Beach, Florida
Project Manager, Sr. Environmental Scientist
Scope: Bridge construction within an Outstanding Florida Water
Tasks centered around providing consultation for water quality compliance for the widening of Tymber Creek. The project included replacing the bridge over the Little Tomoka River, an Outstanding Florida Water. Baseline water quality data was collected prior to project commencement, collected twice daily turbidity readings during construction and reported weekly to the St. Johns River Water Management District. The project required frequent coordination with the contractor, county, and SJRWMD regarding erosion control and water quality protection within the OFW. I also negotiated methods for construction directly within the OFW, established mixing zones, and connected contractor with erosion control product providers to maximize cost effective and efficient erosion control within the project limits. Additions tasks included gopher tortoise services from survey, permitting through FFWCC, relocation and silt fence installation guidance and coordination.

Spring to Spring Trail, Volusia County, Florida
Role: Senior GIS Analyst / Environmental Scientist
Scope: When complete, the multi-use Spring-to-Spring Trail will stretch 26 miles from Gemini Springs Park to DeLeon Springs State Park.
This 2.4 mile segment on the side east of Blue Springs State Park is located in habitat suitable for Florida scrub-jays and gopher tortoises. The presence of scrub-jays greatly impacted the timing and funding of the project. My team conducted surveys, obtained a “no taking” concurrence, prepared and submitted a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), and an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) receiving the ITP from the USFWS within 6 months. These permits required substantial field investigations and GIS data collection and interpretation. Efforts also included wetland delineation and gopher tortoise burrow survey data provided to the awarded design/build team.

East Central Regional Rail Trail, Brevard & Volusia County, Florida
Role: Senior GIS Analyst / Senior Environmental Scientist
Scope: This project covers approximately 17 miles of the East Central Regional Rail from Osteen to the City of Edgewater and
south through Brevard County.
This trail will extend more than 50 miles from Edgewater to Enterprise and Titusville. This rails-to-trails project utilized abandoned rail corridors purchased by the State and leased to Volusia and Brevard counties to develop as a multi-use trails. This is the longest rail-to-trail conversion in Florida and will bring a myriad of recreational and economic benefits to Central Florida. I was responsible for wetland delineation, mitigation, permitting assistance and endangered species identification and permitting.

Halifax Health Medical Center, Daytona Beach, Florida
Role: GIS Analyst / Environmental Scientist
Scope: 77 acre mixed use facility and land management planning for 220 acres
Multi-agency coordination efforts to permit 30 acres of wetland impact within Central Daytona Beach. As the lead GIS analyst and field biologist, I assisted in the collection and interpretation of the survey data necessary for land management design, impact analysis, and tree removal and replacement planning. I also assisted the team’s lead Certified Arborist with tree health
assessments.

Halifax Hospital Expansion, Daytona Beach, Florida
Role: GPS / GIS Specialist / Arborist Support
Scope: Tree survey on the Halifax Expansion properties which included a 100 percent survey of all trees slated for demolition and a tree location survey of specimen trees in the undeveloped, forested land adjacent to the hospital to be utilized in tree mitigation necessary for the expansion.
As the lead GPS specialist and field crew supervisor on the team, I organized the collection and interpretation of the survey data necessary for tree removal and replacement plans. I also assisted the team’s lead Certified Arborist with tree health assessments.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Expansion, Daytona Beach, Florida
Role: Environmental Scientist / GIS Specialist
Scope: The proposed project includes the expansion of the existing ERAU facilities
As the Environmental Scientist and GIS Specialist, I continue to work directly with ERAU staff and engineers to design future facilities and advise on potential environmental constraints occurring over the university’s property. I have conducted field studies including tree surveys, wetland delineations and mitigation planning over these sites as well as provided data management and exhibit production for ongoing planning.

Museum of Arts & Sciences, Daytona Beach, Florida
Role: Senior GIS Analyst / Environmental Scientist
Scope: Expansion of existing museum to include the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art
Brought on to delineate wetlands and estimate wetland impacts, I noted particular site conditions related to soils and drainage
features that had been encountered on similar sites where others had incorrectly determined the site to be comprised primarily of wetlands. Following my assessment and verification with the regulatory agencies, I was able to prove the wetland dominant canopy was relict and the former wetland systems had been drained and wetland hydrology no longer existed. The results were verified in a Formal Wetland Determination (FWD) from the St. John River Water Management District. In addition, the Corps issued a “No Permit Required” determination.

City of Ormond Beach Downtown Master Stormwater Plan, Ormond Beach, Florida
Role: Senior GIS Analyst / Senior Environmental Scientist
Scope: The City of Ormond Beach required an evaluation of stormwater needs and plans to implement a program of off line
retention that will support intensive redevelopment of existing and future development sites within the city’s Downtown
Community.
Services included environmental surveys to evaluate and assist with property acquisition. Design and stormwater permitting
through the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and SJRWMD required detailed utilities mapping and asset management within GIS.