If so, you missed an inter-active discussion of the most recent legal, policy and technical update on wetland regulation in Florida. Included in the topics was an update of the Environmental Permitting Streamlining by Keith Rizzardi and a discussion from Jennifer Fitzwater of the policies driving the bad actor bills and policies being developed by the DEP. From the questions asked of Ms. Fitzwater, it appears that this issue will be around for quite some time.

Also on the Florida wetland front was a panel discussion on the functional unified wetland methodology assessment. The field tests had been completed n March so this panel took us from the Legislature (Frank Matthews) to the proposed rule (Connie Bersok) through the hoops of practice scoring (Clark Hull) under the leadership of moderator Mike Dennis. The audience participation was phenomenal. This rule when adopted will be of impact to all who work with wetlands.

After a lunch break at the Orlando Marriott Hotel Murphey’s restaurant, Lori Holcomb provided a stimulating discussion on “How you know you are in deep water, when representation becomes a problem.” Then the focus shifted to the federal side of wetland regulation.

Dr. John Hall provided a video slide presentation on SWANCC wetlands. As always, his comments on working with the Corps were priceless. Following this, a panel of agency staff and private practioners discussed the requirements of avoiding, minimizing and mitigation from the perspectives of the permitting agency, the developer, commenting agencies and third parties. Brooks Wilkerson Moore, Cindy L. Bartin, Haynes Johnson and Thomas W. Reese

Second Chance?

Yes, there is a second chance to catch up on program. You can order the audio tapes and course book by calling 850-561-6661 and requesting course number 5100, “2002 Wetland Regulation and Protection.”

What's Next?

The Section’s Annual Meeting is once again scheduled to be at the Amelia Island Plantation, August 22-24, 2002. Mark our calendars to attend this program which will once again include updates from the agencies with environmental and land use breakout session. New this year will be an affiliate round-table sessions as well as the ELUL committee meetings. They will not let me announce the entertainment or luncheon speakers but the best minds are at work plotting, I mean planning.

Get Involved!

Anyone wishing to participate in the CLE committee is welcome to join. If you have any interest in participating in our CLE programs or if you have ideas for future programs please contact our CLE Program Chair Michelle Diffenderfer at Mdiffenderfer@llw-law.com or by phone at (561) 640-0820 or better still plan on attending the Annual Update in Amelia Island.