Habitat Management Permitting

Nearly all County Capital Improvement Projects require some sort of permitting. This can range from very complex to very simple. Complex projects may involve permits such as "Environmental Resource Permits" from State permitting agencies including the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Federal agencies such as the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE). To obtain these permits coordination with other State and Federal agencies usually must be accomplished. These agencies may include the Florida Freshwater Game and Fish Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Division of Natural Resources. Other groups may be consulted on a case-by-case basis. All this coordination is done in concert with the County Project Engineer and the consultant hired by the County to design the project. Except for Pinellas County Park Department projects (which have their own professional staff), the Environmental Support Services Section performs Habitat Management Permitting for County Capital Improvement Projects. Tree protection issues are handled directly with the site contractor leading to quicker resolution of problems that might develop.