40th Environmental Permitting Summer School: Full Schedule

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8:30am EDT

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Always a timely and useful course to provide updates on the most current information and activities with the Department of Environmental Protection which we feel will be of most interest to our attendees; includes review and analysis of rules and policies recently adopted or under development, including the latest updates on the Stormwater Rule, OSTDS and domestic wastewater rules, and any published reports; key/practical tips for all private/public regulated interests; course format is designed for extensive audience participation.

Speakers

Shawn Hamilton

Dewberry

Bill Preston

President, William D. Preston, P.A.

From 1976-1979, Mr. Preston was Legislative Analyst and then Staff Director of the Florida Senate Natural Resources and Conservation Committee. He helped establish and then grow and develop Hopping Green & Sams, P.A., one of Florida’s most capable boutique law firms in the field of administrative, governmental and environmental law. He practiced with HGS for over 20+ years, before opening his own firm in 2001. He has written a number of law review articles and other publications. He has lectured... Read More →

John Truitt

Deputy Secretary, Department of Environmental Protection

Tim Bahr

Director, Division of Waste Management, Department of Environmental Protection

John Coates

Director, Division of Water Resource Management, Department of Environmental Protection

John Coates currently serves as the Director of the Division of Water Resource Management, for the Department of Environmental Protection. He has a combination of biology, chemistry, and engineering degrees, and is licensed as a civil engineer in Florida. John started working in the... Read More →

Hastings Read

Deputy Director of Division of Air Resource Management, Department of Environmental Protection

I have been involved in air quality since 2013. People should talk to me about regulatory development at both the state and federal level, permitting and compliance, and developments in air quality.

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am EDT
Banyon Ballroom

Environmental Policy & Agency Updates

8:30am EDT

Strategic Planning And Permitting For Development

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am EDT

Calusa 10

Limited Capacity seats available

Practical and informative course designed to address strategies for obtaining environmental, cultural resources and land use approvals for land development projects under Florida’s current laws and agency practices; consideration of effects of recent legislation and administrative actions taken by the Executive Branch; discussion of “live local”; discussion of successful approaches to processing and obtaining environmental permits from regulatory agencies, determinations of when to obtain the required permits and in what order, and the level of specificity and procedural requirements of each agency. Course to also cover tracking and managing activities for compliance with permit conditions, tips for gaining the respect of regulatory agencies, and steps that should be taken to avoid costly enforcement litigation. Audience participation is encouraged.

Speakers

Gordon Schiff

Attorney and Counselor at Law, Gordon J. Schiff, P.A.

Gordon J. Schiff, P.A. provides legal services throughout the State of Florida in the areas of land use/zoning, real estate transactions, development permitting and eminent domain.

Abbey Naylor

Principal Ecologist, Naylor Environmental Solutions

Environmental Consultant specializing in wetland and protected species permitting for land development projects.

Robert Volpe

Partner, Holtzman Vogel

Alessandria San Roman

Holland & Knight

Brent Handley

Cultural Resource Director - Southeast, SWCA

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am EDT
Calusa 10

Land Use - Redevelopment and Growth

8:30am EDT

Avoiding Public Hearing Pitfalls: Preparation, Presentation, And Legal Challenges

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am EDT

Calusa 11

Limited Capacity seats available

This panel provides practical and legal insights into managing public hearings before local governments from both the private party and local government perspectives. It specifically addresses issues arising in connection with public hearings and how to deal with denials by and challenges to local government decisions. This presentation will focus on strategic matters, provide useful tips, examine new and developing legal issues, and address technical issues. Attendee participation will be encouraged.

Speakers

John Chibbaro

Partner, Greenberg Traurig

John focuses his practice on complex environmental and land use matters. He advises developers, utilities, and other clients on virtually all aspects of development, from initial permitting and entitlement strategy, contamination assessment and remediation, through government approvals... Read More →

Pam Schanel

Sr Managing Director, Environmental Planning, ICF

Randy Coen

President, Coen & Company

Rick J. Melchiori

General Manager, Becker Holding Corporation

Mr. Melchiori brings over 30 years’ experience in land acquisition, entitlement, permitting, design, and construction of industrial, commercial, and highly amenitized residential and mixed use projects. Early in his career, he founded an architectural and engineering firm and through... Read More →

Aaron Dunlap

Shareholder, Carlton Fields

Land Use, Zoning, Real Estate Development, Areas of Critical State Concern, Developer-Side HOA and Condo Issues, Construction and Lending Due Diligence, Fiction, Film, Greyhounds.

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am EDT
Calusa 11

Permitting & Regulatory Practice

8:30am EDT

Cleaner Water Faster: Regulatory and Engineering Alternatives for Achieving Pollutant Load Reductions in Impaired Waters

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am EDT

Calusa 12

Limited Capacity seats available

This course has been fully redesigned to focus on practical implementation of pollutant load reductions in the context of impaired waters. The session explores both regulatory and engineering pathways available to achieve pollutant load reductions and restore water quality more efficiently. Panelists will present real-world examples from across Florida, highlighting how stakeholders are navigating the scientific, technical, and legal challenges associated with impaired waterbody designations. Basin Management Action Plans, Alternative Restoration Plans (ARPs), and other implementation-focused strategies will be discussed as potential pathways to accelerate restoration while maintaining compliance with state and federal requirements. In parallel, the course will examine engineering and watershed-based approaches for reducing pollutant loads, including source controls, treatment technologies, stormwater retrofits, and integrated watershed management strategies. Case studies will demonstrate how these approaches are being applied in practice to achieve measurable water quality improvements. Perspectives from both agencies and practitioners will be provided, along with insights into coordination, data needs, modeling considerations, and implementation challenges.

Speakers

Mike Wessel

Senior Principal, ESA

Patrick Shearer

Senior Engineer IV, RES

Patrick Shearer, PE, WEDG, is a green infrastructure designer and Senior Engineer for Resource Environmental Solutions (RES). He is one of two Engineers of Record for the City of Miami premier sea level rise adaptation project Jose Marti Park Adaptive Redesign project, providing civil... Read More →

Adam Olenoski

Senior Environmental Scientist, VHB

Adam is a senior environmental scientist in VHB’s Sarasota office with 22 years of experience. He has experience in a variety of ecological and hydrological monitoring projects, which include monitoring stormwater systems, measuring flows and levels, sampling surface water and groundwater... Read More →

Kim Shugar

Senior Advisor, Arrow Group

Kimberly “Kim” Shugar is an experienced policy specialist with more than 25 years of experience addressing complex challenges in the water, environmental, resilience and agricultural policy areas. At the Arrow Group, she currently advises clients on policy matters and government... Read More →

Lawrence Glenn

Department of Environmental Protection

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am EDT
Calusa 12

Permitting & Regulatory Practice

8:30am EDT

Federal Wetlands Permitting Update

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am EDT

Calusa 4-5

Limited Capacity seats available

This advanced course delivers a deep dive into the latest developments in the Army Corps of Engineers’ (ACOE) permitting processes under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. With a new federal administration in place, our panel will analyze any fresh guidance or policy shifts emerging from ACOE headquarters, and what they mean for practitioners. Experts will walk through the permitting process step-by-step, sharing case studies, practical strategies to streamline approvals, and key red flags to avoid. Expect an interactive, solutions-focused session designed to spark audience discussion and debate.

Speakers

Susan Stephens

Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson

Susan Stephens is a shareholder in the Tallahassee office of Stearns Weaver Miller and has been practicing environmental & natural resources and administrative law for 30 years. Susan is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in State & Federal Government & Administrative Practice. She... Read More →

Mike Drauer

Senior Project Manager, Stantec Consulting Inc.

Shawn Zinszer

Regulatory Chief, Jacksonville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Kerri MacNutt

Monarch Ecology Group, LLC

Ben Shepherd

Florida Ecosciences Manager, AtkinsRealis

I am an environmental permitting and project management professional with 18 years of experience specializing in NEPA compliance, environmental permitting, mitigation planning, and listed species surveys and permitting, with strong technical writing and relationship-building. As the... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am EDT
Calusa 4-5

Permitting & Regulatory Practice

8:30am EDT

NEPA, CWA, and ESA Updates on Evolving Regulations and Policies under the Trump Administration

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am EDT

Calusa 2-3

Limited Capacity seats available

Public and private sector projects located near wetlands, endangered species habitats, or other protected areas are often opposed by individuals and organizations during federal permitting proceedings as well as in federal court. Effective permitting of such projects requires an understanding of recent changes by the Trump Administration in the implementation and enforcement of applicable federal permitting laws and regulations. This seminar focuses on how to build a winning record and strategies for supporting or attacking permitting decisions in the courtroom. This course is ideal for managers and consultants who work on large or controversial projects involving wetlands, endangered species or protected natural resources.

Speakers

Andrew Turner

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Kerri Barsh

Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig

Kerri L. Barsh is Co-Chair of the firm’s Environmental Practice and represents public and private clients on an array of environmental regulatory, permitting, and litigation matters, including transactional support and due diligence, environmental assessment and liability matters... Read More →

John Lesman

Director, Bio-Tech Consulting

Mitigation banking, UMAM, wetland delineation, permitting, compliance.

Jena Mier

Senior Project Manager, Black & Veatch

Jena Mier is a Senior Project Manager with Black & Veatch. She has more than 36 years of experience in environmental resource permitting and licensing, with over 17 years of energy project experience, providing environmental project management for large scale energy projects including... Read More →

Kris Thoemke

Senior NEPA Specialist, Barge Design

If you want help with preparing categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, or environmental impact statements to satisfy your NEPA obligations, look for me so we can discuss your needs.

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am EDT
Calusa 2-3

Permitting & Regulatory Practice

8:30am EDT

Waste Cleanup and Management: The Challenges of Change (Part 1 of 2)

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am EDT

Caxambus 1-2

Limited Capacity seats available

Two historically well- attended classes in the areas of waste cleanup and waste management regulation are now being combined to create a comprehensive “super” class that will address a multitude of current and emerging “hot topic” issues and developments in these areas with predictions and forecasts by a panel of experts on potential federal and state government regulatory responses. Those issues include projected data centers/AI-related impacts in Florida and anticipated government polices to address such impacts; updates on state PFAS legislation and regulation and their effect on waste cleanup and Florida’s solid waste management industry; anticipated significant FDEP rulemaking affecting waste cleanup (e.g., Chapters 62-788 and 62-524, F.A.C.); potential changes to waste management regulations (e.g., Chapter 62-701, F.A.C.) arenas and the regulatory consequences that may result; projected landfill and solid waste management facility capacity, and challenges in addressing Florida’s future solid waste management needs for an always increasing state population, as well as industrial solid waste management developments. Come prepared to not only learn from our panel of experts on these and related topics but to offer your own thoughts and opinions on these issues as audience participation is strongly encouraged.

Speakers

Jorge Caspary

Senior Principal, Montrose Environmental

Been involved for over 30 years in several aspects of the environmental market, from policy making in the public and private sector to project management and developing new areas of business expansion. Attending my 14th straight year.

Mike Petrovich

Shareholder, Gunster

Mike is a shareholder with the Gunster law firm and is located in the firm’s Tallahassee offices. Gunster is a full-service commercial law firm with nearly a century of counseling Florida’s leading businesses.

With over three decades of experience in environmental law, Mike represents a variety of industrial clients, including the electric utility and chemical manufacturing industries, primarily focused on solid and hazardous waste, real property contamination and remediation, and storage... Read More →

Dawn McCormick

Director, Communications & Community Relations, Waste Management Inc. of Florida

Dawn McCormick is responsible for Communications, Stakeholder Relations and Government Affairs activities for Waste Management in Florida and coordinates the company’s Recycling Improvement initiatives in the state. She is Vice Chair of the National Waste & Recycling Association... Read More →

Ron Noble

Shareholder, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC

Ron H. Noble represents clients in all areas of environmental due diligence, permitting and regulatory compliance. Other practice areas he has experience in include hazardous and solid waste regulation, wastewater treatment enforcement and permitting, environmental representation... Read More →

Travis Hearne

Environmental attorney, Mechanik Nuccio Hearne & Wester

Travis Moore Hearne is an Associate Attorney in the Environmental Practice Group at Mechanik Nuccio. Travis is a second generation environmental lawyer and focuses his practice on environmental permitting, compliance, and remediation. Travis has experience in a wide variety of environmental... Read More →

Alexandra Barshel

Associate, Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod LLP

Laurel Lockett

Shareholder, Carlton Fields, P.A.

Michael Larson

Partner, Akerman LLP

Michael is a Partner at Akerman LLP. He is an experienced environmental attorney focusing on contaminated site cleanup and redevelopment, environmental due diligence, environmental permitting, and environmental compliance.

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am EDT
Caxambus 1-2

Waste Management & Site Remediation

8:30am EDT

Cracking Florida's Water Permitting Code: From the Capitol to the Coast

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am EDT

Calusa 8-9

Limited Capacity seats available

With all the attention on emerging contaminants of concern, including PFOA/PFAs controversy, this course is a must-attend! This panel of experts will provide timely updates on new ways the Department of Environmental Protection and EPA are addressing water quality issues; also includes basic as well as advanced discussion on water quality discharge permitting, whether from industrial, domestic, or other discharge sources; emphasis on current agency practices, and updates on pending legal changes; emerging water quality issues affecting industry, regulations and the general population. Come prepared with your questions! This course is designed for extensive audience participation.

Speakers

Greg Corning

FL Civil Design Manager, WSP

As a senior engineer and project manager, I provide technical input and engineering analysis for projects involving climate resiliency and assessment, project management, dredging and dewatering planning and design, stormwater design and permitting, environmental design and permitting... Read More →

Viraj deSilva

Sr. Treatment Process Leader, Freese and Nichols, Inc.

Dr. deSilva has over 34 years of experience in water and wastewater (Industrial and municipal) engineering, including project concept through construction and start-up. He is an international leader in operations and maintenance, energy management, solids handling processes, construction... Read More →

Marcy Frick

Water Southeast Region Manager, Tetra Tech, Inc.

Toby Overdorf

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am EDT
Calusa 8-9

Water Supply & Infrastructure

10:30am EDT

Nutrient Trading Under Florida's New Stormwater Rule: WQEA, RSMS, and Compensating Treatment

FILLING

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:10pm EDT

Calusa 10

Limited Capacity filling up

Florida’s new stormwater rule does more than increase nutrient treatment requirements. It also creates a performance-based framework for meeting those requirements through onsite treatment, offsite compensating treatment, and regional treatment mechanisms. In practice, each project carries a measurable nutrient reduction obligation, while tools such as Water Quality Enhancement Areas (WQEAs) and Regional Stormwater Management Systems (RSMS) may provide credits or allocations to help satisfy that obligation within the applicable regulatory constraints. This panel of experts will examine the emerging “cap-and-trade” framework for stormwater nutrient management under the ERP program, including the respective roles of WQEAs and RSMS as sources of enhancement credits or pollutant reduction allocations. Panelists will discuss the statutory and regulatory framework, pending rule development, credit and allocation concepts, receiving-water limitations, and practical considerations for engineers, attorneys, consultants, regulators, local governments, and regulated entities evaluating these tools in project planning and permitting. This course is designed for extensive audience participation, so be sure to bring your questions!

Speakers

Mary Szafraniec

Director of Water Quality Initiatives, RES

Hi! I'm Mary Szafraniec, Director of Water Quality Initiatives at (Resource Environmental Solutions) RES. My background and expertise over the last 20 years has focused on water quality restoration for springs, streams, rivers, lakes, and estuaries. My goal is to help advance the... Read More →

Susan Martin

Attorney, Nason Yeager Gerson Harris & Fumero P.A.

Jeff Littlejohn

President, FL Environmental Network

Tim Rach

Program Administrator, Department of Environmental Protection

Environmental Resource Permitting; Use of Sovereign Submerged Lands; wetlands; mitigation bank permitting; marina permitting; living shorelines rule development

Mike Sachs

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:10pm EDT
Calusa 10

Cross-Cutting & Emerging Issues

10:30am EDT

Agricultural Water Policy: The Latest Updates from FDACS

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:10pm EDT

Calusa 11

Limited Capacity seats available

This course will give you the latest information on water quality BMPs, water use and reuse on agricultural lands, and other policy changes resulting from the Legislative Session and implementation by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, including adoption of new BMP Manuals. Come hear from West Gregory, the Water Policy Director, and a panel of water policy experts on the latest updates affecting agriculture and Florida’s water resources.

Speakers

Robert Williams

Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.

Mike Register

Executive Director, St. Johns River Water Management District

Hugh Thomas

Executive Director, Suwannee River Water Management District

Hugh Thomas began working with the Suwannee River Water Management District in August 2016 in the Agriculture and Environmental Project Division as a Project Manager. In July 2017, he was appointed by the Governing Board as Executive Director of District.

Prior to working with the District, Hugh was employed with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Office of Agriculture Water Policy as Environmental Administrator for North Florida. Hugh worked for FDACS for 14 years and prior to that worked as an enviro... Read More →

West Gregory

Director of Agricultural Water Policy, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Kevin Wright

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:10pm EDT
Calusa 11

Environmental Policy & Agency Updates

10:30am EDT

Federal Environmental Regulation and Enforcement Update

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:10pm EDT

Calusa 4-5

Limited Capacity seats available

Come listen and learn from a panel of experts as they discuss the latest changes to federal environmental policies and regulations under the Trump Administration. This session examines how the policies and roles of the federal agencies are changing across a wide spectrum of issues such as WOTUS and other water issues, endangered species, enforcement, agency size, and climate change. The experts will also discuss how the regulated community, the state, and advocacy groups are responding to such changes including the potential for citizen enforcement. These and other federal issues will be discussed by our well-informed panel. Come prepared to listen, learn and participate.

Speakers

Rafe Petersen

Partner, Holland & Knight

Rafe Petersen is a partner in Holland & Knight's Washington, D.C. office and is a member of the firm's Government Section. He primarily focuses on litigation and counseling in administrative, environmental and energy fields. Mr. Petersen's environmental practice includes environmental compliance... Read More →

Brad Carey

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Bernadette Rappold

Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig

Bernadette M. Rappold focuses her practice on federal and state regulatory issues related to energy, manufacturing, and the environment. Bernadette has substantial litigation experience and advises clients on regulatory compliance as well as the environmental, safety, and health aspects... Read More →

Melissa Meeker

Chief Executive Officer, The Water Tower

Melissa Meeker is the Chief Executive Officer of the Water Tower in Buford, Georgia, a non-profit focused on advancing water utilities through applied research, technology advancement, workforce development, and public engagement. Melissa previously served as the CEO of the Water... Read More →

Eric Beightel

Federal Strategy Director, ESA

Eric Beightel is a nationally recognized expert in environmental policy, infrastructure permitting, and regulatory strategy, with over 25 years of experience across federal, state, and private sectors. He currently serves as the Federal Strategy Director at Environmental Science... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:10pm EDT
Calusa 4-5

Environmental Policy & Agency Updates

10:30am EDT

WMD Planning, Regulatory, and Policy Update

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:10pm EDT

Calusa 8-9

Limited Capacity seats available

An excellent course designed to provide insight into the regulatory, planning, and water supply development programs of Florida’s five water management districts; includes a discussion of water resource development and water supply planning; adoption and implementation of MFLs; development of water reservations; Environmental Resource Permitting updates; secondary and cumulative impacts; discussion of changes to water management district budgeting and cooperative funding for water quality and water supply; and other emerging programs and issues; audience participation encouraged.

Speakers

Larry Sellers

Partner, Holland & Knight LLP

Larry practices administrative and governmental law, with a concentration in environmental and land use matters. He regularly provides advice on permitting and enforcement matters involving a variety of federal, state, regional and local administrative agencies. He has substantial... Read More →

Eric Olsen

Shareholder, Gunster

Inside and outside of Florida, Eric assists myriad business and individual clients on environmental law and regulatory matters. A Florida native, for nearly three decades Eric has focused his practice on wetland regulation, mitigation banking, stormwater regulation, consumptive use... Read More →

Brian Armstrong

Executive Director, Southwest Florida Water Management District

Nicolas Porter

Shareholder, de la Parte & Gilbert, P.A.

Erin Preston

General Counsel, St. Johns River Water Management District

Jennifer Smith

Chief of Staff, South Florida Water Management District

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:10pm EDT
Calusa 8-9

Environmental Policy & Agency Updates

10:30am EDT

Florida Wetland Delineation Methodology

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:10pm EDT

Calusa 2-3

Limited Capacity seats available

If you want to know precisely how state wetland jurisdiction is determined in Florida, and the nuances of the uniform statewide wetland methodology, this is your course! This course addresses the initial concept and formulation of 62-340, F.A.C., the wetland jurisdictional methodology, recent rule interpretations and policy. This experienced panel will discuss and analyze the application of vegetation, soils and hydrologic indicators in determining presence of state regulated wetlands; the methodologies used in the various tests; application to altered and non-altered sites; practical applications and dispute resolution. Examples and case studies will be discussed. This course is designed for extensive audience participation.

Speakers

Mike Dennis

President, Breedlove, Dennis & Associates

Ed Murawski

Program Manager, Kleinfelder

Mr. Murawski has 25 years of experience in the environmental consulting field in the areas of wetlands, protected species and land use permitting. He serves as the Program Manager for Tampa Florida office and supervises a team of up 20 employees. Ed has managed projects throughout... Read More →

Mike Nichols

President, MJ Nichols & Associates

Mike has an extensive background conducting jurisdictional wetland determinations and other wetlands permitting and mitigation design projects in his over 40 year career in environmental assessments. He has been employed by Florida DEP and Broward County for about half of his career... Read More →

Debbie Madden

Attorney, Gunster

Deborah Madden is an attorney whose practice focuses on the area of environmental law.
Deborah represents a broad range of clients, including developers, agricultural interests and public and private companies.
Deborah has experience providing legal support to clients in permitting and litigation matters involving water resources, wetlands, water supply, state and federal listed species issues, mitigation banking, state submerged lands and coastal construction. She represents clients in court p... Read More →

Sirena Davila

District Director, Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Sirena Davila is the District Director for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Southeast District. She oversees permitting, compliance and enforcement programs across seven counties in Southeast Florida, including the Florida Keys. Sirena has spent her career... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:10pm EDT
Calusa 2-3

Permitting & Regulatory Practice

10:30am EDT

Planning And Execution For Successful Environmental Outcomes

FILLING

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:10pm EDT

Calusa 12

Limited Capacity filling up

Back by popular demand, the focus of this interactive discussion is facilitating sure and positive communication with both stakeholders and environmental regulatory agencies at the local, state and federal levels. Preparation, organization, as well as an in-depth understanding of the legal framework and processes of regulation, go a long way to ensuring a smoother and certainly more positive outcome. Here’s your chance to interact with the panel, using real case studies, and discuss which techniques were successful (or not) and receive expert advice from four instructors who’ve gotten results.

Speakers

Amy Tracy

Fl Water Resources Leader, Dewberry

My career focuses solely on improving the quality of Florida’s water resources. A stormwater aficionado who developed a love for reclaimed water, I’m passionate about judging water by its "quality, not its history". An advocate of treating water to its appropriate end use, I've... Read More →

Anna Long

Of Counsel, Dean Mead

Liz Johnson

Environmental Program Administrator, Environmental Protection Division, Orange County Government

Elizabeth R. Johnson
Assistant Manager, Orange County Environmental Protection Division

EDUCATION:
Orlando College; Winter Park, Florida, 1993
Masters in Public Administration - Graduated Magna Cum Laude
Rollins College; Winter Park, Florida, 1986
B.A. Environmental Science
PROFESSI... Read More →

Jeff Prather

Director, Division of Regulatory Services, St. Johns River Water Management District

Ann Shortelle

Bio-Tech Consulting

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:10pm EDT
Calusa 12

Permitting & Regulatory Practice

10:30am EDT

Waste Cleanup and Management: The Challenges of Change (Part 2 of 2)

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:10pm EDT

Caxambus 1-2

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Alexandra Barshel

Associate, Bilzin Sumberg Baena Price & Axelrod LLP

Jorge Caspary

Senior Principal, Montrose Environmental

Travis Hearne

Environmental attorney, Mechanik Nuccio Hearne & Wester

Michael Larson

Partner, Akerman LLP

Laurel Lockett

Shareholder, Carlton Fields, P.A.

Dawn McCormick

Director, Communications & Community Relations, Waste Management Inc. of Florida

Ron Noble

Shareholder, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC

Mike Petrovich

Shareholder, Gunster

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:10pm EDT
Caxambus 1-2

Waste Management & Site Remediation

12:10pm EDT

Thursday Luncheon with Keynote or Door Prize Drawings by Sponsors

Thursday July 23, 2026 12:10pm - 1:30pm EDT

Banyon Ballroom

Thursday July 23, 2026 12:10pm - 1:30pm EDT
Banyon Ballroom

1:30pm EDT

Strengthening Coastal Resiliency

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:30pm - 3:10pm EDT

Caxambus 1-2

Limited Capacity seats available

Updated for 2026, this highly popular course brings together practitioners, agency leadership, and industry experts to share real-world lessons learned from planning and implementing projects funded under Florida’s Resilient Florida Program. Drawing from direct project experience, panelists will provide practical insights into what works—and what doesn’t—when advancing resilience planning projects and initiatives from concept through design and construction. The discussion will highlight strategies for overcoming common challenges, with a focus on accelerating early project phases, navigating approvals, creating policies that facilitate project development, maintaining project momentum, and data management best practices to help communities before, during, and address and adapt to current and future flood risk. The panel will also explore what lies ahead for the Resilient Florida Program, including expectations for the coming year and the implications of the Florida Legislature’s funding levels for the program overall. Panelists will also discuss key resilience projects, and data collection initiatives happening across the state, to prepare for current and future weather hazards. Participants are encouraged to engage with panelists and come prepared with questions, as this session focuses on actionable insights, funding sources for future projects, and practical guidance for advancing resilience for coastal and inland projects in Florida. Plus Eddy is in the house!

Speakers

Jennifer Jurado

Director and Chief Resilience Officer, Broward County

Erin Deady

President, Erin L. Deady, P.A.

Hannah Hart, PMP

Florida-Gulf Department Manager, Resilience Solutions, Dewberry

Hannah leads the Florida-Gulf regional department for Dewberry's resilience team in Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. She has over 20 years' experience in public and private industry, and has managed major projects along the mid-Atlantic and Northeastern US coastline. During her... Read More →

Sharon Wright

Florida Resilience Practice Lead, HDR

Hello! Let's talk about community resilience - infrastructure, natural resources, neighborhoods, and built environment.

How can we collaborate and consider solutions for the challenges ahead?

Eddy Bouza

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:30pm - 3:10pm EDT
Caxambus 1-2

Climate Impacts & Community Resilience

1:30pm EDT

Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) – A Water Management Balancing Act?

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:30pm - 3:10pm EDT

Calusa 10

Limited Capacity seats available

This extremely popular panel of agency staff and experts is back to discuss the latest developments regarding the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), including priority projects, obstacles, funding and how these projects may affect various stakeholders. The panel will focus on emerging issues including ecological benefits of CERP, status of funding, timelines for key projects, Lake Okeechobee and more. The panel represents a diverse cross-section of government, tribal governments, environmental and agricultural interests. The panel will be run as a round-table discussion with each speaker presenting their unique perspective regarding CERP projects across south Florida. There will be plenty of opportunity for audience engagement. Do not miss this updated and exciting panel.

Speakers

Luna E. Phillips

Shareholder, Gunster

Luna Phillips is a Florida Bar board certified Gunster shareholder who practices in the area of environmental, administrative and governmental law. She leads the firm’s Environmental practice.
Prior to joining the firm, Luna was a senior attorney for the South Florida Water Mana... Read More →

Michelle Diffenderfer

Shareholder, Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.

Michelle Diffenderfer is a Shareholder of Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A., a statewide environmental law firm. Mrs. Diffenderfer assists landowners, businesses and governments with local, state and federal, environmental, natural resource and land development legal requirements. Michelle... Read More →

Drew Bartlett

Executive Director, South Florida Water Management District

Anna Upton

CEO, Everglades Trust

Brandon Bowman

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:30pm - 3:10pm EDT
Calusa 10

Cross-Cutting & Emerging Issues

1:30pm EDT

Delivering One Water Outcomes: Aligning Across Florida's Water System

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:30pm - 3:10pm EDT

Calusa 11

Limited Capacity seats available

Florida’s water leaders each play a critical role in shaping policy, permitting, funding, and implementation. Yet even with strong leadership, delivering consistent, integrated outcomes across the system remains a challenge. This session brings together perspectives from across that system to explore how alignment can be strengthened to support shared outcomes. Whether you regulate, plan, fund, design, or deliver, your role is essential. Join this conversation to help connect existing efforts, improve coordination, and advance the outcomes Florida’s water future depends on.

Speakers

Eric Draper

Former Florida Park Service director and past President of Florida Audubon. Now helping groups and communities finance water resource protection. Chaired the Fl Wildlife Corridor Payment for Ecosystem Services. Grove Land Reservoir acquisition outreach. Conservation Florida Board... Read More →

Greg Knecht

Executive Director, The Nature Conservancy

Adam Blalock

Deputy Secretary fro Ecosystems Restoration, Department of Environmental Protection

Gary Hubbard

Director of Winter Haven Water, City of Winter Haven

Ansley Tilley , PE

Principal, EcoStasis, LLC

Principal Engineer with EcoStasis, LLC. EcoStasis develops nature-based, watershed-scale solutions integrating ecological restoration, infrastructure, finance, and land stewardship to improve water resources and climate resilience.

Bill Conerly

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:30pm - 3:10pm EDT
Calusa 11

Cross-Cutting & Emerging Issues

1:30pm EDT

Florida's Environment and Water Policy and the 2026 Florida Legislature

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:30pm - 3:10pm EDT

Calusa 4-5

Limited Capacity seats available

Absolutely the most current and reliable information available on what the 2026 Legislature passed (or considered but failed to pass) and why; assessment of Florida’s changing political landscape with respect to environmental and water policy issues; comprehensive preview of what’s expected with respect to the implementation of 2026 legislation with a look ahead to the 2027 session and beyond. This course is designed for audience participation, so come with your questions for the panelists!

Speakers

Frank Walker

Executive Vice President of Government and Political Relations, Florida Chamber of Commerce

Lori Killinger

Executive Shareholder, Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.

Ms. Killinger’s practice focuses on Legislative, Administrative and Governmental representation. She represents clients before legislative and executive branches of government, regulatory agencies at the state and local levels, the Florida Cabinet and legislative and gubernatorial... Read More →

Jon Steverson

Senior Policy Advisor, Holland & Knight

Jonathan Steverson is a senior policy advisor in Holland & Knight's Tallahassee office and a member of the firm's Public Policy & Regulation Group. Mr. Steverson handles a variety of topics within Florida government advocacy, with a specific focus on matters related to energy, environment and natural... Read More →

Ryan Matthews

Florida Environmental Network

Laura Jacobs Donaldson

President, Florida Environmental, Fire & Government Law, P.A.

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:30pm - 3:10pm EDT
Calusa 4-5

Cross-Cutting & Emerging Issues

1:30pm EDT

The Essentials Of Obtaining An Environmental Resource Permit: The Nuts And Bolts Of ERP Permitting

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:30pm - 3:10pm EDT

Calusa 2-3

Limited Capacity seats available

This course will provide a detailed and in-depth breakdown of all aspects and components necessary for the environmental professional to obtain an ERP permit in an efficient and effective manner. This course will take the audience through all the steps in the review and issuance of an ERP permit including an administrative permit challenge. In addition, the course will discuss how new and proposed rules and policies are affecting the permitting process. Learn from this highly-experienced panel all of the essential criteria and policies, including wetland and mitigation requirements, stormwater requirements, water quality and administrative and legal requirements critical to finalize a permit. This course is a must for environmental professionals who want to understand all aspects of ERP permitting to better represent their clients and deliver efficient results. Audience participation is encouraged.

Speakers

Shannon Ruby Julien

Energy Market Lead, VHB

I specialize in all aspects of environmental permitting including the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Environmental Resource Permitting, and Consumptive Use Permitting. With over 30 years of experience, my current focus is related to the Energy market’s... Read More →

Michael Ballenger

Principal Consultants, Trinity Consultants

I serve as Principal Consultant and Manager of Florida Operations for Trinity Consultants. I specialize in air permitting and compliance, helping industry meet regulations.

Dylan Larson

Vice President, Miller Legg

Christine Wentzel

St. Johns River Water Management District

Kris Rowley

Director of Land Development, Zev Cohen & Assoc.

Kris Rowley is the Director of Land Development at Zev Cohen & Associates, leading a team focused on delivering site design and permitting for a wide range of projects throughout Volusia County and Central Florida.

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:30pm - 3:10pm EDT
Calusa 2-3

Permitting & Regulatory Practice

1:30pm EDT

Florida Brownfields: Strategies for Smarter Cleanup and Stronger Communities

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:30pm - 3:10pm EDT

Calusa 12

Limited Capacity seats available

This course will provide environmental engineers, attorneys, and other brownfield stakeholders with a practical, detailed overview of how to navigate the redevelopment of contaminated sites in Florida. Participants will learn how current state and federal rules, including recent changes from the 2025 Florida Legislative Session, directly impact liability management, site cleanup, and redevelopment financing. The panel will walk through replicable processes for addressing risk, satisfying regulatory requirements, and structuring public-private partnerships that align with legal and technical best practices. Case examples will be used to illustrate how successful projects have been executed, with a focus on the technical, financial, and legal strategies that made them work. By the end of the course, attendees will have a clear understanding of how to approach brownfield redevelopment projects efficiently and in compliance with applicable laws.

Speakers

Michael Goldstein

Managing Partner, The Goldstein Environmental Law Firm, P.A.

Michael R. Goldstein is the Managing Shareholder of The Goldstein Environmental Law Firm, P.A., president of the Goldstein Brownfields Foundation, president of the Goldstein Brownfields Group, co-CEO of Goldstein Kite Environmental Redevelopment Partners, former Chairman of the Miami-Dade... Read More →

Robyn Neely

Chair, Environment and Natural Resources Practice, Akerman LLP

Robyn Neely focuses her practice on environmental site contamination issues related to real estate and corporate sales and acquisitions, and leases, including pre-acquisition, pre-leasing and pre-foreclosure due diligence analysis. Her practice also includes managing the investigation and remediation of contaminated properties and brownfield rede... Read More →

Maribel Nicholson-Choice

Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig

Maribel is a shareholder with Greenberg Traurig’s Tallahassee office with a concentrated practice in local government, environmental, and land use law. With 30 years of experience which includes local government, environmental, land use, brownfields, construction with an emphasis... Read More →

Tim Bahr

Director, Division of Waste Management, Department of Environmental Protection

Michael Spievack, PE

Associate, Langan

Michael Spievack, PE is an Associate in Langan's Miami office. Michael is a graduate of the University of Florida and Georgia Tech, and has been a practicing environmental engineer for over 20 years. Michael is a licensed engineer in 12 states throughout the southeast, and has extensive... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:30pm - 3:10pm EDT
Calusa 12

Waste Management & Site Remediation

1:30pm EDT

Florida MS4 And NPDES Update

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:30pm - 3:10pm EDT

Calusa 8-9

Limited Capacity seats available

The panel of experts will provide a timely update on procedural and substantive considerations in permitting under the NPDES program, including stormwater; numeric nutrient criteria; program administration; case law update, including Sackett v. EPA regarding Waters of the U.S.; enforcement and citizen suits; additional compliance considerations; how to interpret complex regulations; examples of industrial and construction applications; implementation of stormwater NPDES; MS4 program; current agency practices; and emerging trends and issues. Audience participation is encouraged!

Speakers

Greg Munson

Shareholder, Gunster

Greg Munson is a shareholder with the Gunster firm and represents regulated industries in the industrial, agricultural, mining, and utility sectors in all areas of state and federal environmental law. He represents clients before Florida’s executive branch agencies, the state’s... Read More →

Jana Ash

Scientist IV, RES

After RES (Resource Environmental Solutions) acquired E Sciences in 2022, I am thrilled to continue my focus on major environmental restoration and water quality improvement projects in Florida.As the nation’s largest nature-based solutions company, RES is restoring a resilient... Read More →

Robert Potts

Principal Scientist, Geosyntec Consultants

Matt Knoll

Deputy Director, Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Thursday July 23, 2026 1:30pm - 3:10pm EDT
Calusa 8-9

Water Supply & Infrastructure

3:30pm EDT

Environmental Permitting and Enforcement Update

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:10pm EDT

Calusa 4-5

Limited Capacity seats available

Timely and informative update on permitting and enforcement procedures utilized by environmental agencies; beginner to intermediate course; covers permits and permit renewals; construction and operation permits; time limitations; monitoring; agency enforcement of permit conditions; fines and other penalties; legal and ethical considerations; other emerging trends and issues including legislative review of agency rules and ratification of proposed rules; audience participation encouraged.

Speakers

Silvia Alderman

Partner, Akerman LLP

Board Certified in State and Federal Government and Administrative Practice. Practicing Environmental and Land Use law since 1977

Lisa Kelley

Lisa Kelley LLC

Julie P. Kendig-Schrader

Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig

Julie P. Kendig-Schrader represents clients in land use and environmental matters and administrative litigation. She works with clients to create public/private partnerships for infrastructure needs, particularly those related to transportation. With sustainability concerns and initiatives... Read More →

Maricruz Fincher

General Counsel, South Florida Water Management District

John Truitt

Deputy Secretary, Department of Environmental Protection

Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:10pm EDT
Calusa 4-5

Cross-Cutting & Emerging Issues

3:30pm EDT

What's New in Environmental Resource Permitting

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:10pm EDT

Caxambus 1-2

Limited Capacity seats available

Think Environmental Permitting in Florida is an old hat? Think again! This important area of law is constantly evolving, formally or otherwise. This extremely informative (and perhaps even a little fun) course combines the legal principles of ERP permitting, including policy and rulemaking updates, with practical tips for achieving compliance and avoiding process “pitfalls” from regulators and practitioners. The presentation will be led by lawyers and scientists from the public and private sector who will engage in free flowing dialogue with the audience whenever possible. Questions are highly encouraged! The course assumes a working knowledge of the ERP process and criteria, and it is intended to examine emerging issues that make or break applications, including those subjected to the extraordinary scrutiny of an administrative hearing, and what those issues mean for ERP applicants.

We use a roundtable/discussion approach, so there are no presentations to download for this course.

Speakers

Amelia Savage

Shareholder, Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson

Michelle Hopkins

Regulation Division Director, Southwest Florida Water Management District

I am the Regulation Division Director at the Southwest Florida Water Management District, overseeing the Environmental Resource Permitting (ERP), Water Use Permitting (WUP) and Well Construction Permitting (WCP) programs. I have more than 30 years of water resources engineering experience... Read More →

Julie Sullivan

Vice President, Southeast Regional Director, ESA

Nicole Gough

Environmental Manager, Dewberry

Brittany Banko

Senior Ecologist, Verdantas LLC.

Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:10pm EDT
Caxambus 1-2

Cross-Cutting & Emerging Issues

3:30pm EDT

FRESH FROM FLORIDA: Emerging Issues in Agriculture and Their Effect on the Environment

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:10pm EDT

Calusa 12

Limited Capacity seats available

Florida agriculture plays a significant role in meeting the food and commodity needs of a growing world population and in environmental stewardship. This course will discuss new and ever-evolving topics – including land use management and preservation, water use, and wetland and wildlife conservation – and their effect on Florida’s agricultural community. Expect the expert panelists to discuss recent state and federal legislation affecting agriculture in Florida, best management practice (BMP) developments, industry trends, historic and predicted changes in water use and availability, permitting strategies, and more! Don’t miss it!

Speakers

Felicia L. Kitzmiller

Shareholder, Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson

As an environmental attorney, Felicia has experience in local, state, and federal environmental permitting, compliance, and permit defense. In the land use realm, Felicia develops entitlement strategy for large industrial, resource extraction, and energy operations. She often navigates... Read More →

Cortney Cortez

Senior Economist, Balmoral Group

Cortney Cortez is Senior Economist of The Balmoral Group, an economic and engineering firm focused on public policy, socioeconomic impacts, and design within infrastructure, water resources, and the environment.

West Gregory

Director of Agricultural Water Policy, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Ansley Tilley , PE

Principal, EcoStasis, LLC

Steven Hall

Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:10pm EDT
Calusa 12

Environmental Policy & Agency Updates

3:30pm EDT

Drawing Wetland Lines Using Federal Delineation Methodology

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:10pm EDT

Calusa 11

Limited Capacity seats available

This course addresses how to delineate a federal wetland using the 1987 Wetland Jurisdictional Manual and 2010 Regional Supplement. If you want to know precisely how a wetland jurisdictional boundary is set at the federal level, and the subtle and not so subtle differences and nuances of Federal wetland methodology, this is your course! The panel will discuss and analyze the application of vegetation, soils and hydrologic indicators in determining presence of federal regulated wetlands; the methodologies used in the various tests; and practical applications. Other federal guidance and tools will be discussed, including the Federal Ordinary High Water Line Manual and the new Delineation Data Form.

Speakers

Mike Dennis

President, Breedlove, Dennis & Associates

Ed Murawski

Program Manager, Kleinfelder

Steven Currie

Soil Scientist, Wetland Technical Specialist, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Mallory Tatum

Director of Environmental Operations, Zev Cohen & Associates, Inc.

Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:10pm EDT
Calusa 11

Permitting & Regulatory Practice

3:30pm EDT

Permitting And Development In The Marine Environment

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:10pm EDT

Calusa 8-9

Limited Capacity seats available

So, your proposed project is located over state-owned, Sovereign Submerged Lands, or in an Aquatic Preserve. How do you navigate the additional hurdles such as considerations over highly protected marine resources, greater limitations on project size or scope, limitations or even prohibitions on dredging, and a potential visit to the Governor and Cabinet? Come listen to a panel of experts as they provide an overview of the latest changes, emerging issues and challenges with regard to DEP’s proprietary authority over state-owed submerged lands and the special protections over designated Aquatic Preserves. The course includes recent developments regarding balancing the rights of riparian waterfront owners versus the public interest consideration in state-owned submerged land; a discussion of special permit conditions, practices in requesting authorization to use sovereign submerged land for private uses; and the process of gaining approval for your project from the Division of State Lands and the Governor and Cabinet. Bring your questions, because this course is designed for extensive audience participation!

Speakers

Andy Baumann

Shareholder, Lewis, Longman & Walker, P.A.

Biography

Mr. Baumann’s practice focuses on civil and administrative litigation focusing on docks, marinas, riparian rights and sovereignty submerged lands and coastal construction matters. Mr. Baumann’s practice also includes Environmental Resource Permitting (“ERP) zoning and land use... Read More →

Spencer Crowley

Shareholder, Chair Miami Real Estate and Land Use Group, Akerman LLP

Jen Mathia

Principal Scientist, Environmental Consulting & Technology

Ms. Mathia has more than 17 years' expertise in environmental consulting, having worked for both private and public clients. Ms. Mathia’s background is focused in marine and freshwater biology with experience in both terrestrial and aquatic systems and expertise in field study design... Read More →

Curry Isiminger

Senior Professional Engineer, Isiminger & Stubbs Engineering, Inc.

Curry Isiminger is a Professional Engineer and has worked at Isiminger & Stubbs Engineering since early 2022. His expertise includes state (Florida) and federal environmental permit applications and processing, field observation of seagrasses, mangroves, and wetlands, Florida Sovereignty... Read More →

Brad Richardson

Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:10pm EDT
Calusa 8-9

Permitting & Regulatory Practice

3:30pm EDT

Linking Growth With Water Supply Availability

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:10pm EDT

Calusa 10

Limited Capacity seats available

Discussion of integrating regional water supply plans of local government with the plans and projects of water utilities through a prescribed planning process requiring cooperation between water management districts and local and regional water management districts and local and regional water utilities; regulatory incentives for the development of alternative water supplies; financial assistance for utilities; linking the growth management plans of local governments with the plans and projects of water utilities; applying the principles of consistency with concurrency as set forth in Florida law and implementing rules. Audience participation is encouraged.

Speakers

Rey Malave

Associate Vice President, Dewberry

Mr. Malavé is a professional engineer with more than 43 years experience in civil engineering design. His background includes the design and permitting of infrastructure systems, including complex stormwater and utility projects, land development residential and multifamily projects... Read More →

Gary Hubbard

Director of Winter Haven Water, City of Winter Haven

Tabitha Biehl

Land and Water Natural Areas, Polk County - Parks & Natural Resources

As the Land and Water Natural Areas Manager for Polk County, my team and I cover a variety of disciplines such as tackling regional water quality issues, listed species management/monitoring, public education/outreach, invasive species management, stormwater, wildlife management and... Read More →

Darrin Herbst

Daniel Montiel

Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:10pm EDT
Calusa 10

Water Supply & Infrastructure

3:30pm EDT

Permits, Politics, and Public Perception: Communicating High-Profile Environmental Projects

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:10pm EDT

Banyon Ballroom

Limited Capacity seats available

This interactive session tackles the communication dynamics that increasingly influence permitting outcomes. Participants will gain insights into how communication strategies can support regulatory success, reduce project risk, and improve stakeholder trust in complex environmental projects. Drawing on real-world experience supporting complex environmental, water, energy, and infrastructure initiatives across Florida, this course explores how communications strategies can support permitting success from both regulator-facing and public-facing perspectives.

Speakers

Drew Piers

Sachs Media Group

Herschel Vinyard

Partner In Charge, Adams and Reese LLP

Lihy Teuerstein

CEO, IDE Technologies

Lihy Teuerstein joined IDE Technologies in 2011 and has led IDE Water Assets since 2018. With more than two decades of experience in infrastructure, she has a broad understanding of the global water market and international project development processes. Leading projects on nearly... Read More →

Lisa Moore

Save Crystal River

Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:10pm EDT
Banyon Ballroom

Water Supply & Infrastructure

3:30pm EDT

From Vision to Reality: Tools for Advancing the Florida Wildlife Corridor

LIMITED

Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:10pm EDT

Calusa 2-3

Limited Capacity seats available

This course will focus on the real-world implementation of the Florida Wildlife Corridor —what it takes to turn a conservation vision into tangible outcomes. With nearly half of the 18 million-acre corridor already under conservation management and the rest largely comprised of working agricultural lands, success depends on balancing preservation with landowner partnerships. Panelists will explain how tools like conservation easements, strategic land acquisitions, and payments for ecosystem services are being used to secure and connect critical habitats. Attendees will gain insight into how legislative support, funding mechanisms, and cross-sector collaboration are driving forward one of the state’s most ambitious conservation efforts—and what’s next to maintain momentum.

Speakers

Meredith Budd

Live Wildly

Jason Houck, ENV SP, GISP, SPWS

Ecological Practice Director, Ardurra Group

I lead the Southeast Region Ecological Practice for Ardurra Group out of the Orlando, Florida office. As such, I provide environmental and ecological consulting services to clients primarily consisting of state and local government organizations. Services provided include state and... Read More →

Mallory Dimmitt

CEO, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation

Katasha Gruver

Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:10pm EDT
Calusa 2-3

Wildlife & Habitat Conservation