40th Environmental Permitting Summer School: Full Schedule

1:30pm EDT

Florida One Water Commission Meeting

LIMITED

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 5:00pm EDT

Calusa 2-3

Limited Capacity seats available

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:30pm - 5:00pm EDT
Calusa 2-3

Early Bird Courses

8:30am EDT

Federal Wetlands Permitting Update

LIMITED

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am EDT

Calusa 2-3

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 →

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am EDT
Calusa 2-3

Permitting & Regulatory Practice

10:30am EDT

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

LIMITED

Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:10pm EDT

Calusa 2-3

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.

Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:30am - 12:10pm EDT
Calusa 2-3

Cross-Cutting & Emerging Issues

1:30pm EDT

FDEP Regulatory and Policy Update

LIMITED

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:30pm - 3:10pm EDT

Calusa 2-3

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.

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:30pm - 3:10pm EDT
Calusa 2-3

Environmental Policy & Agency Updates

3:30pm EDT

Water Management District Updates on Minimum Flows and Levels and Water Reservations

LIMITED

Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:30pm - 5:10pm EDT

Calusa 2-3

Limited Capacity seats available

To prevent significant harm to the water resource due to water use, the water management districts must adopt minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for waterbodies and groundwater according to an annual priority list. A Water Reservation sets aside a volume of water for the protection of fish and wildlife or public health and safety. Reserved volumes of water are unavailable for allocation to consumptive water uses. If the waterbody does not meet or is projected not to meet, the adopted MFL, the district must adopt a recovery or prevention strategy, and coordinate with water users and other stakeholders to implement solutions to improve the status of the waterbody. This course provides an update on recent progress by each District which may highlight recently adopted MFLs or Reservations, re-evaluations or changes in waterbody status, and progress on projects and programs to address significant harm.

Speakers

Ann Shortelle

Bio-Tech Consulting

Kathleen Coates

Director, Division of Resource Management, Northwest Florida Water Management District

Clay Coarsey

Director, Division of Water Supply Planning & Assessment, St. Johns River Water Management District

James Beeren

Lead Scientist, Applied Sciences Bureau, South Florida Water Management District

Amy Brown

Deputy Executive Director, Water Resources, Suwannee River Water Management District

Randy Smith

Director, Resource Management Division, Southwest Florida Water Management District

As director of the Resource Management Division at the Southwest Florida Water Management District, I oversee the bureaus that plan, develop and implement District water resource management initiatives concerning water supply, flood protection, natural systems and water quality. I... Read More →

Wednesday July 22, 2026 3:30pm - 5:10pm EDT
Calusa 2-3

Environmental Policy & Agency Updates

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

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

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

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

8:30am EDT

Mangroves Seagrasses and Living Shorelines

LIMITED

Friday July 24, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am EDT

Calusa 2-3

Limited Capacity seats available

This session will address the types of permits (CCCL, ERP, JCP) that apply to marine-related projects and includes presentations on how the ecology and biology of Florida’s seagrasses and mangroves drive the reality of regulatory responses; what restoration options and assessment strategies are available and appropriate; the challenges of the permitting process and the importance of establishing realistic restoration goals that can be measured as well as attained. Also, some focus will be given to UMAM assessments for seagrass impacts and mitigation; living shorelines, mangrove restoration and other estuarine restoration techniques; and restoration site selection, techniques, and monitoring in the context of the regulatory environment. This course provides excellent coverage of a very complex subject.

Speakers

Raymond Dennis, III, PWS, FAA Remote Pilot

Principal, Gulf East Business Center Practice Lead - Environmental Services, Stantec Consulting Inc.

For over 29 years, Mr. Dennis has dedicated his career to assisting clients in achieving their project objectives while protecting and restoring natural resources. The focus of Mr. Dennis’s scientific training and experience has been on coastal and freshwater wetland ecology, regulatory... Read More →

Mark Fonseca

Senior Ecologist, CSA Ocean Sciences, Inc.

I am interested in habitat restoration, particularly of seagrasses, including their valuation, ecological function, landscape dynamics and associated hydrodynamic environment particularly as it is influenced by wind waves, boat wakes and tidal currents. My recent activities include... Read More →

Nicole Monies

D1 Environmental Permits Coordinator, FDOT

Nicole Monies is a transportation professional with over ten years of experience working for the Florida Department of Transportation in the environmental field. She has spent her FDOT career in District One as the Environmental Permits Coordinator. Nicole works in the Design Department... Read More →

Carter Henne

Sea & Shoreline

Krista Slyter

WSP

Friday July 24, 2026 8:30am - 10:10am EDT
Calusa 2-3

Wildlife & Habitat Conservation

10:30am EDT

The Evolving Landscape of Florida Wetland Mitigation Banking

LIMITED

Friday July 24, 2026 10:30am - 12:10pm EDT

Calusa 2-3

Limited Capacity seats available

Florida’s mitigation banking industry continues to rapidly evolve as regulatory agencies, bankers, consultants, and permittees navigate changing policy, market demands, and implementation challenges. This course will provide a focused update on key regulatory and operational developments impacting mitigation banking in Florida, including implementation of Senate Bill 492 and its evolving application. Attendees will also hear updates from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and gain insight into current draft revisions to Florida’s mitigation banking rule, with particular attention to financial assurances and related legal and regulatory considerations. Designed for environmental professionals with a working knowledge of mitigation banking, this session offers a practical look at the latest policy shifts and what they may mean for future mitigation bank operations and project permitting throughout the state.

Speakers

Environmental Policy & Agency Updates

1:30pm EDT

8:30am EDT

10:30am EDT

1:30pm EDT

3:30pm EDT

8:30am EDT

10:30am EDT

1:30pm EDT

3:30pm EDT

8:30am EDT

10:30am EDT

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