Natuaral Resources Associates

Gopher Tortoise

Navigating Local Ecosystem Protections in Southwest Florida

SEO title tag: Local Ecosystem Protections in Florida: A Landowner’s Guide When Local Rules Shape the Landscape: Understanding Ecosystem Protections in Southwest Florida You have checked for wetlands, reviewed listed-species requirements, and confirmed your project’s state permits. Does that mean…
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The European vs. U.S. Model of Wildlife Management: Should American Landowners Adopt It?

If you own land in Florida, you may have heard a recurring question: Would wildlife be better managed if landowners controlled the wildlife on their property: much like in parts of Europe? It is an appealing idea. Private landowners often…
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Navigating Grand & Heritage Tree Surveys for Florida Land Development

You have spent months finalizing your site layout, coordinating civil engineers, and securing financing for your upcoming development in central or southern Florida. Then, during the initial county review, a single hurdle brings your momentum to a halt: a stop-work…
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Prescribed Fire & Ranch Management in Florida

Prescribed burning is an important part of both environmental land management and range management. Pasture lands (improved and unimproved) are a vital part of the local ecosystem. The proper use of fire as a management tool supports both agricultural and environmental goals and increases the productivity of the land.

The Charlotte County Scrub-Jay Lawsuit: What It Means for Florida Development and the ESA

Imagine you’ve finally found the perfect five-acre lot in Punta Gorda to build your dream home. You’ve crunched the numbers, secured the financing, and you’re ready to break ground. Then, your permit application hits a wall. To move forward, the…
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The Charlotte County Scrub-Jay Lawsuit: What It Means for Florida Development and the ESA

Imagine you’ve finally found the perfect five-acre lot in Punta Gorda to build your dream home. You’ve crunched the numbers, secured the financing, and you’re ready to break ground. Then, your permit application hits a wall. To move forward, the…
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State Waters vs. Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) in Florida: The Two-Permit Reality After the 2026 Rulings

If you have been following the news regarding Florida’s environmental permitting over the last few years, you likely feel like you’re watching a high-stakes game of legal ping-pong. One day, the State is in charge; the next, a federal court…
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Why SB 492 Matters: How It Changes Mitigation Credits and Project Timelines

Florida is currently caught in a paradox. On one hand, we are facing historic development pressure as thousands of people move to the Sunshine State every week. On the other hand, our ecosystems are under stress from shifting weather patterns…
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How to Integrate Cattle Ranching With Ecosystem Management (and Why It’s Good for Business)

If you’ve walked your pastures lately, you don’t need a weather report to tell you things are dire. As of April 2026, 100% of Florida is officially in a drought, with over 70% of the state classified in the "extreme"…
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How to Integrate Gopher Tortoise Habitat Management With Your Agricultural Operations

If you’re a rancher or a large-scale landowner in Florida, seeing a gopher tortoise burrow on your property can sometimes feel like seeing a "Stop Work" sign in the middle of your pasture. There is a common misconception that these…
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