Beginning in the mid 1990’s, Andy Woodruff, CHW’s Professional Wetland Scientist and FDEP authorized Mitigation Supervisor, was involved with the inception of Little Pine Island Mitigation Bank (LPIMB) in Lee County, Florida. Our team’s current involvement ensures the continued restoration and permit compliance of this 1,600± acre wetland mitigation site, which was negatively impacted by invasive species and drainage in the 1960s.

The $22 million restoration project was developed as a public/private partnership in collaboration with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and is currently managed by LPI Wetland Mitigation Bank, Ltd.  In 1997, LPIMB received one of Florida’s first Mitigation Banking Instruments (MBI).  Restoration activity was completed in 2015. The revitalized wetlands now boast well-balanced vegetation communities, a dramatic increase in wildlife habitats, and increased biodiversity. Little Pine Island is one of the most outstanding examples of mitigation transformations and is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and the Great Calusa Blueway.

CHW’s role in this project includes providing mitigation oversight, success criteria monitoring and reporting, GIS habitat mapping, MBI agency modification and coordination, and client representation.

Through our services, we help ensure the long-term success and sustainability of Little Pine Island, a highly successful mitigation bank site that is preserving valuable habitats and providing cost-effective mitigation options for developers.