Environmental Services, INC.

ESI holds a statewide contract with Florida Department of Environmental Protection to perform habitat assessments of properties held under conservation easements and Land Protection Agreements. Baseline documentation encompasses the environmental and land use assessments that allow DEP to understand the nature of each site as well as any outstanding assets or potential liabilities associated with the property. Annual monitoring events evaluate any changes in the site. Easements are generally placed on remote properties that can comprise thousands of acres.

Using the latest available georectified aerial photographs of each project area ESI uses Geographic Information System (GIS) databases and mapping to prepare preliminary site maps for use in field assessment, identifying areas of special interest or concern and increasing the efficiency of field work.

Data include both ecological characterization (Wetlands, Drainage basins, Significant Habitat Areas for protected species, and Soils), as well as existing or planned infrastructure (major roads, planned roads/other public works, Real estate parcels with identifying data, FEMA Maps, and significant landmarks). Use of the field maps preloaded into handheld computers for Global Positioning System units facilitates navigation to features of particular interest. By using GIS in association with ground truthing ESI provides highly accurate and detailed assessments.

Baseline documentation and monitoring reports include descriptions of the physical setting of the property (including soils and topography); identification, mapping, and functional assessment of all natural habitats; identification of land uses other than natural communities on properties; identification of wildlife present; assessment of protected species; identification of invasive or exotic species; and photographic documentation of the site.

**The information depicted on project figures are for informational purposes only and was not prepared for, and is not suitable for legal or engineering purposes. This information presented is not for regulatory review and is intended for use only by a Professional Licensed surveyor prior to regulatory review.