Ecosystem Management

LAND MANAGEMENT PLANS
Scheda can identify and characterize key natural features which are important to the integrity of the site, and recommend strategies for maintaining and enhancing ecological functions.

NUISANCE SPECIES ERADICATION
Scheda’s professionals have formulated site-specific plans for nuisance species eradication, and provided oversight for the removal and control of non-native vegetation.

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING REPORTS
Environmental monitoring is an essential component of effective land management.  A well-designed monitoring program provides feedback on effectiveness of current management strategies, as well as identifies opportunities to manage more effectively.

Marine and Aquatic Resource Services (MARS)

WATER AND SEDIMENT QUALITY
Many aquatic projects will involve monitoring water and sediment quality.  The MARS division has a wide array of water quality meters, ponar samplers, and ambient data collection equipment.  In addition, Scheda owns a variety of watercraft, allowing us to work nearshore and offshore, in both marine and freshwater environments.

BATHYMETRY AND SIDE-SCAN SONAR
Some projects required accurate depth measurements and bathymetric assessments for permitting and design purposes.  Scheda’s side-scan sonar unit, coupled with a GPS unit, allows for the collection of geo-referenced depth data and, in some cases, bottom types, vegetation, and the identification of obstructions.  This technology facilitates bottom characterization for large areas for assessment and planning purposes such as mooring fields and pipeline deployment.  We also can deploy side-scan sonar equipment on shallow draft vessels for data collection in remote locations. 

SCIENTIFIC DIVERS
Scheda has a team of certified SCUBA divers, all with scientific diving experience.  Their experience includes the use of still frame and video equipment for benthic mapping, vessel grounding damage assessment, habitat mitigation and seagrass and coral transplantation projects.  Some studies may use PointCount software to quantify benthic organisms, such as stony corals, for determining general health or assessing impacts.

PROTECTED MARINE SPECIES OBSERVERS
Scheda has a number of scientists trained in various watch protocols, all of whom are on the approved observer list for the State of Florida.  Example projects include demolition of bridges or other infrastructure, or creation of channels and basin openings using explosives, which typically require both land-based and aerial surveys.

Ecosystem Mitigation and Restoration

Our comprehensive services related to habitat mitigation and restoration include site selection, conceptual design, agency coordination, final design including CAD plans, permitting, construction inspection (including plant inspections), and compliance monitoring and reporting.

HABITAT RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT
Scheda’s ecologists have been instrumental in implementing the habitat restoration goals of several regional agencies including the SWFWMD’s Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) Program, the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, and South Florida Water Management District’s Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program.  Many of our restoration projects have won awards of environmental distinction.

MITIGATION DESIGN
Scheda’s scientists can negotiate the regulatory maze involved in permitting a mitigation design, and have developed innovative solutions resulting in superior projects and cost savings for our clients.

MITIGATION BANKING
Our scientists have successfully developed mitigation banking options for many clients, including non-traditional off-site mitigation solutions.

REGIONAL OFF-SITE MITIGATION AREAS (ROMA)
Our professionals have evaluated large land parcels for ROMA suitability, performing extensive ecological analyses to determine mitigation credit potentials for each parcel.  This information has resulted in credible decisions regarding ROMA feasibility, and implementation of functional ROMAs as mitigation solutions for our clients.

REGIONAL STORMWATER RETROFIT PROJECTS
Non-point stormwater runoff is a major contributor to the degradation of surface waters in developed watersheds.  Scheda’s professionals have comprehensive experience in the environmental design and construction of large regional stormwater retrofit projects.  These projects range from simple passive biological filter marshes, to sophisticated alum injection systems within urban settings.

Click here for a map of all Scheda habitat restoration projects.

Wildlife

Scheda scientists are experts in the field of wildlife biology and are well versed in the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions approved censusing methods, monitoring protocols, education plans, and permitting for both common and protected wildlife species.

SURVEYS
Various techniques are used to indicate the presence of animals including counts of actual animals, tracks, burrows, scat, and calls.  Survey techniques include remote infrared camera networks, track counts, spotlight surveys, burrow counts, and trapping.  Species-specific surveys are conducted according to USFWS and FWC guidelines including red cockaded woodpeckers, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, sand skinks, snail kites, southeastern American kestrels, crested caracara, panther prey species, burrowing owls, manatees, and migratory bird species among others.  All survey efforts include habitat assessment.

PERMITTING
Scheda scientists are knowledgeable with regard to ever-changing protected species regulations, and acquire necessary permits for proposed impacts.

TRAPPING AND RELOCATION
USFWS and FWC approved trapping methods are used for reptile species, including the gopher tortoise, birds and small mammal species.  Our relocation experience includes gopher tortoises, burrowing owls and small reptile species.

WATCH AND MONITORING PROGRAMS
Scheda scientists have designed and implemented numerous watch programs and monitoring protocols for terrestrial and marine protected wildlife species including the Florida manatee, sea turtles, bald eagle, and crested caracara.

BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS
Scheda scientists routinely produce biological assessments in accordance with USFWS requirements which are used during the permit application and review process.

EDUCATION
Scheda scientists have designed and implemented contractor training courses for protected wildlife species which includes the identification of protected species and protocols for their protection through power point presentations, brochures and posters.

Ecosystem Management Services Projects:

Berth 26 Manatee Watch for Dredge Operations
Kissimmee River Pool E Wetland Restoration Feasibility Study
NOAA Pine Rocklands Exotic Species Removal
Palmetto Estuary Preserve - Habitat Restoration
Pool E Wetland Rest Feasibility Study
Port Manatee Expansion - Seagrass Restoration Permit Compliance
Port Manatee Expansion Project - 000643.10.C
Port Richey Dredging Project Environmental Support
Port Richey Dredging Seagrass and WQ- 000954.10.C
Sarasota Bay Estuary Program Wetlands Coordinator
Shultz Park Habitat Rest 000288.10.C
Shultz Park Nature Preserve - Habitat Restoration
STA 2 Cell 4 Protected Species Survey and Construction Management Plan
Tampa Bay Regional Reservior Mitigation Resource Management Plan