Wildlands Conservation has assembled a team of ecologists and land managers led by David Sumpter and Rob Heath that have collectively managed tens of thousands of acres of land for the state, several counties, as well as private large land owners. Wildlands Conservation also manages mitigation areas and conservation easements set aside for the protection of both wetlands and uplands with species-specific management objectives.

Wildlands Conservation has helped create and execute well over 50 plans for preserves, parks, and private land owners throughout Florida, ranging in size from 15 to over 15,000 acres.

The development of land management plans, an effort led by Laura DiGruttolo, typically includes site characterization, baseline surveys, identification of management strategies and monitoring protocols, and assessment of issues such as public use. Resource management plan development often involves working with stakeholder groups that have varied interests in how areas are managed. Our strategy is to first understand the property, the needs of the various stakeholders, and work on compromises to ensure the interests of all interested parties.

Management implementation often includes habitat restoration and ongoing management activities such as prescribed burning and exotic species removal. Currently, we are responsible for managing various preserves and conservation easements in several counties throughout Florida.