Florida’s Wetlands Vanish Rapidly as New Webinar Exposes Critical Risks
Florida is losing tens of thousands of acres of wetlands, transforming landscapes, disrupting water systems, and endangering wildlife and communities that rely on these vital ecosystems. This alarming trend shows no sign of slowing as development pressures escalate statewide.
On Wednesday, May 13, from 12:00 to 1:30 PM EDT, a free virtual webinar titled “From Swamp to Suburbia: The True Cost of Wetland Loss in Florida” will spotlight the urgent threats facing Florida’s wetlands and explore solutions from science, policy, and law.
What’s Happening Now: An Ecosystem Under Siege
Hundreds of new development proposals surface each year, sparking battles over local planning rules and legal debates about who controls wetland destruction permits. This escalating tension threatens the state’s natural heritage and resilience to climate challenges such as flooding.
Julianne Thomas of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida will demonstrate an innovative wetlands mapping tool using decades of aerial imagery and time-slider technology to reveal how drastically Southwest Florida’s wetlands have changed. These visualizations expose the scale and speed of wetland losses that are reshaping the region.
Mariana Aziz Pico, representing Miami Waterkeeper, will analyze Miami-Dade County’s Urban Development Boundary—a policy line designed to protect wetlands from sprawl—and the available planning tools shaping the future of urban growth versus natural preservation.
Christina Reichert of Earthjustice will outline the federal legal framework under the Clean Water Act’s Section 404 permitting process, highlighting a key recent D.C. Circuit court ruling that upholds federal wetlands protections. She will also break down the evolving definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) and how it influences federal oversight of wetland destruction.
Why This Matters Across the U.S. and Here in Kentucky
Though focused on Florida, the webinar’s themes resonate nationally as wetlands are crucial buffers against flooding, sources of clean water, and habitats for biodiversity everywhere—including Kentucky’s own riverine and wetland systems. The legal battles and policy innovations showcased could influence similar environmental challenges across the United States.
How to Join and Gain Certified Education Credits
The 90-minute webinar is free but requires registration. Attendees can earn continuing education credits, including 1.5 AICP CM credits from the American Institute of Certified Planners and 1.5 CLE credits from the Florida Bar.
This event marks the conclusion of the 2025–2026 John M. DeGrove Webinar Series, spotlighting critical planning issues nationwide.
Register now to secure your spot: https://events.zoom.us/ev/Av-4WfJSpqsxAv_fTu3vLW6O__SXHJBJsTbVZBDWey3wi-17RRoA~AvipEcbrx2M7LkUcsz-LFIX43DsRjVp3hLSGw1zld9YArAbMIiuaAd00Vg
What’s Next?
The webinar’s launch of the wetlands mapping tool and discussion of cutting-edge legal rulings signal a turning point in understanding and potentially curbing wetland destruction. Stakeholders across states should watch closely as policies, tools, and court decisions evolve in 2026 and shape the future of wetland conservation nationally.
For Kentucky residents and across the country facing similar environmental pressures, this webinar offers crucial insights on protecting vital wetland ecosystems that support wildlife, safeguard water quality, and buffer communities in an increasingly unpredictable climate.
