USGS data to support environmental management initiatives
Dewberry, a privately held professional services firm, has been selected by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct 1,211 square miles of lidar surveys covering a large portion of the Everglades National Park in southern Florida. High-density topobathymetric lidar and ground survey data will be collected for the project, enabling elevation modeling within both terrestrial and submerged environments. The data will assist the USGS and the National Park Service (NPS) in environmental management of the park, including initiatives to address sea level rise. The data resulting from this project will help increase the predictive capability of hydrologic models and improve understanding of the park’s diverse habitats and drainage characteristics.
According to Keith Patterson, Dewberry’s project manager, “the project will also support a scientific study underway to model marl prairie habitat for the Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow, an endangered non-migratory songbird that resides solely in the Everglades.” Placed on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Endangered Species List in 1967, the species continues to be threatened by sea level rise and reduced freshwater flows.
About Dewberry
Dewberry is a leading, market-facing firm with a proven history of providing professional services to a wide variety of public- and private-sector clients. Recognized for combining unsurpassed commitment to client service with deep subject matter expertise, Dewberry is dedicated to solving clients’ most complex challenges and transforming their communities. Established in 1956, Dewberry is headquartered in Fairfax, Virginia, with more than 50 locations and 2,000+ professionals nationwide. To learn more, visit www.dewberry.com.