About the Session

The Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method (UMAM) was not written with specific language to apply it to assessing seagrass. There is, however, general language that allows the UMAM to be applicable to seagrass. Specifically, within the Part II guidance for scoring there is general language within the 0, 4, 7, or 10 scoring guidance to correlate to any natural habitat. For example, the score of 4 language states “represents 40% of the optimal value” and “the score is based on reasonable scientific judgment”. With a good understanding of the type of habitat being assessed a scientist can reasonably apply UMAM to any habitat system. Taking into consideration what pristine conditions are for that specific habitat and what stressed or disturbed conditions are is key to scoring. Understanding what factors cause stress or disturb the type of system being assessed is also important. This understanding was used while applying UMAM to assess seagrass along the Howard Frankland Bridge (HFB) causeways. This presentation will present the scores for the seagrass beds adjacent to the HFB along with the justification for those scores and the agency coordination for approval. 

Track:

• Florida
• Infrastructure Upgrades & the Environment
• Planning and Permitting
• Transportation 

About the Speaker

Voni Moore Environmental Scientist HDR Voni Moore is an Environmental Scientist with HDR in Tampa, Florida. She received her Bachelors of Science degree in Environmental Science from the University of South Florida. She has 12 years of experience in the industry working with wetland mitigation, wetland restoration, wetland monitoring, wetland assessments, and permitting for wetland impacts. She has assisted FDOT with permitting and agency coordination regarding wetland impacts and mitigation throughout her career and has been applying the Florida mandated Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method (UMAM) since its implementation in 2007. She recently conducted UMAM assessments for over nine acres of seagrass beds along the six mile Howard Frankland Bridge over Tampa Bay for the bridge’s upcoming replacement.

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