ADS-33 Helicopter Test Course Wetland Mitigation Identification and Permitting

This helicopter test course was a unique and challenging two-year project consisting of a wetland delineation and assessment, listed species surveys, and state and federal permitting of an unusually shaped slalom course for helicopters to fly over. Although the course location attempted to use existing uplands where possible, the majority of the property was high-quality wetlands.

Challenges associated with the high-security site included a project area that was outside of any nearby federal Mitigation Service Area, conflicting interpretations for which types of habitat could be mitigated, as well as corporate and political constraints. Ultimately, less than five acres of state and federal wetland impacts required mitigation, and the project was permitted and constructed on schedule.