Airports have a wide array of environmental issues that must be diligently managed to ensure the safety of travelers and wildlife alike. KECE ecologists have applied extensive experience managing local wetlands and wildlife combined with a working knowledge of the Federal Airport Authority (FAA) rules and general airport operations to provide project management and environmental expertise to the Lee County Port Authority (LCPA) both as the general environmental and planning consultant, and as a subconsultant to engineering firms.
LCPA operates and manages two airports and a large mitigation park. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is where millions of tourists from around the world are welcomed for their exploration of the natural wonders of southwest Florida’s beaches and preserves, as well as, the numerous restaurants, art galleries, theaters, sporting events, and shopping areas. Page Field Airport (FMY) caters to private jets and recreational pilots, and provides a link to the history of airforce training in Lee County. The 7,000 acre mitigation park was purchased by LCPA to offset the impacts to native habitats and wildlife resulting from the continued expansion and development at RSW. This natural gem encompasses the largest freshwater marsh in south Florida combined with a mosaic of preserved and restored native habitats providing a safe harbor for wildlife in southwest Lee County including the Florida panther, Florida black bear, eastern indigo snake, Big Cypress fox squirrel, American alligator, and a wide array of wading and song birds.
KECE has additional airport experience across Florida. A wildlife hazards study was completed for Charlotte County Airport. An environmental evaluation with mitigation assessment was conducted for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority in relation to an airport expansion. A site assessment and plan design for the redevelopment of the Homestead Airport for the Miami-Dade Port Authority was compiled when the Andrew Airforce Base was decommissioned following Hurricane Andrew.