In 1997 and 1998, KECE conducted habitat mapping, wetland assessments, wildlife surveys, and designed wildlife management and wetland restorations plans as part of the federal, state, and local permitting process to gain approval of a professional golf course on approximately 360 acres in Collier County, Florida. The project site provided interesting permitting challenges due to its sensitive nature. The subject parcel is located adjacent to an Outstanding Florida Water and the property is inhabited by a large number of gopher tortoises. KECE worked with Collier Enterprises, the project engineer, golf course designer, South Florida Water Management District, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, and Collier County in order to develop a permitable project design. The final design of the project includes a professional quality golf course and clubhouse, over 145 acres of wetland preserves, and more then 45 acres of protected and enhanced gopher tortoise habitat.
In 2001, Old Collier Golf Course was named the world’s first Certified Audubon International Gold Signature Sanctuary, a designation which recognizes excellence in environmental planning, as well as numerous other awards including the 2003 Sustainable Florida Award.