Environmental & Marine Consultants with over 30 years Of experience in Southwest Florida.

A complete understanding of the ecology of SW Florida as well as federal, state, and local regulations and policies is the cornerstone of OEC’s foundation.

About us

OEC is a people and science based environmental consulting firm that specializes in projects that range from routine to the most challenging that require creative solutions.

Our strength is in our professional relationships with clients, peer professionals, and agency personnel and the ability to solve the most complicated issues in a timely and cost effective manner.

The ever-changing federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies require adaptability and technical skills to accomplish the goals of our private and public clients.

OEC serves a variety of clients ranging from single family lots to thousand-acre plus projects.

Our Services

Due Diligence Development Feasibility Reports

State and Federal Jurisdictional Wetland Determinations

Heritage Tree Assessments

Protected Species Surveys

Local Future Land Use, Zoning, and Development Approval Assistance

Expert Witness Testimony

SFWMD, FDEP, and USACOE ERP Wetland Permitting for projects including single family residential and docking, large residential and commercial development, marinas, and mining projects.

Specific Protected Species Surveys and Permitting including Florida Panther, Wood Stork, Audubon’s Crested Caracara, Florida Bonneted Bat (roost and acoustic surveys), Red Cockaded Woodpecker, Florida Scrub Jay, Gopher Tortoise, and Florida Burrowing Owl.

Permit Compliance Services including Onsite Wetland Mitigation Area Bid Coordination and Monitoring as well as agency coordination.

Our CLientele

Our clients include large and small private developers, engineering and planning firms, utility companies, and local governments.

Our Team of Experts

Our team includes ecological, mapping, and project management experts in their field. We have the full capability to meet our clients’ needs.

Paul K. Owen

President/Principal Ecologist

Mr. Owen is a Florida native and has over 30 years of environmental consulting experience in SWFL. He has been an owner/manager of industry leading firms in the field for over 22 years. His experience includes project management, all aspects of environmental permitting, environmental studies (wetland and listed species), permit compliance, and preparation of wetland mitigation, indigenous habitat, and listed species management plans. He is an expert in procuring environmental permits (local: city and county, state: Water Management Districts, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission), and federal: US Army Corps of Engineers, and US Fish and Wildlife Service). Obtains state and federal jurisdictional wetland determinations, conducts listed species surveys, prepares due diligence feasibility reports, and prepares proposals and bids. Approved US Fish and Wildlife Service expert in Florida bonneted bat roost and acoustic surveys and Audubon’s Crested Caracara nest and foraging surveys.

Education

Bachelor of Science – Wildlife Ecology/Forestry/Zoology, University of Florida

Master of Science – Systems Ecology, University of Florida

Certifications

Senior Professional Wetland Scientist (No. 1102) – Society of Wetland Scientists

Professional Mangrove Trimmer, State of Florida

Certified Wildlife Biologist, The Wildlife Society

Registered Burrowing Owl Agent (No. RAG- 22‐00031), FFWCC

Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent (No. GTA-23-00071A), FFWCC

Mr. Sorrells has over 9 years of experience in the field of environmental consulting in SWFL. His duties include performing state and federal wetland jurisdictional determinations, protected species assessments, and preparation of State ERP, and Federal Dredge and Fill environmental permit applications for public and private clients. He also prepares mitigation plans, indigenous preserve management plans, protected species management plans, and environmental assessments.

Jesse Sorrells

Senior Ecologist III

Position Open

Ecologist II

Mr. Lemus has over 15 years of GIS and technical mapping experience and has completed projects in a wide range of industries. His understanding of Geospatial analysis and other open-source technology allows him to provide the best possible mapping products and solutions. He specializes in database design management, data conversions, field data collection, and GIS web application integration.

Felipe Lemus

Graphics/GIS Manager

Ms. Morera has over 20 years of experience as office manager of various consulting firms in SWFL. She manages all of the firm’s human resource, accounting, and invoicing needs.

Helvia Morera

Comptroller

Mr. Owen is a student at Florida Gulf Coast University. As field technician he assists with Florida bonneted bat acoustic surveys and wetland mitigation area monitoring. Mr. Owen assists with technical aspects of listed species surveys, vegetation and wetland mapping, and general data collection. Also prepares reports and permit applications.

James V. Owen

Ecological Technician

Mr. Owen is a student at Florida Gulf Coast University and is majoring in civil engineering. As field technician he assists with wetland flagging, listed species surveys, and mitigation monitoring. Mr. Owen also assists with creating maps and graphics as well as general data collection in the field.