How to easily map wetlands

How to Map the Cape Haze Wetlands Yourself

Visualizing the overlap between the proposed PD 25-12 (Hutton MF) development and our local wetlands is a powerful tool for your testimony. Use the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) to see the data for yourself.

Step 1: Open the Mapper

Go directly to the official NWI Wetlands Mapper.

Step 2: Find the Site

In the search bar (magnifying glass icon), enter the project location: Plaza Drive, Placida, FL 33946

This is the area directly behind the Cape Haze Ace Hardware and Apulia.

Step 3: See the Overlap

• Zoom In: Scroll until you see the colored shapes (wetlands) over the property.

• Change the View: Click the Basemaps icon (four squares) and select "Imagery." This shows the actual trees and water currently on the site.

• Identify: Click on any colored area to see its official classification code.

Step 4: Save & Print

Click the Print icon at the top to save a PDF of your map.

• Recommendation: Print 7 copies to hand to the Commissioners during your 5-minute testimony tomorrow.

Why This Matters

The NWI is a federally recognized dataset. Showing a map where the Hutton MF site plan and parking lots overlap these protected areas provides "competent substantial evidence" that the development may violate our County’s environmental protections.

The Big Question:

"The National Wetlands Inventory clearly shows this site is a functioning wetland. How does this high-density project protect these vital natural resources as required by our Comprehensive Plan?"