A gopher tortoise emerges from its burrow (Photo via Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.)
Gopher Tortoise Expertise
Central Florida
If you're buying, selling, or developing land in Central Florida, gopher tortoise regulations can stop your project, delay closing, or trigger fines if handled incorrectly.
We handle that for you from start to finish.
Based in Ocala, we provide surveys, permitting, relocation, and compliance documentation so you can move forward without delays or surprises.
As a wildlife scientist and certified gopher tortoise agent, I can legally sign off on projects which means you don’t need to coordinate multiple consultants or risk something being done wrong.
We work with:
Realtors
Developers
Landowners
Contractors
Engineers
Our role is simple: keep your deal or project moving while staying fully compliant.
Chelsea E Durr, PhD
As a Wildlife Scientist and FWC-certified Gopher Tortoise Agent, I bring over a decade of specialized experience in the conservation of endangered species across both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. My technical foundation is rooted in a Ph.D. from Purdue University, where my research focused on foraging ecology and spatial dynamics—expertise I continue to apply as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at Purdue and as a member of the Executive Team at The Leatherback Trust.
In the field, I leverage advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite telemetry to provide high-precision habitat mapping, compliance reporting, and landscape-scale management planning. Through my firm, I translate complex ecological data into actionable strategies for companies, agencies, and nonprofits.
Now based in Ocala, Florida, where I also co-manage an elite equine operation, I possess a unique perspective that balances rigorous science with a deep respect for working lands. I provide my clients with practical, field-tested solutions to navigate gopher tortoise regulations and land-use challenges, ensuring that projects remain on track while upholding the highest standards of wildlife protection.
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