BERRYMAN & HENIGAR SURVEY WORK HELPING PROTECT WACISSA RIVER

TALLAHASSEE, FL, May 8, 2003 -- Berryman & Henigar has completed the first phase of a major surveying project for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that will help protect the Wacissa River. Ray Berryman, chief executive officer, Berryman & Henigar, made the announcement.

The Wacissa River is one of Florida's most pristine rivers, located about 25 miles east of Tallahassee. The surrounding area has an abundance of water birds and rare invertebrates and turtles. The Wacissa River and nearby Aucilla River flow through rich swamps and marshes on their way to met each other before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. The state recently purchased 18,550 acres from the St. Joe Timberland Co., one of the largest state conservation purchases ever in the region, which will be added to about 23,000 acres owned by the state at the adjacent Aucilla Wildlife Management Area.

According to Terry Wilkinson, Bureau Chief, Bureau of Surveying and Mapping for DEP, the two-phased 18,550-acre survey project (the second phase is expected to be completed in about 60 days) being conducted by Berryman & Henigar is vital in helping to preserve the ecosystem. It will help protect the Florida black bear and other wildlife, and provide public recreation.

"This surveying project is part of the Florida Forever program, the world's largest environmental land acquisition program," Wilkinson said. "Berryman & Henigar's survey work has saved the state a lot of money and time because we didn't have to retrace or resurrect old survey lines."

Three field crews from Berryman & Henigar completed the first phase on time and within established budgets under very challenging conditions.

"Logistically this is one of the most difficult surveys the firm has ever undertaken," said Senior Vice President Steve Sharpe, who is supervising the project. "A large part of the property is remote and currently underwater. Our crews have had to deal with working in swamps, slogging through marshy terrain, surveying in torrential downpours and also avoiding poisonous snakes and alligators."

Sharpe added that Berryman & Henigar has also served as an ongoing liaison, helping coordinate efforts with DEP (including working with the Department's closing agents and attorneys), St. Joe Timberland Company, and The Nature Conservancy.

Berryman & Henigar provides municipal management consulting, civil engineering, land surveying, public finance, building safety, asset management, and program and construction management to public agencies. Further information is available on the Web at www.bhiinc.com.

Return to: 2003 News Releases