ORLANDO, FLA. — GAI Consultants Inc. (GAI), a national engineering and environmental consulting firm, announced that as of Jan. 1, 2013, it acquired Winter Park-based, ecological consulting firm Lotspeich and Associates, Inc. (L&A).

“The regional experience of Lotspeich and Associates combined with the national presence and staffing of GAI Consultants will provide a preeminent resource for environmental assessments throughout Florida and the entire southeast,” says Karl Lotspeich, current Principal of L&A and new Senior Director with GAI.

Lotspeich and Associates specialize in ecological sciences consulting, including wetland delineation and permitting, protected species surveys and management, GIS land use mapping, eminent domain assessments, and habitat evaluation and restoration. Their staff has diverse experience with the evaluation and characterization of ecological systems, and assists clients in the interpretation and compliance with all levels of regulatory and permitting requirements.

In the development sector, L&A’s work supports both private and public/municipal clients, including a broad range of engineers, architects, planners, and attorneys. In the natural sciences sector, the firm serves as a prime consultant working directly for the federal government, state government, as well as local counties and municipalities.

GAI President and CEO Gary DeJidas, P.E., describes the L&A acquisition as “…a strategic union that brings together two companies with a long-standing professional relationship built on mutual respect, integrity, and a commitment to provide superior client service.”

Lotspeich and Associates, Inc. will relocate to the GAI Building in downtown Orlando to take advantage of GAI’s accounting, marketing, and administrative services.