At EAI, we are continuously providing innovative environmental management and monitoring solutions to private and public sector clients in Florida and beyond.  Visit our website often for current updates on EAI projects, publications, presentations, awards, and other relevant news. June 2007.  EAI initiated baseline monitoring for a proposed dredging project in the Manatee Pocket, Martin County, Florida.  The Manatee Pocket is a shallow embayment near the confluence of the St. Lucie River, Indian River Lagoon, and St. Lucie Inlet.  The County has proposed removing muck sediments from the Pocket to enhance navigation and restore environmental function.  Monitoring of water quality, sediment chemistry, benthic macroinvertebrates, and seagrasses before and after construction will serve as the basis for assessing the effectiveness of the restoration project. March 2007.  EAI was awarded a contract to prepare a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for Walton County, Florida.  Much of the County’s Gulf of Mexico shoreline experienced considerable erosion following the passage of Hurricane Dennis in 2005.  In response, the County issued a number of emergency permits for shoreline armoring.  Under a federal grant, Walton County, is developing the HCP in support of application to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a Section 10(b) Incidental Take Permit (ITP), which would authorize the incidental take of several species of sea turtles, the Choctawhatchee beach mouse, and wintering piping plovers resulting from shoreline protection activities initiated under the County’s emergency authorization.  The HCP will include a variety of measures to minimize take, as well as programs to mitigate unavoidable take. March 2007.  EAI working as a sub-contractor to Taylor Engineering, Inc. initiated a sea turtle monitoring program for the beaches of northern Palm Beach County, Florida.  In collaboration with the Loggerhead Marinelife Center of Juno Beach, EAI staff will document nesting activity along approximately 9.5 miles of beach from the Martin/Palm Beach County Line south to the northern boundary of J.D. MacArthur State Park.  The data generated from this monitoring program will be integrated into a County-wide database and used in support of permitting for beach nourishment and other coastal construction projects. September 2006.  EAI began working with the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico to develop a light management strategy for the communities surrounding the Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Preserve in Puerto Rico.  Increasing development and the accompanying artificial light pollution is degrading nesting habitat within the Preserve and interfering with the public’s enjoyment of the adjacent bioluminescent lagoon, a popular tourist attraction. EAI will evaluate lights in the communities adjacent to the Preserve, provide recommendations for improving light management, and work with local officials to transfer light management strategies to other coastal communities within Puerto Rico.   November 2005.  In October 2001, EAI began assisting Volusia County with renewal of its Incidental Take Permit (ITP) for beach driving.  EAI amended the County’s Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and developed other documents in support of the permit renewal.  On November 17, 2005, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued the new ITP.  The 25-year permit authorizes incidental take of sea turtles and piping plovers resulting from beach driving and vehicular beach access-related activities along 36 miles of Atlantic Beaches managed by the County.   The HCP contains numerous provisions, programs, and plans to minimize the take of protected species along the County’s beaches.  Since 1996, EAI has assisted Volusia County with implementation of its HCP and that assistance will continue into the foreseeable future as the new permit and amended HCP take effect. June 2004.  In collaboration with Florida Atlantic University, Ecological Associates, Inc. is preparing a Manatee Protection Plan (MPP) for Palm Beach County, Florida.  The MPP entails the development of policies, programs, and guidelines for reducing impacts to the endangered Florida manatee.  EAI has previously prepared MPPs for the coastal waterways of Martin (2001) and St. Lucie (2002) Counties. November 2003.  The Notice of Availability of the Habitat Conservation Plan for the Protection of Sea Turtles on Eroding Beaches in Indian River County, Florida and the accompanying Environmental Assessment, both developed by Ecological Associates, Inc., have been posted for public comment in the Federal Register (Vol. 68, No. 225, Pgs. 65730-65732) by the Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service.       Click here to view the full Habitat Conservation Plan (PDF file).      Click here to view the full Environmental Assessment (PDF file). September 2003.  Ecological Associates, Inc. was the recipient of the Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association's (FSBPA's) 2003 Environmental Award.  Our firm was honored for its long-time "research and public advocacy to protect sea turtles."  The award was presented September 4, 2003 during FSBPA's 47th Annual Conference held in Amelia Island, Florida.