EAI helped prepare the first countywide HCP in Florida (Volusia County) to protect sea turtles from beach driving. EAI also assisted in the preparation of NEPA documents in support of the County’s application to the USFWS for an ESA Section 10 Incidental Take Permit (ITP). Following issuance of the ITP, EAI assisted Volusia County with implementation of its HCP and was instrumental in amending the Permit for an additional 25-year term.

EAI has since contracted with Indian River, St. Johns, and Walton Counties to prepare countywide HCPs for the protection of sea turtles from shoreline armoring, beach driving, and a variety of other activities managed or regulated by the respective counties.

EAI is currently a key member of a technical Working Group, composed of State and Federal wildlife agency staff and other subject matter experts, to develop a Statewide HCP for the protection of 19 species of sea turtles, shorebirds, and beach mice from activities permitted under the FDEP’s Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) Program. EAI’s expertise and extensive practical experience is being used to develop minimization and mitigation measures for sea turtles and help shepherd HCP development through the regulatory process.

EAI is also developing a conservation plan for the protection of sea turtles during power plant activities in support of an application to the NMFS for a Section 10 ITP.