ATM staff directed and provided the expertise to investigate and write a complete Environmental Assessment covering all aspects of the human and natural communities on and around the beaches of Volusia County. A thorough study was conducted on the economic, social, and regulatory environments, as well as the biology of sea turtles. Extensive research was conducted on human impacts to nesting sea turtles on Volusia County beaches. Stakeholder meetings were held with conservationists, community leaders, tourism officials, commercial fisherman, concessionaires and others who use the beach. Project staff worked closely with the Volusia County Attorney and Manager, US Fish and Wildlife Services, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and sea turtle biologists to develop a Habitat Conservation Plan. The plan was designed to protect nesting sea turtles while still permitting various uses of the beach. A mitigation and management plan was developed to include staff and community education programs, policy development for beach use, and lighting issues. Beach conservation zones were determined to protect all state and federally protected species. A scientifically designed monitoring program was set up to allow the County to determine any possible changes in management of the beaches in order to provide better protection of sea turtles and nesting birds.