Volusia County has the first Habitat Conservation Plan and this is why there are now driving restrictions in place. The county applied for a 25-year Incidental Take Permit Renewal from Fish and Wildlife which was granted on November 7, 2005.

   Normally our sand is quite compact in the driving areas with a flat contour. As you move north, you encounter courser red sand that is difficult to drive in but builds nice dunes. This is a more natural beach and it is not surprising that this is where the majority of nests are laid. Since the 2005 season, it has been a bit unusual in that the red sand has continued to move southward causing difficulty for those that try to navigate the driving zones in Ormond Beach and even Daytona Beach that are normally hard-packed.

   The Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol has purchased and maintains several ATVs which are necessary to patrol the northernmost section of Volusia County and all of Flagler County due to the ever-changing terrain and soft sand. These purchases were made possible through some very generous donations as well as extensive fundraising, including nest adoptions and t-shirt sales.

   We wish to thank everyone that contributed for their hard work and generosity. Your help not only allows us to keep sea turtles safe, but our volunteers as well.