Meet Coastal Conservation Group, LLC
Who We Are
At Coastal Conservation Group, co-founders Robert Fraser and Tara Dodson bring over 20 years of combined expertise in endangered species monitoring, sea turtle research and environmental permitting. Both are FWC-licensed Marine Turtle Permit Holders and Imperiled Beach Nesting Bird (IBNB) permitted monitors. Tara holds a B.S. in Biology and an MBA in Sustainability and Environmental Compliance. Robert is also a certified Gopher Tortoise Agent and a certified protected species monitor.
Together we serve federal, state, and local government agencies, conservation organizations, environmental permitting professionals, and coastal construction companies — delivering comprehensive consulting that meets complex regulatory requirements at every level while driving meaningful, on-the-ground conservation outcomes.
Our Approach
Coastal Conservation Group works closely with project managers, permitting agencies, project sponsors, and government entities to ensure that all permit requirements are met accurately and on time. Delays or lapses in compliance can result in significant project setbacks, costly fines, and potential legal liability — making experienced environmental oversight an essential component of any coastal development or construction project.
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) establish critical federal protections for threatened and endangered species through rigorous monitoring, research, and reporting requirements. Compliance with these statutes, alongside state-level regulations administered by agencies such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), demands a thorough understanding of both the regulatory landscape and the species involved.
Our FWC-permitted team brings the credentials, field experience, and regulatory knowledge necessary to guide clients through these requirements with confidence. Our core services include:
- Marine Turtle /Shorebird Monitoring & Surveying — Systematic beach surveys, nest documentation, and species monitoring in accordance with FWC and federal permit requirements.
- Gopher Tortoise Relocation & Permitting — FWC-authorized relocation services and permit management for upland development and construction projects.
- Environmental Impact Assessments — Thorough evaluation of potential project impacts on protected species, habitats, and coastal ecosystems.
- Endangered Species Surveys — Field surveys and species presence/absence assessments to support permitting and regulatory compliance.
- Coastal Construction Compliance Oversight — On-site monitoring and documentation to ensure construction activities remain within the bounds of issued permits and applicable environmental regulations.
- Permit Application Preparation & Management — End-to-end support for the preparation, submission, and ongoing management of federal, state, and local environmental permits.
- Sea Turtle Patrol Volunteer Coordination — Training, scheduling, and oversight of volunteer patrol teams to support active sea turtle nesting season monitoring efforts.
- Beach Visitor Education & Outreach — Engaging, informative programming designed to raise public awareness about sea turtles, gopher tortoises, and other protected species among beachgoers and coastal communities.