Abstract: Utilizing a regional framework, site data from an archaeological survey of a roughly 9,000 acre tract in eastern Manatee County, conducted as part of a Development of Regional Impact (DRI) study, were analyzed, and a research design to aid in the structure and evaluation of future archaeological investigations in the area was formulated. Included in the three-stage resarch design were an identification of future research needs and suggested methodologies. On the basis of regional land use planning information and population projections, priorities were established for the future identification and management of cultural resources in the Manatee Region.