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EXHIBIT B: REVISIONS TO COASTAL MANAGEMENT ELEMENT Comprehensive Plan Coastal Management Element Natural Resources Conservation Service (MRCS) has been conducive towards initiating incentive -based voluntary conservation measures. Conservation measures, such as, soil conservation plans,best management practices (BMPs), and low -flow irrigation, are discussed in detail in the Conservation Element. Nevertheless, continued expansion of agricultural operations and additional commercial and residential development into the western portions of the coastal zone will lead to an overall net loss of pine flatwood, sand pine scrub, mixed hardwood and isolated wetlands communities. Analysis of the coastal mainland ecological communities is discussed in detail in the Conservation Element Archaeological and Historic Resources To ensure protection of archaeological sites, historically significant properties, and historic and scenic roads, the County has an adopted Historic and Archaeological Resource Protection ordinance (LDR Chapter 933). This ordinance has several incentives for historic preservation, including: transferring development rights from an archaeologically significant area to another area of the development site; tax relief for recording a conservation easement; mitigation; and public acquisition. Additionally, the county has an appointed Historic Resource Advisory Committee and also a County Historian. Jungle Trail, the County's premier historic and scenic road, has an adopted management plan, and is undergoing enhancement funded by an Inter- modal Surface Transportation Enhancement Act (ISTEA) grant. In the event an archaeologically significant site is located within an area of proposed development, the County may require an archaeological survey to be performed. However, there have been few instances where a development has threatened an area of archaeological or historic significance; in most cases, such sites have been successfully preserved in designated open space areas associated with development. Endangered, Threatened, or Species of Special Concern Loss of habitat caused by encroaching development is the most significant impact to the survival needs of species designated as being endangered, threatened, or species of special concern. If a threatened or endangered species is potentially affected by a proposed development, the County may require that an environmental assessment of the site be conducted in coordination with the USFWS and/or the FGFWFC FWC. Conservation easements have been successfully employed to protect some species. For example, on the northern barrier island, a population of Florida beach mice was protected under a conservation easement in the Seaview subdivision. Other incentives, such as cluster development and transfer of development rights (TDRs) have proven a somewhat effective means of protecting ecological habitats, without prohibiting development. The most effective and efficient method of protecting threatened or endangered species of flora or fauna is fee simple acquisition of lands with habitat value. The County, through its Environmental Lands Program and in conjunction with state and federal agencies, has acquired Indian River County Coastal Management Element Page 70 Supplement # Ordiance #2005-_ Adopted 2005 Exhibit B Page i