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GENERAL BENEFITS OF GREENWAYS According to documented research, there are several benefits of greenways. Greenways: • preserve the original character of an area and enhance its historical and cultural features; • protect habitats and wildlife corridors, providing scenic corridors for wildlife and birding observation (Forman 1995, and Foreman 2004, see Appendix A); • preserve local water quality and reduce flooding by providing a buffer area between developed areas, water bodies and floodplains (Tourbier 1994, see Appendix A); • provide ecotourism destinations with nature -based recreational opportunities close to growing urban population; and • increase adjacent and nearby real estate values. ST. SEBASTIAN RIVER GREENWAY: A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY Indian River County has provided an invaluable opportunity for the Treasure Coast region by establishing the unique St. Sebastian River Greenway. The St. Sebastian River Greenway is a unique opportunity to enhance our quality of life by providing recreational and open space amenities close to rapidly growing urban population centers in the City of Sebastian and nearby Indian River County. Natural Resources The St. Sebastian River has remarkable biodiversity for a small stream (see Appendix B). In addition, threatened and endangered plant and animal species are protected and managed along the St. Sebastian River, especially in the St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park. The Greenway corridor is recognized by the State as a Strategic Habitat Conservation Area (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission), and is listed by the federal government in its National Wetland Inventory (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) because of its valuable natural resources. The establishment of the St. Sebastian River Greenway will enable the County and its partners to better protect and manage the tremendous biodiversity found along the South Prong of the St. Sebastian River. As a result, the Greenway will provide critical habitat for wildlife, and a corridor for wildlife migration. Recreation and Local Economy This continuous Greenway will provide access to miles of river shoreline, county parks and environmental lands, and over 10,000 acres of State Park land. Both the Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway and the Trans - Florida Rails to Trails project cross the St. Sebastian River. The .Greenway Plan offers opportunities to create coordinated links with existing and planned public transportation routes in a manner that is consistent with the Indian River County 2020 Comprehensive Plan, Transportation Element. The St. Sebastian River Greenway Plan is also consistent with the Goals, Objectives, and Policies of the Indian River County MPO 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). Specifically, Policy 2.06.2 and Policy 2.07.2 seek to adapt existing corridors for bicycle and pedestrian facilities, respectively. The St. Sebastian River has become an important destination for recreation and tourism, and as such, it is an important source of revenue for our local economy. Tour boats and St. Sebastian River Greenway Plan 3