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eco -tour professionals guide visitors along the river year round. Bird and wildlife viewing opportunities will be comparable to the best sites in the region. These same recreational and open space amenities and the associated natural lands will likely enhance property values, as well. Natural Hydrology and Water Quality Creation of the Greenway will provide an opportunity to preserve the natural flow way of the St. Sebastian River. The Greenway will also contribute to the overall integrity of the entire drainage area of the River. This will allow the exchange of water and organisms between the freshwater wetlands associated with the river and the Lagoon, and preserve water quality. Drainage through the present wetlands into the Lagoon will be of higher quality, and runoff impacts associated with development would be avoided. Historical and Cultural Resources The Greenway area includes historic roads, like the General Hernandez Trail - Capron Trail, as well as historic railroad corridors (Trans - Florida Railroad), logging and citrus trails, and farms and residences from the early 20th century. The historic Fellsmere-Brookside Cemetery is also within the Greenway. Prehistoric archaeological sites in the Greenway area may exist and this potential will need to be assessed further by the Division of Historical Resources. Several historic sites listed on the Florida Master Site File are found along the Greenway corridor. Coastal and Vegetation Management The Greenway will provide the opportunity to manage growth in the coastal area and protect and enhance its natural resources. It could help create a buffer between development and sensitive wetlands, and thus reduce potential degradation to natural resources, water quality, and productivity. By avoiding development in a floodplain, this plan would also help preserve the flood control benefits of the river's wetlands, as well as protect the water quality of the Lagoon by providing filtration for stormwater runoff. In addition, the greenway would preserve the natural shoreline and wetlands which filter sediment and nutrients that would otherwise impact seagrass beds in the Indian River Lagoon. Lastly, the creation of the St. Sebastian River Greenway would facilitate the removal of invasive plant species, especially Brazilian Pepper, in accordance with the County's goals of enhancing wetlands and natural vegetation. SUMMARY The creation of the St. Sebastian River Greenway offers opportunities to enhance our natural and cultural heritage, while providing high quality recreational facilities and further strengthening our local economy. This St. Sebastian Greenway Plan does not create or impose any additional regulations or authority. This Greenway Plan is consistent with the Goals, Objectives, and Policies of the Indian River County 2020 Comprehensive Plan. Furthermore, this Greenway Plan allows the County and its partners to work with willing landowners along this unique ecological corridor to collectively forge a vision for protecting this stretch of "Old Florida" for generations to come. St. Sebastian River Greenway Plan 4