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Walter Tabachnick <br />, a resident of Indian River County, a professor at the <br />University of Florida, and the director of the Florida Entomology Laboratory, spoke about the <br />importance of the FEL to this area as a resource in Indian River County for the last 50 years and as <br />one of the leading laboratories studying medical entomology in investigating diseases. They are <br />able to do this partly because of the unique resources in this habitat. He was very concerned about <br />the potential negative impact on our fragile ecosystem if the boat ramp enhancement project is not <br />done with care. More specific information would be necessary before being able to work toward <br />mitigating the potential negative impacts. He hoped the Board would rethink the project so it <br />benefits the boaters and maintains the integrity of the unique resource. <br /> <br />Chairman Lowther announced a short recess at 2:57 p.m. (for closed captioning). <br />The meeting was reconvened at 3:06 p.m. <br /> <br />Jim Tso, <br /> who now lives in River Run after being displaced from south Indian River <br />County by the 2004 hurricanes, spoke as an avid fisherman, a kayaker, a small powerboat owner <br />and a voter concerned about the environment. He strongly urged the Commission to reject the <br />proposed improvement to the Oslo Road boat ramp and to allow it to remain as it is today and to <br />think outside the box. He also expressed grave concerns about jet skiers using that location and <br />destroying the habitat. <br />At the request of Chairman Lowther, Public Works Director Jim Davis gave an <br />overview of the project advising it would include widening and paving the now-marl road and a <br />turnaround, improvement of the boat launch ramp and building a canoe/kayak launch to the north. <br />There would also be about 32 parking spaces on each side of the road. He specified that this <br />project is not completely designed and there are many steps still required. They are not trying to <br />create a high use area, just an upgrade from what is there now. Docks would be provided for the <br />boats to tie up and 10 more (FRDAP) grant points can be captured if we provide fishing for those <br />without boats. Director Davis responded to questions of Mr. Tabachnick who understood if the <br />September 13, 2005 21 <br /> <br />