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Board to table this item and look at alternative ways to pay for it and future land <br />acquisitions. <br />Larry Close, Indian River County, spoke in opposition to the purchase, and <br />voiced his consternation that the land would not be available for public use. <br />Earle Kirkbride, Indian River County, was concerned about the bond money <br />being used up and unavailable for fee -simple property acquisition. He believed there were <br />some national organizations that provide money for securing development rights. <br />Dr. Richard Baker, Chairman of the Land Acquisition Advisory Committee, <br />(LAAC), supported the purchase of conservation easements, and discussed the importance <br />of protecting Blue Cypress Lake. Dr. Baker refuted the notion that development is not <br />currently happening at the subject site. <br />Commissioner Davis and Dr. Baker discussed voter support for future bonds if the <br />County goes ahead with this conservation easement purchase. <br />Dr. David Cox, Pelican Island Audubon Society, informed the Board that the <br />County controls approximately 8,000 acres of conservation land, while St. Johns Water <br />Management District presides over approximately 80,000 acres. He stated that this project <br />is a key element in an overall, much larger statewide program for acquiring conservation <br />lands. Dr. Cox urged the board to act on this opportunity today. <br />(Clerk's Note: The Chairman called a recess at 10:32 a.m. and reconvened the <br />meeting at 10:51 a.m., with all members present). <br />September 18, 2007 29 <br />