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Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element sewer is extended to serve more areas, less sand will be needed for construction fill on a per development site basis. In the past, the Atlantic Coastal Sand Ridge, which is overlain by U.S. Highway #1, was used for sand mining in Indian River County. Additional mining operations on the Coastal Sand Ridge are not anticipated, however, since sites on the ridge with potential for mining have already been substantially mined. Moreover, the Coastal Sand Ridge is a primary recharge area for the surficial aquifer and is regulated under the County's Wellfield and Aquifer Protection ordinance such that substantial mining on the Ridge is no longer allowed. Additional information regarding aquifer protection is contained in the Natural Groundwater Aquifer Recharge Sub -Element. Currently, LDR Chapter 934 requires reclamation of mining sites once mining activities are completed. This reclamation must include soil stabilization and vegetation plantings. In addition, the ordinance addresses issues such as off-site roadway impacts, water management, and hours -of - operation impacts for operations in residential zoning districts. In the past, complaints have been received by County code enforcement staff regarding mining operation impacts on roadways, largely pertaining to grading maintenance of unpaved roads in the area of the operation. Other expressed concerns include excessive dust, sand spills on roadways, and noise pollution. In 2008, County mining regulations were revised to strengthen erosion control requirements and requirements relating to mining operation haul routes. Going forward, the County's policy should be to diligently enforce these revised regulations. Conservation and Recreational Uses of Natural Resources Since 1996, the county has acquired approximately 9,384 acres for conservation. As the County continues to acquire conservation lands, there is an increasing need to manage those lands. Currently, the County Parks Division employs a Conservation Lands Manager and a Lands Conservation Technician to oversee management of County owned (and leased) conservation areas. According to the County's Environmental Lands Program Guide, typical conservation area management tasks include: o Invasive plant control o Prescribed burns o Trail blazing and maintenance_ o Perimeter security (fencing) o Construction and maintenance of public access facilities o Historic building restoration and maintenance Several sources of funding are available for management and development of conservation lands. One such source is the County environmental lands bond fund which may be used to provide for property security, initial resource management improvements and initial public access capital Community Development Department Indian River County 115