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Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element species of tropical marine fish occurring in the St. Sebastian River are considered rare in Florida waters. These are the opossum pipefish, river goby, slashcheek goby, and the bigmouth sleeper. The presence of these fish represent just one important habitat -value aspect of the river; a more detailed look at this ecological community is presented under the "Flora and Fauna" heading of this element. Approximately 500 acres of palustrine (freshwater) wetlands are present along the South Prong of the St. Sebastian River. These riverine wetlands are an integral part of the river and provide benefits such as pollution filtration, floodwater storage, and habitat diversity. In addition to its biological value, the St. Sebastian River is a natural scenic corridor that is utilized for recreational activities, including powerboating, canoeing, fishing, and wildlife observation. Along the river, stormwater from adjacent land uses, canals, and drainage ditches has been identified as a concern regarding pollution loading impact. Water quality concerns are addressed in the following section and are discussed in detail in the Stormwater Management Sub -Element. In 2006, the County adopted a conceptual management plan for the St. Sebastian River Greenway. The St. Sebastian River Greenway extends from approximately one mile south of CR 510 (85h Street), northward along the South Prong, to the river's intersection with the C-54 Canal at the north county line (approximately five miles). The purpose of the greenway plan is to conserve river resources while affording an opportunity for public access along the greenway's length. In implementing the greenway plan, the County has acquired conservation lands to provide a buffer to the St. Sebastian River and to enhance recreational access opportunities along the river. Surface Water Quality Surface waters of the State of Florida are classified according to designated uses. Class II waters are designated for "shellfish propagation or harvesting," while Class III waters are designated for "recreation, propagation and maintenance of a healthy, well-balanced population of fish and wildlife." [Note: In 2009, the FDEP began a comprehensive review of the state's surface water classification system. Relating to that review, the State has initiated rulemaking to adopt quantitative nutrient water quality standards ("numeric nutrient criteria') to facilitate the assessment of designated use attainment for its waters and to provide a better means to protect state waters from the adverse effects of nutrient over -enrichment. Until those criteria are formally adopted, however, the Class II and Class III designations remain in effect.] Indian River Lagoon Water Quality Figure 8.7 identifies Class II and Class III designated waters in the IRL, as well as areas conditionally approved for shellfish harvesting. Also, waters of the IRL in the unincorporated county have been Community Development Department Indian River County 17