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Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element <br />• Wetlands <br />In addition to the County's three predominant surface water systems, isolated palustrine wetlands <br />exist throughout Indian River County. The term "isolated" is used to refer to wetlands that are not <br />hydrologically connected to waters of the state and that are hydrologically separated from other <br />wetlands by upland areas. <br />Several types of wetlands are found within Indian River County. Brackish (estuarine) wetlands, <br />commonly referred to as salt marshes and mangrove swamps, are apparent along the Indian River <br />Lagoon. Interior to the county, a variety of freshwater (palustrine) wetlands occur; these include <br />cypress domes, swamp hardwoods, bayheads, wet prairies, sloughs, and freshwater marshes. Each of <br />these wetlands have vegetation and wildlife typically found in association with them, as described in <br />detail under "flora and fauna." Table 8.2 presents an acreage estimate of wetland resources in Indian <br />River County. The county's Comprehensive Wetlands Management Plan (CWMP) is discussed in <br />the analysis section of this element. <br />Other surface waters include wet retention lakes and ponds created for stormwater control within <br />development projects. In many cases, these are aesthetically pleasing, may be used for recreation, <br />and add to the diversity of habitat for urban wildlife. <br />TABLE 8.2 <br />WETLANDS AND DEEPWATER RESOURCES OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY <br />Freshwater Wetlands St. Johns Marsh <br />75,000 <br />Blue Cypress Lake <br />6,500 <br />Freshwater Marsh <br />6,300 <br />Wet prairie/pine <br />Flatwood wetlands <br />4,700 <br />St. Sebastian River <br />500 <br />Openwater <br />500 <br />Total Acreage <br />93,500 <br />Estuarine Wetlands Indian River Lagoon 16,300 <br />Mangrove scrub -shrub wetland 2,400 <br />Salt Marsh 1,100 <br />Mixed mangrove/salt marsh 1,200 <br />Total Acreage 21,000 <br />ESTIMATED TOTAL ACREAGE 114,500 <br />(rounded to nearest 100 acres) <br />SOURCE: FDEP Bureau of Geology <br />Community Development Department Indian River County 23 <br />