2010-252A (09) - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element The major ecological communities in Indian River County are as follows: ➢ South Florida Coastal Strand ➢ Sand Pine Scrub/Xeric Scrub Communities ➢ South Florida Flatwoods ➢ Tropical (Maritime) Hammocks ➢ Hardwood Hammocks ➢ Freshwater Wetlands ➢ Indian River Lagoon and Associated Estuarine Wetlands ➢ Nearshore Atlantic Of particular concern are those ecological communities located in the eastern portion of the county, where development -pressures conflict with the preservation of diminishing habitats. Tropical hammock communities and coastal scrub communities are examples of habitats found almost exclusively in Florida that are in danger of disappearing or being drastically reduced, along with their unique flora and fauna. The generalized locations of the above mentioned ecological communities are depicted in Figures 8.13 (A -B). South Florida Coastal Strand The South Florida Coastal Strand community occurs on nearly level to strongly sloping land and is easily identified in Indian River County by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. This community generally encompasses the area affected by ocean salt spray. Plants associated with the community are adapted to salt, intense sunlight, and strong winds. The Soil Conservation Service identifies a Canaveral -Captiva -Palm Beach soil association with the coastal strand in Indian River County. That soil association is described as nearly level to gently sloping, mostly well to excessively drained areas; the soils are coarsely textured throughout, containing shell fragments. The Canaveral -Captiva -Palm Beach soil association makes up about 6,308 acres, or about two (2) percent of the total county. The natural vegetation of the coastal strand consists of low growing grasses, vines, and herbaceous plants with a few trees or large shrubs. The trees and shrubs that do occur are often stunted due to wind action. While foredunes, the portion of the dune closest to the ocean, support flora with high salt and wind tolerance, backdunes often have vegetation similar to sand pine scrub or wetland hardwood communities. In County River County, vegetation typical to the coastal strand includes saw palmetto (serenoa repens), sand live oak (Quercus Virginiana var maritima), cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto), inkberry (Scaevola plumieri), waxmyrtle (Myrica cerifera), beach bean (Canavalia maritima), Spanish - bayonet (Yucca alorfolia), seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera), and sea oats (Uniola paniculata). Community Development Department Indian River County 41