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Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element to a lesser extent the Atlantic leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). Crabs (i.e. ghost crabs) can be found burrowing into the sandy beach throughout the county. Several species of flora and fauna found in the coastal strand are recognized as endangered or potentially endangered. The Atlantic loggerhead (threatened), the Florida green turtle (endangered) and the Atlantic leatherback (endangered) are three such species documented as nesting in the county. In 1989, the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (ACNWR) was established as a joint venture between the USFWS, the State of Florida, and local government agencies. Segment 4 of the refuge extends from Golden Sands Park north to the Sebastian Inlet S.R.A. and contains nearly 2.9 miles of the most prolific beaches for turtle nesting in the world. Approximately 1.2 miles, or 41 percent of the area, is currently under public ownership. Passive recreation is allowed within the refuge. Studies of loggerheads in the ACNWR suggest that the density of female sea turtles that nest within or near the ACNWR is unsurpassed in the western hemisphere. Also, the beaches of the ACNWR are important habitat to green turtles, as they are more wary than loggerheads of nesting in developed coastal areas. Other endangered or potentially endangered species associated with the coastal strand habitat in Indian River County include the gopher tortoise (Gopherus poluphemus), Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais), the southeastern beach mouse (Permoyscus polionontus niveiventris), and the least tern (Sterna antillarum). Rare plant species such as Beach creeper (Erondea littotalis) and necklace pod are examples of threatened flora in the community. Along the coastal strand, land use consists almost entirely of residential development. In the unincorporated county south of the city of Vero Beach, most of the area is developed with single- family residences adjacent to the dunes, with multi -family present in the Moorings development. In northern Indian River County, the coastal strand is considerably less developed. Of the County's ±22.4 miles shoreline, Indian River County, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) own and manage approximately 23,054 linear feet (4.37 miles), most of which contains coastal strand. Further discussion of publicly acquired properties is contained in the section entitled "Conservation and Recreational Use of Natural Resources." The generalized location of the Coastal Strand community in Indian River County is depicted in Figure 8.14. Sand Pine Scrub/Xeric Scrub The Sand Pine Scrub ecological community is almost exclusively found on well -drained and infertile sands of relict dunes and bars. In Indian River County, the Astatula-Archbold-St. Lucie soil association is generally the soil association found in xeric (dry) scrub communities. This soil Community Development Department Indian River County 43