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Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element <br />Conversely, overgrazing or trampling by livestock can destroy habitat. On the other hand, urban <br />development of flatwoods often reduces the value of adjacent wetlands or other habitat through <br />reductions in vegetative diversity, increased erosion and sedimentation, or subsequent pollution of <br />surface waters. The generalized locations of South Florida Flatwoods communities in Indian River <br />County are depicted in Figure 8.16. <br />Tropical/Coastal Hammocks <br />The tropical/coastal hammock ecological community is confined to south Florida, and communities <br />within Indian River County represent the northern extent of the range. In that the county is at the <br />northern boundary of the subtropical zone, coastal hammocks in this area possess a diverse <br />assemblage of tropical and temperate species. In this county, remaining tropical/coastal hammocks <br />are generally found in the area of the coastal mainland and on undeveloped upland areas of the <br />barrier island. Hammock species are also found on the natural and spoil islands in the IRL. <br />Individual communities typically range in size from less than an acre to several acres. <br />Tropical/coastal hammocks generally appear as thick clumps or strands of small to medium-sized <br />trees. On sites where disturbance has not occurred for several years, a more jungle -like appearance is <br />observed. The tropical/coastal hammock can vary from a mature canopy of live oaks and cabbage <br />palms with a sparse understory of ferns and vines to a jungle -like community of tropical hardwoods, <br />vines, and shrubs, with a fairly open canopy of oaks and cabbage palms. <br />Community Development Department Indian River County 49 <br />