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Comprehensive Plan Conservation Element PURPOSE The purpose of the Conservation Element is to identify the natural resources in Indian River County, to analyze natural resource issues and problems, and to establish applicable goals, objectives, and policies. INTRODUCTION Indian River County is an area that is rich with a variety of natural treasures, from the Atlantic coastal beaches to Blue Cypress Lake and the Upper St. Johns River Basin, as well as the Indian River Lagoon, the waterbody from which the County derived its name. Within the county, natural upland areas are a diverse assemblage of plant and animal communities, ranging from the jungle -like hammocks of the barrier island and the coastal mainland to the scrubby sand pines of the sand ridge and the pine flatwoods and prairies to the west. Because of its geographic location, Indian River County has a mixture of subtropical and temperate flora unique to the Treasure Coast region. When pioneers first came to Indian River County, many of the natural features of the area were considered obstacles to habitation. Consequently, extensive digging of drainage canals, dredging and filling of wetlands, and diking of salt marshes for mosquito control occurred in an effort to enhance the quality of life. Now, however, resources once considered hindrances are recognized as invaluable assets to be carefully managed and preserved. Regional Context Although this element focuses on natural resources within the political boundaries of Indian River County, it is important to note that such resources are part of larger ecological systems that extend into the region and the state well beyond county boundaries. For example, the Upper St. Johns River Basin in western Indian River County is the headwaters of the St. Johns River, which extends 310 miles north to Jacksonville. By the same token, the Indian River Lagoon extends 156 miles from Ponce De Leon Inlet in Volusia County, through Indian River County, south to the Jupiter Inlet in Palm Beach County. As such, the conservation of natural resources in Indian River County serves the interest of not only the County but of Florida as a whole. The Existing Conditions section of this element describes the existing conditions of the county's natural resources, while the analysis section identifies natural resource issues and concerns that need to be addressed. Finally, the plan section of the element sets forth a goal, objectives, and policies to guide the county in specific actions to be taken to preserve, enhance, and appropriately use the county's natural resources in order to ensure the continued viability of these resources for the benefit of present and future generations. Community Development Department Indian River County 1