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49 ppa-5m MAY - 5 1992 as soon as possible. For example, Distichlis sp. a salt tolerant yet mowable grass would do much to stabilize the shoulder of the road while Spartina alterniflora plugs interspersed with red mangrove seedlings in the intertidal zone would slowly develop the root system needed along the shoreline to not only absorb wave energy but trap sediments to rebuild it. Currently speed limit restrictions along the Intracoastal -Waterway can only be posted if boating safety is involved';' In this case an appeal by the County Commission to the Florida State Department of Natural Resources based on the severity of the curve might be enough to obtain "no wake" speed restrictions through this area, at the same time further--protecting the--shorelines. Finally, either through fences or extensive landscaping, the current unauthorized public use of the spot for boating access should be stopped. It if is not, both the practice of parking on roadside vegetation and the.trampling of shoreline vegetation will render the planting program unsuccessful. On the south end of the trail, the second worst eroded section, another erosion control breakwater might be the best answer. In this case however there are a number of conditions that can make the solution of the problem, much easier. The offshore slope is gentler and the Intracoastal Waterway further offshore. This eliminates the need for a vertical, breakwater and makes the possibility of a rip -rap breakwater along with a planting program on shore much more feasible. This breakwater would serve best if constructed intertidal�y and sufficiently offshore, generally at least twenty feet, to ensuretf'iat washout from'breaking` waves would not destroy the complimentary planting program on shore. However it is very important that sampling be conducted offshore so that the placement of any such rip -rap does not destroy a healthy seagrass bed or natural oyster bar. Both of these habitats besides being excellent fisheries habitat, serve to diminish wave energies to a certain extent as well. The planting program along the shoreline should be similar to that on the north end of the trail with Distichlis sp. or another salt - tolerant species stabilizing the shoulder of the road and Spartina alteniflora plugs and mangrove seedlings planted in the intertidal zone. Again, public use of this shoreline in order to gain boating access to the river should be strongly discouraged. The county should pursue development of any possible access points along the southern end of the trail to satisfy what is an apparent need for public access in this area. In summary, the severe erosion poblems along Jungle Trail can only be solved if biological, recreational and structural efforts are carried out as complimentary programs. In the areas where erosion is minor but continues to be a problem, planting programs alone should be enough to establish healthy shoreline vegetation again. EVO/ r s