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05/29/91 <br />Attachment "B" <br />Coraci/CPA 116 <br />Revisions: Conservation <br />Element of the Indian <br />River County Comprehensive <br />Plan <br />CONSERVATION <br />- The -Upper -St_-Johns-RiverBasin_,--including-.h"t,--Johns <br />Marsh, Fort Drum Marsh, and Blue Cypress Lake in western <br />Indian River County, is publicly owned by SJRWMD and is <br />jointly managed by the GFC. The area is therefore a <br />substantially protected conservation corridor, with <br />outdoor recreation opportunities available to county and <br />regional residents. <br />Land adjacent to the Sebastian River and on the northern <br />barrier island -is -being -considered for-publi-c acquisition <br />by state and federal agencies. The establishment of a <br />county land acquisition plan could further supplement <br />conservation efforts in these significant resource areas,' <br />and elsewhere in the county. <br />Alternatives identified in the "Flora and Fauna" analysis <br />section of this element such as natural vegetation <br />percent coverage requirements, wetland vegetation <br />buffers, transfer or purchase of development rights, and <br />conservation use incentives would contribute to the <br />conservation of terrestrial and aquatic resources. <br />The establishment of a marina siting ordinance would be <br />an important tool for addressing presentand future <br />boating recreational needs with consideration of marine <br />resource impacts. <br />As previously described in this element, the St. Sebastian River, <br />associated wetlands, and adjacent xeric scrub communities are <br />significant natural resources. In combination, the St. Sebastian <br />River area resources are a unique blend of complementary habitats. <br />Certain wildlife species such as ospreys, bald eagles, and river <br />otter benefit from the biodiversity of the area. <br />The south fork- of the St. Sebastian -River and nearby undeveloped <br />uplands represent a mosaic of xeric hammock, scrubby flatwoods, <br />sand pine scrub, dry prairie; pine flatwoods, forested wetlands, <br />and riverine habitat. The Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish <br />Commission (GFC) identifies the St. Sebastian River and nearby <br />uplands as one of the most valuable natural areas remaining in the <br />county. <br />me est=aDlisnment of a conservation land use designation along <br />St. Sebastlan River would help to protect the water quality <br />habitat values of the river, associated wetlands and xeric s <br />ve <br />-68- <br />SmeadSoft Reprint Date: Friday, August 23, 2013 - 12:00:07 - OffcialDocuments:626, Attachment Id 0, Page 7 <br />