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,I <br />FEB 6 1995 BOOK 5 9 FNG 8�) <br />Susan Wilson, Secretary & Treasurer of the Upper Sportsman's <br />Association, reported that at the January meeting of the St. <br />Johns Water Management District, only six people from Indian <br />River County were in attendance. She reported that the District <br />is going to decide at their meeting of February 13th whether to <br />open up a cut in the Fellsmere Grade to connect the old and new <br />C-54 canals for water retention. She pointed out that the Water <br />Management District's reason for wanting to close the road is <br />because of the vandalism that has occurred out there. Mrs. <br />Wilson did not feel that the majority of the people should be <br />punished for what a few do, and she wished to see the County <br />Commission become more involved in this because she felt that the <br />final impact on the County is going to be phenomenal. The Water <br />District has an option to buy 49,000 acres in this County, and <br />the cutting of -the Fellsmere Grade is part of a <br />multimillion -dollar restoration plan by the District to return <br />thousands of acres of land back to marsh areas, which would make <br />Indian River County a holding pond for the entire St. Johns <br />River. She pointed out that the 2000 acres is the only open <br />piece of property available to hunt on in Indian River County, <br />and the Water District has a 1 -year option to purchase the tract. <br />Mrs. Wilson confirmed, however, that the retention area would <br />stop the infiltration into Blue Cypress Lake. <br />Mrs. Wilson was concerned also about the impact this would <br />have on the stickwood marsh which is a breeding ground for <br />wildlife. In addition, she reported that they are going to come <br />in there and put in restroom and picnic facilities. She felt <br />that we should not have to make deals with these property owners <br />and that a public hearing should be requested by the County <br />Commission. <br />69 <br />