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1; • <br />Bou 62 PAGE 33 7 <br />The plan specifically discusses the construction of future <br />bridges and causeways in the Preserve by stating, "Existing <br />bridges and causeways within other sections of the Indian River <br />have resulted in losses of grassbeds and mangroves. Proposals <br />for bridge and causeway construction within the preserve will <br />be reviewed in light of these potential impacts. Causeways <br />restrict natural flushing and create unnatural circulation <br />patterns." <br />Indian River County, in planning for a future bridge to North <br />Orchid Island, must consider the resource management issues <br />contained in the plan. Of particular importance is selecting <br />potential sites; the County should consider areas where environ- <br />mental impacts to aquatic habitats are minimal and where <br />natural circulation patterns will be maintained. In addition <br />to specific management plan consistency standards, the County <br />must prove -that the proposed bridge project is in the public <br />interest as provided in F.A.C. 16Q-20. <br />Staff discussions with D.N.R. personnel indicate that any <br />bridge siting proposal to North Orchid Island would be reviewed <br />on the basis of a "least biological impact" alternative and <br />public interest test. The County, by selecting a site of <br />minimal ecological value and demonstrating that a future bridge <br />will improve and enhance the public health, safety, welfare, <br />and low enforcement by improved evacuation of the Island, <br />should not have difficulty in obtaining the required environ- <br />mental permits. <br />RECOMMENDATION: <br />Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners adopt <br />the proposed Malabar to Vero Beach Aquatic Preserve Management <br />Plan as a review document by which shoreline projects within <br />the Preserve will be evaluated by the County. It is also <br />recommended that the Board of County Commissioners send a <br />County representative to the public meeting concerning this <br />plan to be held October 14, 1985 at 7:00 p.m. in Sebastian to <br />speak in favor of the proposed plan. <br />Mr. Challacombe noted that staff reviewed the proposed <br />management plan with regard to planning for a new bridge to north <br />Orchid Island. In order to get a permit from the DNR to build <br />the bridge, the County must choose an area with the least <br />biological impact and be able to prove that the bridge is in the <br />public interest. He felt fairly confident that we could obtain <br />the necessary permits without too much difficulty in the future <br />and proceed with projects of that nature. <br />Chairman Lyons inquired if the control practices mentioned <br />under (L) on Page 25 of the proposed management plan are grand- <br />fathered in, such as mosquito impoundments. <br />Mr. Challacombe explained that many of the requirements and <br />prohibitions in the plan are areas where the DNR either prohibits <br />or requires lease agreements from the developer. This particular <br />30 <br />