2/12/1986 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

TREASURE COAST MANATEE PROTECTION RESOLUTION Art Challacombe, Chief of Environmental Planning, reviewed the following memo: TO: The Honorable Members DATE: February 4, 1986 FILE: of the Board of County Commissioners DIVISION HEAD CONCURRENCE: TCRPC MANATEE PROTECTION SUBJECT: RESOLUTION Robert M. Keat'ng, CP Planning & Development Director FROM: `-'REFERENCES: Art Challacombe TCRPC Chief, Environmental Planning DIS:ARTCHA It is requested that the data herein presented be given formal consideration by the Board of County Commissioners at their regular meeting of February 12, 1986. DESCRIPTION & CONDITIONS: On January 30, 1986, Indian River County received a letter with an attached resolution from the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council (TCRPC) regarding manatee protection from boating activities. The resolution, adopted by the TCRPC at their regular meeting of January 17, 1986, is intended to emphasize to State officials that a statewide manatee pro- tection program is urgently needed. Without some comprehensive solution to this problem, continued growth in boating oppor- tunities cannot occur in this region or elsewhere in Florida without jeopardizing the survival of the manatee population. The attached resolution has been transmitted to all governments within and adjacent to the Treasure Coast region. Council respectfully urges that the County adopt this or a similar resolution and transmit it to the Governor and Cabinet. Through County combined efforts, positive statewide actions to protect the manatee may be forthcoming. ALTERNATIVES & ANALYSIS: The TCRPC resolution is a direct result of continued concern by the Council over the rapid construction of boat docking facili- ties in critical habitat in the Indian River as well as the December 6, 1985 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service "jeopardy opinion" regarding certain project impacts upon the Florida manatee. This opinion recognized that full protection and the continued existence of the manatee can only be achieved by a multi -jurisdictional approach to boat traffic management. County planning staff, in previous discussions with the TCRPC, has emphasized the need for the `State of Florida to take the lead in a comprehensive approach by requiring licensing of all power boat operators and providing adequate enforcement of boating violations. Adoption of the proposed resolution by all local governments within the TCRPC and adjacent Counties will provide a directive for the State to take action to reduce manatee mortality rates. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners adopt the proposed resolution. 37 FEB 12 1986 BOOK 63 F'1uF_60