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NAY 1919 7 BOOK 68 F;A,E 375 Case For Expending Public Funds For Ac uisition Of Scrub Habitat The resource values that we wish to protect are the unique natural communities, the recreational and research opportunities, and the benefit of a natural aquifer recharge system. The shallow aquifer that is the prime source of potable water in Indian River County is in effect the pure water that was locked underground along the sand ridge when the sea receded. It is recharged by the natural percolation of the rain that falls on the sand ridge. If these sand pine communities are extensively mined, paved over or otherwise abused, the value of the aquifer system is lost, and the biological diversity of 30 plant and 12 animal species will be lost. Already Indian River County has lost most of the sand ridge that extended historically fromthe north -county to the south -county lines. In Vero Beach the vacant lots and backyards along 14th Avenue show vestiges of sand ridge indicator species of trees and shrubs. Most of our scrub has been totally destroyed by mining or annexed by Sebastian for commercial use. There are only six areas in Indian River County where enough scrub remains to be considered for conservation. Of these six, one is on the fringe of the Vero Beach airport and two others are under county jurisdiction in the north county. The most viable and largest sand scrub tract consists of about 145 acres adjoining the south side of North Winter Beach Road in the vicinity of the railroad and extending west and south. Most biologists agree that to maintain the genetic viability of the scrub community a single tract should be a minimum of 100 acres. For example, one tribe of Florida Scrub Jays requires about 40 acres. The social benefits of public ownership include the preservation of a fresh water resource; the conservation of a fast -disappearing ancient ecotone for future generations to enjoy; the nature -oriented recreational value of trails for hiking and jogging, nature photography, and nature study; and the educational value of the area as a living outdoor laboratory for school children and adults. Many Floridians travel all the way to California to be "wowed" by the giant sequoias, the largest of which is less than 4000 years old, but few Floridians realize that their own scrub pines have existed for over a million years. Would you like to see your favorite family antique thrown on the trash heap? Chairman Scurlock noted that at a previous meeting there was some discussion in regard to acquiring this acreage. He had an opportunity to meet with the property owner, Mr. Mooney, who has indicated there may be some interest in having the county negotiate for the purchase of that land; so, he suggested this be placed on an agenda to determine whether the Commission has any interest. The Chairman stated that there has been no discussion re numbers to bring to the Board. He personally felt the plan they have had to come up with to develop at RS -3 is not very pleasing. 58