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pine scrub, scrubby pine flatwoods and scrubby pine predom- <br />inate on the site, and the factors of large site size, proxi- <br />mity to a river habitat and limited direct road access make - <br />this a desirable site. <br />2. This site is located west of Riverwalk Shopping Center and is <br />predominated by scrubby pine flatwoods and sand pine scrub <br />and may contain up to 50 acres. A second phase* of -the <br />shopping center is currently destroying the habitat on a part <br />of this site. <br />3. This site is located immediately east of Riverwalk Shopping <br />Center (east of U.S. #1) and is approximately 50 acres in <br />size.' This site is almost completely dominated by sand pine <br />scrub. <br />4. This site is located in Sebastian and is proposed for a large - <br />development project known as Saint Sebastian. The site <br />includes deeds representative of the three scrub communities <br />(sand pine §crub, scrubby pine flatwood, scrubby oak flat - <br />woods). Thia rather large site (less than 100 acres) is <br />considered by Mr. Fernald as the #1 priority for a north - <br />county Vfe§dtV@6 pending development of the site will make <br />preservation of the site unlikely at best. <br />5. East of Pelican Island Elementary School in Sebastian is a <br />150 acre site predominated by pine flatwoods, scrubby pine <br />flatwoods, and small patches of sand pine scrub. <br />6. This site is the Mooney property and is the largest solid <br />stand of sand pine scrub in the central part of the county. <br />Although all. of the site is not sand pine scrub, the other <br />scrub is vigorous and provides good habitat. Scrub jays, <br />gopher tortoise and scrub lizards are known to inhabit the <br />site. Mr. Fernald recommends this site as the number one <br />priority for preservation in the central part of the county. <br />7. A site of less than 100 acres is located west of U.S. #1 at <br />the south county line. <br />At least three publicly owned areas in Indian River County have <br />sand pine scrub communities. Donald McDonald Park on the <br />Sebastian River and Vero Beach Airport have sand pine scrub on <br />site, and the Sandridge golf course has a small island of sand <br />pine. The Vero Beach Airport tract is the only property under <br />public a ownership that is large enough to be turned into a <br />significant preserve. <br />NEED TO PRESERVE <br />Recent monitoring of habitat destruction indicates that rapid <br />destruction of upland habitats will continue. While a great deal <br />of attention has been focused on wetland and river preservation, <br />upland habitat preservation is a relatively new concept. The <br />Treasure Coast Regional Comprehensive Policy Plan (April, 1987 <br />Draft) states that little effort has been focused on <br />conservation or maintenance of the native upland communities and <br />recommends that an aggressive program of habitat preservation be <br />implemented. Region -wide concern for the preservation of upland <br />habitats is reflected in several values that are important. These <br />values are reflected in recreational opportunities such as hiking, <br />camping, birdwatching, wildlife photography; stewardship of a <br />vanishing resource; scientific research opportunity; and aquifer <br />recharge. <br />� JUN 23 1987 <br />47 <br />BOOK 0 0 r',�'uE 641 <br />